Explore Culture Sub-Sub Page Template Example

Cultural Education


	Volunteer Volunteers needed for 2004 Smithsonian Folklife Festival GO

First Americans Festival
on the National Mall September 21-26, 2004

GO


			Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

	Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interview Guide: Some Possible Questions

Family photos can evoke memories and trigger stories. Photo courtesy of Marjorie Hunt.

Some Possible Questions

"I remember my relatives talking and talking, and yet as a kid, I didn't listen. I'd love to go back now and listen."

— Wayne Dionne, Alexandria, Virginia


	Table of Contents

	Some Possible Questions

	Download PDF Version

Because every individual is unique and every interviewer has his or her own special interests and research goals, there is no single set of questions that will fit every situation. The following are some that might help guide an interview with a relative or community member about family folklore and local traditions. Pick and choose among them to suit your own interests, and change the wording as you see fit. Ultimately, the most useful questions will be those that you develop yourself based on your knowledge of your own family and/or community. Remember not to be tied to a formal list of questions; rather use your questions as guideposts for the interview. Be flexible and have fun!

Biographical Questions
Q: What is your name? Where and when were you born? Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? What jobs have you had? What do you do for a living now?

Family Folklore
Q: What do you know about your family name? Are there stories about its history or origins? Has it undergone any changes? Are there any stories about those changes? Are there any traditional first names or nicknames in your family? What are they? How did they come about? Are there any naming traditions? What are they?

Q: Do you know any stories about how your family first came to the United States? Where did they first settle? Why? How did they make a living? Did your family stay in one place or move around? How did they come to live in this area?

Q: If your tradition-bearer is a first-generation immigrant, you might ask him or her: Why did you leave to come to the United States? What possessions did you bring with you and why? What was the journey like? Which family members came along or stayed behind? What were some of your first impressions and early experiences in this country? What traditions or customs have you made an effort to preserve? Why? Are there traditions that you have given up or changed? Why?

Q: What languages do you speak? Do you speak a different language in different settings, such as home, school, or work? Are there any expressions, jokes, stories, celebrations where a certain language is always used? Can you give some examples?

Top