Difference between written memories and oral history (part I)
Similar in appearance, but different
The following report is based on an invitation in which history experts are asked questions about oral history. In this regard, two experts, Saeid Alamian and Ali Tatari have been answered, as their perspective, to the one of the questions titled "Difference between written memories and oral history". We will read these comments as follows.Nature of questions in oral history interviews
One of the features of oral history interviews which makes it more similar to other kinds of interviews is the arrangement of questionnaire and proper and precise and calculated questions. Providing the possibility of "generating random questions from the interviewer" in some oral history interviews is similar to how questions are asked in a free or undirected interview. In both of these methods, the interviewee is open to present questions and can respond to ...Impact of Emotional Status
Purposeful conversations about past events and their excavation from the narrators mind is effective in mitigating psychological stress accumulated over time to create more favorable emotional status. Even in some cases it is felt that the narrator is trying to settle accounts with a specific person by recounting some issues to set free from a mental and conscientious pressure and achieve some sort of peace.General features of memoir writing
Undoubtedly, memoir writing is one of the oldest forms of writing, dating back to the history of the invention of script and writing. Perhaps one of the questions posed by the promoters of memorabilia is “what are the memoir feature qualities?” Does the memory writer has to have any special techniques? Whether writing personal memories is easy or absent?Impact of time on oral history
Dominant political and cultural trends are a serious threat to memoir recording and oral history since they surpass the perspective and judgment of the narrator concerning individuals and various issues. The impact is sometimes so bold that comparison of the narrations during such times to the previous versions reveal serious differences. This has been prevalent in the memoirs of the Islamic Revolution and the Holy Defense or people.Which priority?
Receipt of memories or truth discovery
Targeted interview within the framework of a specific subject is one of the prominent features of oral history. Accordingly, the oral history scholars are requested to maintain respect towards the narrator, open their mind and patiently listen to the narrator and ask questions in due time within the limits defined.Memoir Verification
One important question concerning publication of oral history literature is the extent to which the narrator is to be trusted? Is it the obligation of the oral history scholar to verify the memories? Is the scholar allowed to argue with the narrator? Does such literature fit the criteria of an historical resource?About Oral History Production
To Maintain Questions or Not? Is crucial
Production and final setting of the interview content is an important aspect and the oral history scholars have to be well versed on the details and act responsibly. The following have to be taken into consideration:When to produce interview text? – 2 (Finale)
Continuum of Oral History
In response to this question it was indicated that production starts not at the end but parallel to the interview, since finding the suitable narrator, selecting the subject and outlining questions are planned by the interviewer and conducted with a specific approach and precise objectives which are pursued during the interview.Partiality for oral history
One of the basic issues for historians is to focus on mechanisms that make less Partiality for historiography as much as possible. Partiality (fanaticism) for historical research is one of pitfalls that disturb the truth-based axioms and bring countless outcomes. As a consequence, this phenomenon is problematic in all aspects of chronicles....
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