Q: How do I participate in oral history?
A: To participate in oral history, you should be Chinese American and at least 50 years of age, reside and/or work in the San Gabriel Valley and/or the greater Los Angeles region.
Q: Who should I contact?
A: You can get in touch with the director, Juily Phun ([email protected]). Please have the following information ready:
- Name
- Age
- City of residence
- Language preference for the interview
Q: How long does an interview take?
A: Interviews can range but typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Interviewers may sometimes ask to follow up with another interview. Most interviews will be audio recorded but may also be video recorded if desired. A photograph may also be taken.
Q: How can I prepare for an interview?
A: You can prepare for an interview first by having a short phone conversation that documents initial biographical information. You can also prepare for the interview by finding old photographs, personal documents, and/or personal items to include with your oral history. Scans and photographs of your items will be made so that originals are returned to you. If you choose to donate these items to Cal State LA’s archives, it will be preserved by archivists at Cal State LA.
Q: What kind of questions will I be asked?
A: These are the sample questions (LINK to questions) we ask our narrators. They are changed and amended according to what the narrator is willing to share.
Q: Who will interview me?
A: You may be interviewed by the director or Cal State LA undergraduate students enrolled in the Asian American Oral History course. We will provide you with the names and profiles of students conducting your interview.
Q: Where and when will I be interviewed?
A: The interviewer will schedule a time that is convenient to you to conduct the oral history. It may take place at a local library, Cal State LA library, or any community space convenient to you. The location will be private and quiet since we will record your interview.
Q: How long has this project existed and how long will this go on?
A: The oral history project has been in existence since 2014 and is an ongoing project between the Asian/Asian American oral history course, Cal State LA Archives, and community partners and participants. These oral histories will continue as long as there are available participants.
Q: How can I help?
A: There are several ways you can contribute:
- Volunteer to translate/transcribe interviews
- Donate photographs, documents, items, artwork, and objects
- Donate to our endowment funds
If you have further questions, please contact Juily Phun ([email protected])