Oral history is a powerful tool for understanding diverse human experiences. However, the very act of interviewing is deeply rooted in cultural norms and communication styles. What might be considered a respectful and engaging approach in one context could be perceived as intrusive, confusing, or even offensive in another. As oral historians, it’s our ethical imperative to adapt our interview techniques to create a safe, comfortable, and productive space for individuals from all backgrounds to share their stories.

This blog post explores key considerations and practical strategies for tailoring your interview approach to navigate different cultural contexts and communication styles effectively.

1. The Crucial First Step: Cultural Humility and Self-Awareness

Before you even begin to think about adapting your approach, cultivate cultural humility. This involves recognizing that you don’t know everything about another culture and approaching each interaction with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn.

• Acknowledge Your Own Cultural Lens: Understand that your own communication style, assumptions about interviewing, and interpretations of behavior are shaped by your own cultural background. Be mindful of potential biases you might unknowingly bring to the interaction.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultural understanding is an ongoing process. Commit to continuous learning about different cultures relevant to your work through research, consultation with cultural experts, and respectful engagement with individuals from those communities.

2. Research is Your Compass: Understanding the Cultural Landscape

Thorough research is paramount to adapting your interview approach effectively.

• Explore Communication Norms: Investigate how directness, eye contact, personal space, silence, emotional expression, and turn-taking are perceived in the specific cultural context. For instance, in some cultures, direct eye contact might be a sign of respect, while in others, it could be seen as confrontational.
• Understand Power Dynamics and Social Hierarchies: Be aware of how age, gender, social status, and other factors might influence communication and the interviewee’s comfort level in sharing information. Your approach may need to be more formal or informal depending on these dynamics.
• Learn About Storytelling Traditions: Different cultures have unique ways of structuring narratives and sharing personal experiences. Understanding these traditions can help you frame your questions and interpret responses more accurately.
• Consider Language Nuances: Even if you are conducting the interview in a shared language, be mindful of potential differences in vocabulary, idioms, and non-verbal cues that can lead to misunderstandings.

3. Practical Strategies for Adapting Your Interview Style:

Based on your research and ongoing awareness, here are some practical ways to adapt your interview approach:

Building Rapport:

• Invest Time in Social Pleasantries: In some cultures, building trust and rapport through initial small talk and relationship-building is crucial before delving into more personal questions. Be patient and allow time for this.
• Observe Social Etiquette: Pay attention to customs related to greetings, gift-giving (if appropriate and ethical), and showing respect to elders or those in positions of authority.
• Demonstrate Genuine Interest: Show sincere curiosity in the interviewee’s life and experiences beyond the specific research questions.

Questioning Techniques

• Adjust Directness: In some cultures, indirect questioning and allowing the interviewee to lead the narrative might be more comfortable than direct, probing questions.
• Be Mindful of Sensitive Topics: Approach potentially sensitive subjects with extreme care and sensitivity, understanding that what is considered private or taboo can vary significantly across cultures.
• Allow for Silence: Silence can hold different meanings in different cultures. Avoid rushing to fill silences, as the interviewee might be considering their response or waiting for you to speak.
• Use Open-Ended Questions: These generally allow for more culturally nuanced responses and give the interviewee more control over the narrative.
• Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues: Be observant of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, keeping in mind that their interpretation can be culturally specific.

Communication Style

• Speak Clearly and Respectfully: Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Speak at a moderate pace and volume.
• Be a Patient and Attentive Listener: Show genuine interest through verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Adapt Your Level of Formality: Adjust your language and demeanor based on the cultural context and the interviewee’s preferences.
• Be Prepared to Adapt Your Interview Guide: Be flexible and willing to deviate from your prepared questions if the conversation flows in a different direction that yields valuable insights.

Ethical Considerations

• Obtain Informed Consent in a Culturally Appropriate Manner: Ensure the interviewee fully understands the purpose of the interview, how their information will be used, and their right to withdraw at any time, using language and methods that are culturally relevant.
• Respect Confidentiality and Anonymity: Be particularly sensitive to potential cultural implications related to privacy and the sharing of personal information.
• Be Mindful of Potential Power Imbalances: As the interviewer, you hold a position of power. Be conscious of this and strive to create an equitable and respectful interaction.

4. The Importance of Reflection and Feedback:

After each interview conducted in a different cultural context, take time to reflect on your approach.

• Consider What Worked Well and What Could Be Improved: Be honest with yourself about any potential missteps or areas where you could have been more culturally sensitive.
• Seek Feedback When Possible: If appropriate and ethical, consider seeking feedback from cultural advisors or individuals from the community you interviewed.

Conclusion:

Adapting your interview approach to cater to different cultural contexts and communication styles is not just a matter of technique; it’s a fundamental aspect of ethical and effective oral history practice. By cultivating cultural humility, conducting thorough research, and thoughtfully adjusting your methods, you can build trust, facilitate meaningful storytelling, and contribute to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the human experience across diverse cultures. Remember that flexibility, respect, and a genuine desire to connect are your most valuable tools in this vital endeavor.