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''[[Pacific Island Guide to Family History Research|Pacific Island Guide ]] > Step 4. Gather oral histories from your oldest relatives''<br> | ''[[Pacific Island Guide to Family History Research|Pacific Island Guide ]] > Step 4. Gather oral histories from your oldest relatives''<br> | ||
== | == Interview old people now == | ||
We never know when they may die. This is the ''main source'' of information for the past, especially when most information is kept and passed down orally. | |||
== Prepare for the interview == | |||
*Prepare for the interview by gathering materials, such as:<br> | *Prepare for the interview by gathering materials, such as:<br> | ||
:-paper and pen.<br> | |||
:-paper and pen.<br> | |||
:-A digital or tape recorder with a good microphone, and a blank tape or two is a great help, if available. <br> | :-A digital or tape recorder with a good microphone, and a blank tape or two is a great help, if available. <br> | ||
:-A camera or video recorder, if you have access to one, is desirable, but don’t delay for lack of technology.<br> | :-A camera or video recorder, if you have access to one, is desirable, but don’t delay for lack of technology.<br> | ||
*Do what you can as soon as you can.<br> | *Do what you can as soon as you can.<br> | ||
| :-If you use a recorder, practice first so you can turn it on and off and turn the tape over. <br> | ||
:-If you are not familiar with the island the person came from, study a map of the island to have a mental picture of where the person is talking about.<br> | |||
:-Try to arrange for another person to go with you for the interview, if possible.<br> | |||
::One person can run the recorder and take notes while the other asks questions. <br> | |||
::You can also help each other to see if you understood the information correctly.<br> | |||
:-If you don’t have a tape recorder, take really good notes.<br> | |||
::Even if you use a recorder, your notes help in transcribing the tape later.<br> | |||
::Record your name, the name of the person interviewed, and the date and place of the interview at the top of your notes. Say this information into the tape recorder before the interview starts.<br> | |||
:-Pray for and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost in what we should ask and how to ask it.<br> | |||
:-Use correct interviewing techniques. | |||
'''Things to be aware of''' | '''Things to be aware of''' | ||
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Take a gift of some fruit or whatever the custom is on your island. Do it when you first do the interview and when you ask them to review the copy. | Take a gift of some fruit or whatever the custom is on your island. Do it when you first do the interview and when you ask them to review the copy. | ||
Ask for permission to share what you have written with others. | Ask for permission to share what you have written with others. | ||
===== Ideas for informal questions to ask ===== | ===== Ideas for informal questions to ask ===== | ||