This is a Call for Submissions for the upcoming OHAI Varta, which is to be published biannually in the year of 2025. Contributions to the newsletters are invited from all OHAI members. Contributions are also sought from people who are currently engaged with Oral History projects across the globe. All submissions, in accordance with the following categories, must be emailed to ohaivarta@gmail.com with the subject line – Submission for OHAI Varta 2025, latest by October 31st, 2024.
- In the Field (1000 words with 2 images)
Oral history research involves gathering and preserving memories, personal narratives, and firsthand accounts of historical events from individuals who lived through them. This section brings you oral history from real-world settings — write-up on on-going or completed Oral History projects, fresh from the field. - Interview Excerpt (1000 words with 2 images)
This section features selective excerpts from oral history interviews conducted globally, distinct from the field research section. We seek transcripts of interviews with eminent people highlighting the nuances of oral history versus other interviews, unraveling the relationship between oral history and memory. - Oral History Book Reviews/ Museum Reviews (500 words with 1 image)
A book review is a critical evaluation of a book’s content, style, and significance. A museum review critiques a museum’s exhibitions, collections, facilities, and visitor experience. Similar to a book review, it provides readers with insights into what they can expect when visiting the museum and assesses various aspects of its offerings. This section will highlight the latest publications and curatorial initiatives in Oral History Studies. We invite pieces on critically acclaimed books and engaging Oral History curation or use of Oral History in a mainstream museum from Asia, Africa, and the Global South. - Announcements (200 words)
This section will feature proclamation regarding upcoming conferences, global events, projects and more. - Around the World (700 words with 2 images)
This section will cater to transnational oral history projects that involve collecting, documenting, and preserving oral histories across national boundaries, involving individuals and communities across global experiences. This will aim to capture personal narratives, memories, and perspectives on historical events, social changes, cultural practices, migration experiences, climate change, health issues and other aspects of life that transcend national borders and are of contemporary relevance. - Oral History Photo Essay ( only images and captions with a 100 word abstract)
A photo essay on the topic of oral history could beautifully blend visual storytelling with narratives collected through oral interviews. It allows viewers to connect emotionally and intellectually with the stories being told, offering a visual journey through the richness of oral history traditions. This section will focus on a certain aspect of oral history which cannot be captured purely with sound, for example architecture, visual arts, material culture and more. - Oral History and Technology (700 words with 2 images)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances the accessibility, analysis, and preservation of oral history materials while prompting careful consideration of ethical implications and preserving human connections and authenticity in storytelling. Balancing these aspects is crucial to leveraging AI’s potential effectively in modern oral history projects. Hence, this section will explore how AI can contribute to the long-term preservation of oral history initiatives by assisting with adaptive technologies that ensure accessibility for future generations. - Oral History Methods (1000 words with 2 images)
This section enquires when the Oral History method proves to be useful, how it can be used from academic or project perspectives, and invites write-ups that bring out its saliencies as a tool, theory, or praxis. It is to explore oral history as a methodology to enhance pedagogies which will engage with historical sources, develop critical thinking skills and cultivate empathy through Oral History narratives. - Orality and Oral History (audio in QR codes and captions with a 100 word abstract)
Orality and oral history are related but distinct concepts. Orality refers to the broader cultural practices of societies relying on spoken language, while oral history is a specialized methodology in historical research focused on capturing and interpreting oral narratives. Both concepts are crucial for preserving cultural heritage and documenting human experiences. This section features a sound essay , preferably with QR codes, on an Oral History initiative, using recorded voice, music, ambient sounds, and sound effects to convey its narrative. It explores how oral history provides a framework for studying and interpreting oral traditions within historical contexts, offering insights into how oral communication shapes cultural identities, memory, and historical consciousness.