MLA stands for the Modern Language Association. It is a professional organization in the United States that is primarily concerned with the study and teaching of language and literature, particularly English language and literature. The MLA was founded in 1883 and has since grown to become one of the most prominent scholarly organizations in the humanities.
What is the MLA mission?
The primary mission of the MLA is to promote the study and teaching of language and literature. It does this by providing a forum for scholars to share their research and ideas, by publishing scholarly journals and books, and by promoting the use of best practices in teaching and research.
One of the most well-known contributions of the MLA is the MLA Handbook, which is a widely-used style guide for writing in the humanities. The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for formatting research papers, citing sources, and documenting research. It is used by students, scholars, and writers to ensure that their work is properly formatted and documented.
The MLA also sponsors conferences and meetings where scholars can present their research and ideas, discuss issues related to language and literature, and network with other scholars. These conferences attract scholars from all over the world and are an important way for scholars to stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in their field.
In addition to promoting scholarship and teaching, the MLA is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the humanities. It has established committees and initiatives focused on issues related to race, gender, sexuality, disability, and other forms of diversity. These initiatives are designed to promote greater understanding and awareness of diverse perspectives in the humanities.
Another important aspect of the MLA’s work is its advocacy for the humanities. The organization advocates for increased funding for humanities research and education, and it works to raise public awareness about the importance of the humanities in our society.
Overall, the MLA plays an important role in promoting scholarship, teaching, and advocacy in the humanities. Its work has had a significant impact on the field of language and literature, and its contributions continue to shape the way that scholars think about and approach their work.