Chapter 6 in our text discusses using "insider talk" and jargon in our projects. I loved the example from the waitresses: discussing crappy tips and difficult customers -- complaining about the boss is the next natural progression. It reminded me so much of my job at the good ol' chicken joint, but I'm still not sure how I can include this in my project.
When transcripting my interviews, I'm just not really seeing much of that excepting nicknames and perhaps some food items. So my question: will I still need a dictionary, or will I be able to pull it off with occasional commentary? Also: what is the purpose of using jargon or "insider talk" in a more professional endeavor, like the Lake James Research we'll be doing later? Is something like this approiate, or is it only acceptable in pointedly deliberate efforts, like Huston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"?
But even if I don't use any of the suggestions in this book, I'm really enjoying the reading in Field Working for all the great ideas for a multi-genre project.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Genealogy: A Women's Sport?
Suzanne brought up the common idea that researching family history is a "woman's job" -- men are usually less likely to be concerned with such things. Perhaps this is because men already do their part by continuing the family lineage -- one may never know for sure. But on a more serious note, it is interesting to see just how many women are the compilers of genealogy and continuing traditions in my own family.
My grandmother's Aunt Cecila did an extensive family tree decades ago, so most of my information was given to me from her. My grandma has done some research herself, and my Aunt Pam, who is actually related to us by marriage, did a family tree about 5 years ago as well.
My Uncle Jim has the tradition gene on my father's side though, however there wasn't much choice since my dad only has three brothers and my grandmother is dead. On my mother's side, my grandmother and my mother's younger brother Tom encourage the traditional Polish meals we have.
My grandmother's Aunt Cecila did an extensive family tree decades ago, so most of my information was given to me from her. My grandma has done some research herself, and my Aunt Pam, who is actually related to us by marriage, did a family tree about 5 years ago as well.
My Uncle Jim has the tradition gene on my father's side though, however there wasn't much choice since my dad only has three brothers and my grandmother is dead. On my mother's side, my grandmother and my mother's younger brother Tom encourage the traditional Polish meals we have.
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