Oral History

Paper Summary:

Oral history is an account of the past conveyed through word of mouth. Oral history tells of cultures and individuals by presenting oral commentary of events, situations, and feelings of individuals. This paper examines the importance of oral history and how it has contributed to our understanding of events over time. The paper shows how the modern form of oral history originated with Allan Nevin in his 1938 book, "Gateway to History".

From the Paper:

"Oral history cannot completely compensate for the loss of first hand written accounts of events. However, according to James Hoopes, oral history at times can supply information that might have been lost otherwise because of a lack of a written record. (Hoopes, 11) Hoopes gives an example that in Latin America the people have an aversion to autobiographical narrative. It is believed to be egotistical and undignified, according to Hoopes, to talk about oneself. However, if the initiative comes from someone else, in the form of an interview, then it is perceived to be acceptable. The oral history process in Central and South America, according to Hoopes, has been instrumental in saving the personal accounting of the history of and actions of national leaders."

More papers on Oral History:

• Essay # 52149 : "Oral History"
• Research Paper # 107779 : "Oral History and Historiography"
• Essay # 50292 : "An Examination of Oral History"

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