This is a Call for Submissions for the upcoming OHAI newsletter Varta, which is to be published biannually in the year of 2027-28. Contributions to Varta are invited from all OHAI members. Contributions are also sought from persons who are currently engaged with Oral History projects across the globe.
All submissions MUST be emailed to ohaivarta@gmail.com with the subject line – Submission for OHAI Varta 2027-28, latest by September 30th, 2026.
Categories for submissions are as follows:
- 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 — we seek write-ups on on-going or completed Oral History projects, fresh from the field. - Interview Excerpt (1000 words with 2 images)
This section features selected excerpts from oral history interviews conducted globally, distinct from the field research section. We seek transcripts of interviews with practitioners of oral history highlighting the nuances of oral history as a discipline, unraveling the relationship between oral history and memory. - Oral History Methods (1000 words with 2 images)
This section enquires about 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. Pieces intended for this section should explore oral history as a methodology to enhance other pedagogies that engage with historical sources, develop critical thinking skills and cultivate empathy through Oral History narratives. - Oral History and Technology (700 words with 2 images)
This section invites pieces which look at the future of oral history archiving and dissemination using technology. We are particularly interested in how 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 the above-mentioned 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. - 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. The articles invited to this section should 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 Book Reviews/ Museum Reviews/ Archival Collection Reviews (500 words with 1 image)
This section will highlight the latest publications and curatorial initiatives in Oral History Studies. A book review is a critical evaluation of a book’s content, style, and significance. An archive or museum review critiques its exhibitions, collections, facilities, and visitor/user experience. Similar to a book review, it provides readers with insights into what they can expect when visiting the archive or museum, and assesses various aspects of its offerings. We invite pieces on critically acclaimed books and pieces that engage Oral History curation or the use of Oral History in a mainstream museum or archive from Asia, Africa, and the Global South. - Announcements (200 words)
This section will feature important announcements on upcoming conferences, global events, projects and more. - Oral History Photo Essay (only images and captions with a 100 word abstract)
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. A photo essay on the topic of oral history could beautifully blend visual storytelling with narratives collected through oral interviews. The pieces submitted to this section should allow viewers to connect emotionally and intellectually with the stories being told, offering a visual journey through the richness of oral history traditions. - 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 sound essays, preferably with QR codes, on an Oral History initiative, using recorded voice, music, ambient sounds, and sound effects to convey its narrative. This section 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.
Submission guidelines:
- Please mention the title of the piece, author name and affiliation, and the category under which you are submitting
- Kindly name the file Category_Authorname_date and save in Word doc format or equivalent. Please use Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing, font size 12.
- Images submitted should be high resolution: at least 300 dpi in jpeg format with a caption of no more than 50 words (font size 10).
- We have a zero tolerance policy for work that is plagiarised, and work submitted will be checked for the use of artificial intelligence.