The archive in Ohio, USA, reviews its experience in collecting oral history
Ohio – America, December 9 / WAM / The National Archives and the National Library participated in the annual conference of the American Oral History Association with a working paper entitled: “Oral History, Redefining and Documenting the Past: The UAE Experience as a Model,” based on the importance of the country’s experience, success, and excellence in documenting historical events. Which is not recorded in written documents.
The National Archives and the National Library’s keenness to participate annually in these meetings stems from its being a permanent member of this ancient association. This contributes to shedding light on the nature of Emirati society and its authentic heritage, which attracts researchers and academics to learn about the country’s gains and motivates academic researchers to review the experience of the United Arab Emirates and its It has achieved development and progress.
Within the activities of the conference – which was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, the research consultant at the National Archives and Library, Dr. Aisha Al-Bakhair, presented a scientific paper in which she reviewed the methodology followed in documenting and recording oral history in the United Arab Emirates, and the collection methods used when dealing with this type of history. documentation; Emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the elements that give UAE society a uniqueness that is not found in field collection methods in other regions of the world. Human relations in Emirati society are based on the cultural and social heritage, the history of which narrators insist on narrating and documenting its details with accuracy and credibility.
The scientific paper of the National Archives and Library focused on the importance of oral history as one of the most important basic pillars for understanding the development of society and its culture over time. Through it, the biographies and memories of veterans are documented, which contain within them the stages of the nation’s development and many stories and challenges that enlighten generations on their way to creating a bright future for the individual and the nation.
Dr. Aisha Belkhair also highlighted the importance of the connection between members of society and residents of the Emirates to the authentic Emirati cultural heritage, which includes values, customs and principles that will enhance the sustainability of the national identity. She explained the role of this connection in building a unique identity for the people of the Emirates, and its clear impact on the characteristics of the residents who were found on the land of the Emirates. A source of inspiration and an extension of a civilization and culture that deserves to preserve its elements with pride.
Madiya Al-Muhairbi, a researcher in oral history at the National Archives and Library, participated in presenting a poster entitled: “Bridging the Past, Present and Future…The Archives and the National Library as a Model,” in which she presented an overview of oral history in the Archives and the National Library, and reviewed the importance of preserving oral history as an essential part of the national and cultural identity of a country. United Arab Emirates.
Al Mehairbi explained the role of the archive and the National Library in collecting and documenting oral narratives as a reference from which generations can derive documented knowledge. She touched on the importance of oral history and its role in documenting human experiences and heritage knowledge and preserving them for future generations, which enhances a deeper understanding of the Emirati identity and its authentic values.
It is worth noting that a large number of participants in the conference visited the exhibition and the display site and praised the poster, and praised the efforts made by the Archives and the National Library in the context of collecting and preserving oral history, and its role in spreading Emirati culture locally and internationally.
It is noteworthy that the Archives and the National Library have issued three parts of the series “Their Memory is Our History,” the content of which is based on interviews conducted by the Archives and the National Library with senior citizens, in which it documented and recorded their memories.
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