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Unlock Oral History: How Interactive Maps Bring Stories to Life.
As an oral history researcher, our mission is to keep precious human experiences alive and share their richness. We listen closely, transcribe carefully and craft compelling stories from spoken words. But what if we could add another powerful layer to these narratives? Imagine a visual dimension that grounds memories in real places, allowing your audience…
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Ditch the Dusty Tape Recorder: Level Up Your Oral History with Digital Storytelling!
Let’s be honest, the phrase “oral history project” can conjure up images of crackly audio, endless transcripts, and maybe a slightly sleepy audience. But what if we told you there’s a way to breathe vibrant life into these invaluable stories, making them not just informative, but utterly captivating? Enter the magic of digital storytelling and…
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Quick Easy Steps on How to Share Audio and Video Files for Transcription with Google Drive
Struggling to transcribe audio or video files? Google Drive can be your lifesaver! This guide will show you how to upload your files and share them with a transcription service, saving you time and effort. What You’ll Need: A Google account (which includes Gmail) Steps: Sign in to Gmail: If you don’t have a Google…
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Shrink It Down! How Audacity Can Save You from Monster Audio & Video Files
Ever record an amazing interview, lecture, or video, only to find the file size is about as big as your stress level after a missed deadline? Fear not, transcription warriors and data collectors! Today, we’re introducing you to Audacity, your free and friendly audio chameleon. Audacity can shrink your audio and even video files without…
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Truth, Trust, and Testimony: Ethical Considerations in Presenting Oral Histories
Imagine holding a key that unlocks a hidden world – a world where history isn’t just dates and names, but a tapestry woven from personal experiences. That’s the power of oral histories. But with this power comes a critical question: how do we ensure these voices from the past are presented accurately and ethically? In…
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Voices across Time: Oral Traditions and Oral History Compared
History whispers through our ancestors’ voices, carried on the breath of tradition. But have you ever wondered if all spoken accounts of the past are created equal? The answer is no! There’s a fascinating distinction between oral history and oral traditions, and understanding it unlocks a deeper appreciation for the stories passed down through generations.…
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From Oral Traditions to Written Word: The Evolution of Oral History
Oral traditions have been around for millennia, serving as a means of preserving history, culture, and values from one generation to the next. In the absence of written records, oral traditions relied on storytelling, songs, and poetry to pass down knowledge, beliefs, and customs. These stories were often embellished and adapted over time, reflecting the…
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Beyond the Microphone: Who Conducts Oral History Interviews and Why It Matters
Have you ever wondered who brings history to life through recorded memories? Who sits down with individuals and communities to capture their unique stories and perspectives? The answer, oral historians. History whispers not just through grand monuments and dusty archives, but also in the intimate spaces of lived experiences. Unlocking these personal narratives is the…
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Whispered Tales and Wobbly Memories: The Quirks of Oral History
Have you ever heard a story passed down through generations, a tale whispered from grandparent to grandchild, a memory shared over steaming mugs of tea? That’s the magic of oral history – a tapestry woven from personal narratives, a window into the past seen through the eyes of those who lived it. But hold on,…
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Memory on Mute: Tips for Handling Lapses in Oral History Interviews
Oral histories paint vivid portraits of the past, capturing the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals who lived it. But even the most vibrant memories can sometimes flicker and fade. What happens when, amidst the flow of an interview, your narrator forgets a key detail or even contradicts themselves? Don’t panic! Memory lapses are a…
