Resource person with students of Baptist College.
KOHIMA, APRIL 17 (MExN): The Culture Study Centre Committee of Baptist College, Kohima, organized an Orientation on Documentation of Folktales on April 15 for selected B.A. 2nd Semester students from various tribes. The resource person for the session was Dr R. Chumbeno Ngullie, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Nagaland University.
The programme began with a prayer led by Asilie Rürhia, a member of the Culture Study Centre.
In her introductory remarks, Dr Tsenbeni, Convenor of the Culture Study Centre, stated that the purpose of the orientation was to guide students on how to conduct interviews with elderly members of their communities in order to collect and document traditional folktales specific to their tribe.
Dr Ngullie elaborated on the techniques and methods for collecting folktales, as well as the distinguishing features of such narratives. She emphasized the importance of conducting preliminary research, having a clear objective, and understanding the cultural and personal backgrounds of potential informants.
“Interviewers need to strive for intellectual honesty and apply their skills effectively,” she stated, recommending a mix of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interview questions.
She also highlighted the need for appropriate recording equipment, a conducive and respectful interview environment, time management, and maintaining politeness and verbal encouragement throughout the process. Obtaining consent, using positive body language, and fostering comfort for the informant were noted as essential aspects of successful interviews.
The session concluded with a detailed explanation of the transcription, indexing, and preliminary steps of archiving the collected material.
Dr Videkhono Yhokha, a member of the Culture Study Centre, delivered the vote of thanks.
Students from the departments of English, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Commerce participated in the orientation.
