How to communicate with older informants
When your goal is to document traditional handicraft and to do ethnographic fieldwork, you will most likely be working a lot with older people. If you have not had many such experiences, it might be confusing or even intimidating – especially as there are many cultural stereotypes concerning aging. It is helpful to be aware of some age-related issues and your own prejudices about the aging process, before starting to work with them. As an interviewer, you can do a lot to assure a smooth and comfortable trans-generational interaction. Below we share some thoughts and special features of working with older people. Not all of these suggestions may apply to your particular situation – simply use what works for you! Remember: older people are not a homogeneous group and do not let their personalities be defined merely by age. How to prepare your informant for work in front of the camera Invest time in planning and introduction. Define your own goals and intentions and share them openly with your informants. Discuss with them how to make it a rewarding and meaningful experience for both of you. To create an informal atmosphere, prepare your informants ahead of time. They should be aware of how much time the filming session will take, whether or not their participation will be anonymous, and what they can expect during the whole process. As older...
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