What does the acronym MLA stand for?

The acronym MLA stands for the Modern Language Association. This organization is primarily known for its guidelines on writing and documenting sources in academic research, particularly in the humanities. The MLA Style Manual provides a standardized format for writing papers, citing sources, and creating bibliographies, which is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and supporting scholarly communication. The focus of the Modern Language Association is on language and literature studies, making it essential for students and researchers in these fields to adhere to its standards. In contrast to the other options, which either do not exist or do not pertain to a recognized academic organization associated with language and literature, the Modern Language Association is a well-established authority in the field.