Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 25
Ending the Interview
Hamid Qazvini
Translated by Natalie Haghverdian
2017-10-10
Oral history interview like any other activity has an ending. The ending is as important as its beginning. It is not an exaggeration to compare it with a musician who starts a piece in lento and then progresses to allegro and then back to lento at the end. In oral history interview, the beginning shall be slow in a natural pace to maintain its framework and assist the narrator in recalling memories.
The interviewer will make efforts to ask questions in a thematic and chronological outline during the interview and starts and ends in a specific point. By the end of each interview session (should there be more than one) the interviewer shall record the recommendations of the narrator and follow up on them carefully. Some recommendations might include the following:
- Publication mode (the article prior to publication, modifications, edition, printing or digital publication, etc.)
- Concerning individuals and specific subjects discussed during the interview.
- The interview approach in the next sessions
- Archiving and audio recordings and manuscripts
- Any other additional documents including pictures, etc.
Narrator’s Written Agreement
It is essential in oral history interviews to secure a written agreement indicating the consent of the narrator for the archive, publication and exploitation of the interview content. Any verbal agreement might be forgotten or be subject to misinterpretations or different perceptions which might cause trouble in the future with irreparable consequences. Hence, the framework and limits and outline of the discussion shall be set forth and respectfully endeavor to secure a written agreement to avoid any probable misunderstandings.
Leaving the Session
The interviewer shall leave contact information at the end of the interview session to establish and maintain communication and facilitate the access of the narrator both to the interviewer and the respective organization. Also, the oral history scholar shall avoid any uncustomary requests which fall outside the interview framework. Requests such as receiving tokens or special recommendations on personal issues (especially by narrators in charge of critical political and executive affairs) or insisting on keeping in touch and troubling the narrator are not recommended.
I remember many years back when a colleague conducted multiple sessions with an important political and executive figure. Later, in another session the same individual asked me: Did your colleague deal with his issues? Unaware of everything I responded: what issues? He stated some and said: Your colleague used to discuss one of his problems in every session; administration issues, educational issues which were of his own or those of a family member or relative. I did what I could. I then figured that my dear colleague was more interested in resolving his personal issues than collecting any answers to historical questions in play!
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
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 13 - Proper Query
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 14 - Sample Query
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 15 - How to ask questions?
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 16 - Body Language
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 17 - Application of Body Language (1)
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 18 - Application of Body Language (2)
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 19 - Listening Carefully (1)
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 20 - Listening Carefully (2)
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 21- New Questions
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 22 - Duration
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 23 - Arguments with the Narrator
Oral History Interview & Importance Part 24 - Mental Stimulation
Number of Visits: 4540
The latest
Most visited
Attack on Halabcheh narrated
With wet saliva, we are having the lunch which that loving Isfahani man gave us from the back of his van when he said goodbye in the city entrance. Adaspolo [lentils with rice] with yoghurt! We were just started having it when the plane dives, we go down and shelter behind the runnel, and a few moments later, when the plane raises up, we also raise our heads, and while eating, we see the high sides ...The Arab People Committee
Another event that happened in Khuzestan Province and I followed up was the Arab People Committee. One day, we were informed that the Arabs had set up a committee special for themselves. At that time, I had less information about the Arab People , but knew well that dividing the people into Arab and non-Arab was a harmful measure.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.
