Interviews are a great way to collect Alloo-family stories, memories, anecdotes and opinions that we cannot capture via e-mail or surveys.
All Alloo extended family members, beginning with the older generation
Family members who have a passion to record and maintain the Alloo legacy; and have a desire to bond with fellow Alloo members.
We have prepared some tips and tricks as well as questions to ask as a guide.
Principle of interviewing:
Patience; Listen more than talk; ask short questions. Be aware of attention span; older people get tired; young people are in a hurry-just be conscious and aware and gauge the interviewee Comfort level.
1. Identify interviewees: Try to choose people who have knowledge of our family history; you can begin with a close family member for your first interview.
2. Schedule the interview. Conduct interviews in a comfortable setting at a convenient time and place for the interviewee. Interviews typically lasts about 2 hours and can be done in one or multiple days. Explain the goal of our project (to document and preserve Alloo family history) and ask your interviewee to collect old family photos, documents, and artifacts to share during the interview (including photos, scrapbooks, letters, vital records, immigration documents, family Quran, and a variety of other heirlooms.) Ask about these artifacts during the interview to trigger memories and learn stories. Ask the interviewee if it will be okay to record the interview, and mention the conversation will last about 2 hours.
3. Establish a Recording Method: Bring an audio recorder/ video camera to record your interview and capture your interviewee and their artifacts/documents. You can use your phone audio/camera with a tripod and external microphone for best results. Test and check the lighting and audio before you record. Have charger handy if you are using a phone.
4. Gather Background Information: Familiarize yourself with the Alloo family history from the website (www.alloo.net) or other sources beforehand to help you ask the right questions
5. Select questions: We have prepared a list of open ended questions to begin with that will provide interviewees an opportunity to express their feelings, perceptions, etc. Avoid yes/no questions – our goal is to create a conversation with the interviewee. Ask follow-up questions to the interviewee as needed, asking them to explain and provide examples such as:
Why did you…?
Can you please tell me about…?
How did you…?
What was it like to…?
Can you please give more detail about…?
During the interview, change the subject when needed to gather more information:
Create a suitable interview environment: The interview has to be at the place where the interviewee feels comfortable. Try to choose an area with natural light and minimum background noise for your interview (i.e. no TVs, others talking, etc.). as:
Build Rapport: Ensure it is okay to record the interview, and take breaks as you or your interview need. Be aware of the energy level of the interviewee at all times; older generation gets tired quickly unless they really get into telling their stories. Sometimes you realize that no one had ever asked them about themselves, especially women.
Record your interview: Set up and test your audio recorder/camera and microphones prior to the interview, and start recording before you begin. Test your set-up beforehand to ensure you have high quality video and sound recording. Begin the interview by stating the interviewee’s name, your location, and the date to orally “label” the recording.
Ask introductory questions: Use questions below as a starting point, asking for examples and explanations along the way
“Where were you born?”
“Where did you grow up? What was it like to grow up there and how has it changed? Who were your neighbors?”
“What were your community traditions when growing up??
“What was your childhood like? What was different back then?”
“What was your favorite food as a child and why?”
“What were your favorite hobbies and why?”
“What was your first job?”
“What did you do socially? With whom?”
What was the economic condition like when you were growing up? Adulthood?
“Do you have any old family photos or documents to share?”
“What was the political situation like as a child and how did it impact your family?”
“What were your parents like?”
What were your siblings like?
“What did your house look like?”
Who were your neighbors?
Did you have any Aunts, Uncles and relatives nearby? Did you see them often?
Other:
Ask about artifacts, family customs, traditions,
Try not to interrupt or talk excessively
Be prepared to detour from your list of questions if your interviewee speaks of a topic you didn`t think of
Thank the interviewee
Jot down your impressions: Make notes about the interview while it is still fresh in your mind – jot down impressions, observations, important themes, contextual information, and ideas for follow-up.
Deliverables: The goal at the end of all the interviews is to capture the story and memories of the interviewee, including:
4.Transcribe interview: Type up the transcript of the interview and upload to the Alloo website
