Field Note #5

Often oral historians find themselves working with people who have survived trauma. Right now, I am working with people who experienced state sanctioned familial separation and imprisonment. When I speak with them, they often ask “Why do you want to listen to me? My life is not very important.” Sometimes these interviews begin tentatively as the narrator navigates their new role as speaker rather than listener, and in the process they discover that their life is actually quite extraordinary but no one had ever bothered to ask. Oral historians are not special. Yes, we have trained but asking questions about a person’s life requires no degree. Anyone can learn how to be a better listener. A tip that may be helpful is to ask a question, listen without interrupting, and then ask a follow up question. I like this one: “Can you say more about that?” Center the person you are speaking with. Engage your curiosity.