Oral History Interview & Importance Part 13
Proper Query
Hamid Qazvini
Natalie Haghverdian
2017-7-17
As stated in the previous articles, oral history is the outcome of a dialogue or an interview of the scholar with the narrator and the end content is the result of interaction between these two formed through query.
In fact, interview is an opportunity to collect data and learn about the past and address the need of today and tomorrow and the interviewer is the mediator connecting the narrator to the audience. Interview is conducted based on communication techniques; however, communication is not the ultimate goal but accessing the data and information of the narrator. In such a process, the more precise and targeted the query, the more comprehensive the answers would be.
Also, we should note that queries are not formed in information gap and basic knowledge on the subject is essential to bear a question. Hence, possessing general knowledge is essential and the more the information, the precise the query.
Though there are, unfortunately, interviewers who choose an important subject and might have a few questions in mind but lack the general knowledge required and believe that no one has addressed the issue before and there is no resource available; unaware of the fact that there are quite a few resources on the very same subject. It is the obligation of an oral history scholar to conduct library, literature and oral studies prior to selecting a subject in order to base queries on a series of verifiable information. It is to conclude that in-depth, continuous and reflection on the subject form the spirit of our efforts to design relevant questions to conduct a targeted query.
Accordingly, the following are some features of a good and relevant query:
- Clear, precise and short to be stated in a query tone.
- Composed of simple words to be easily comprehended by the narrator.
- Series of questions shall be avoided.
- Questions shall be open to receive a comprehensive answer unless a specific issue is intended.
- There should be no “yes” or “no” questions.
- Once receiving a short answer the narrator should be requested to elaborate.
- Questions shall not bear the tone of interrogation.
- Issues reserved by the narrator shall not be targeted and unnecessary details should be avoided.
- Questions should be within the limits of the main subject and interview goals and irrelevant details shall be avoided.
- The narrator shall be encouraged and intrigued to recall memories.
- Questions shall be designed based on verifiable sources.
- Questions should be designed based on a needs assessment on the main content and relevant to the needs of the audience of today and tomorrow.
- The narrator shall not suffer anxiety and doubt and his/her confidence shall not be compromised.
- Questions shall promote focus of the narrator on the main subject.
- Questions shall reflect the memories and direct observations of the narrator not his/her analysis and assessment.
- Questions shall not lead to a specific and pre-aimed response.
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 1 - Oral History, Path to Cultural Dialogue
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 2 - Characteristics of an Interviewer
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 3 - Selecting a Subject
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 4 - Narrator Identification & Selection
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 5 - Goal Setting
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 6 - Importance of Pre-interview Data Collection
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 7 - To Schedule & Coordinate an Interview
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 8 - Required Equipment & Accessories
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 9 - Presentation is vital
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 10 - Interview Room
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 11 - Pre-interview Justifications
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 12 - How to Start an Interview
Number of Visits: 5430
The latest
- News of Oral History (February-March 2024/Esfand 1402 SH)
- The Last Day of Bloody Year of 1360 (1981)
- Attack on Halabcheh narrated
- Da (Mother) 90
- 348th Session of Memory Night-2
- A Section of the Memories of Khuzestan Fighting Women during the Eight Years of Holy Defense
- A Conversation for Today and Yesterday Inspired by Nature
- I Do Not Sign
Most visited
- Part of memoirs of Masoumeh Rasouli about sacred defense supporting
- Da (Mother) 89
- A Conversation for Today and Yesterday Inspired by Nature
- I Do Not Sign
- A Section of the Memories of Khuzestan Fighting Women during the Eight Years of Holy Defense
- 348th Session of Memory Night-2
- Da (Mother) 90
- Attack on Halabcheh narrated
Kak-e Khak
The book “Kak-e Khak” is the narration of Mohammad Reza Ahmadi (Haj Habib), a commander in Kurdistan fronts. It has been published by Sarv-e Sorkh Publications in 500 copies in spring of 1400 (2022) and in 574 pages. Fatemeh Ghanbari has edited the book and the interview was conducted with the cooperation of Hossein Zahmatkesh.Is oral history the words of people who have not been seen?
Some are of the view that oral history is useful because it is the words of people who have not been seen. It is meant by people who have not been seen, those who have not had any title or position. If we look at oral history from this point of view, it will be objected why the oral memories of famous people such as revolutionary leaders or war commanders are compiled.Daily Notes of a Mother
Memories of Ashraf-al Sadat SistaniThey bring Javad's body in front of the house. His mother comes forward and says to lay him down and recite Ziarat Warith. His uncle recites Ziarat and then tells take him to the mosque which is in the middle of the street and pray the funeral prayer (Ṣalāt al-Janāzah) so that those who do not know what the funeral prayer is to learn it.
A Critique on Oral history of War Commanders
“Answering Historical Questions and Ambiguities Instead of Individual-Organizational Identification”“Oral history of Commanders” is reviewed with the assumption that in the field of war historiography, applying this method is narrated in an advancing “new” way, with the aim of war historiography, emphasizing role of commanders in creation of its situations and details.