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: 5535
The latest
Most visited
Hajj Pilgrimage
I went on a Hajj pilgrimage in the early 1340s (1960s). At that time, few people from the army, gendarmerie and police went on a pilgrimage to the holy Mashhad and holy shrines in Iraq. It happened very rarely. After all, there were faithful people in the Iranian army who were committed to obeying the Islamic halal and haram rules in any situation, and they used to pray.A section of the memories of a freed Iranian prisoner; Mohsen Bakhshi
Programs of New Year HolidaysWithout blooming, without flowers, without greenery and without a table for Haft-sin , another spring has been arrived. Spring came to the camp without bringing freshness and the first days of New Year began in this camp. We were unaware of the plans that old friends had in this camp when Eid (New Year) came.
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.
