Modern Language ociation question?

Scholarly papers often call for some level of formality; perhaps this is to maintain a level of credibility and seriousness. That's what MLA and APA are for. However, linguistically speaking, there is no "proper way" to use English or any other language--except what is forced upon you by "authoritative" institutions and their arbitrary guidelines. The way you use English every day in conversation with other English speakers IS the proper and acceptable way to use English, period.