Review article
HOW TO RETELL THE PAST USING ORAL HISTORY
Aniko Nagy Varga
; Faculti of Child and Adult Education Debrecen University, Debrecen, Hungary
Abstract
This paper considers the method of oral history within the qualitative approach to
research. It also sheds lights on its relevance in historical documentation. Oral history is a
method of historical documentation, within which the researcher conducts interviews with
living participants and observers of the time being investigated. It collects information about
the past not available in written records about certain events. The method involves interviewing,
recording and transcribing eyewitness’ accounts of historical events, which provides a
special perspective on an event. The nature of memory – both individual and community – is
part of the collected oral history. Oral history can reveal how individual values and actions
shaped the past and how the past shapes present-day values and actions. It is an invaluable
resource for understanding individual experiences, or experiences of a group within a certain
historical period. This method cannot be used as a surrogate for analysis of traditional historical
written materials (official documents, letters, etc.). It can, however, reveal the role of individuals
in shaping the past and the way larger trends are related to the individual himself.
Keywords
narrative inquiry; oral history; qualitative approach
Hrčak ID:
95246
URI
Publication date:
17.12.2012.
Visits: 2.739 *