Ethnographic Production: Fieldwork, Text and Audience. The anthropologist’s long-term participation encourages grounded knowledge which is then used vicariously as a means of comprehending others’ experience (Hastrup and Hervik 1994: 62). I begin to understand the other culture, not on the basis of accumulated data(that are by themselves empty understandings), but when I can relate to my informants dialogically, such that their actions make reasonable sense to me, as mine to them” (Obeyesekere 1990: 226).

Overview of Ethnographic fieldwork: History of fieldwork in anthropology 1. Participant observation: A. Explicit: Recorded or formal B. Tacit: personal experience personal belief

We all are participant observers of culture. Anthropologists: 1. Systematic use of data A. Intentionality a. Theoretical inquiry

The Ethnographic experience cannot be taken at face value but must be studied in its sensational depth (Hastrup and Hervik 1994: 224). 1. Non-verbal knowledge 2. Embodied knowledge 3. Learning by doing and experiencing, comparing Through particular procedures: recording observations

Origins of Participant Observation Armchair Anthropologists.1. no clear methodology 2. detachment from subjects Malinowski 1. emphasis on everyday interaction 2. established relationship between theory and method

Malinowski’s three standard themes 1. Culture and context 2. Importance on Etic approach 3. Cultural particularism

First: Culture and context integration Aspects of culture cannot be study in isolation Put into proper context: local Ethnographer needs to be present

Two: etic approach Scientifically verification of informal descriptions Emic Approach: local-oriented approach to anthropological investigations. Etic Approach: Scientific-oriented approach to anthropological investigations.

Third: cultural particularism When one put the “primitive’ action into its proper context (cultural particularism) one would understand that his action is reasonable. Against racism and ethnocentrism

Key elements of the method of participant observation 1. Living in the context for an extended period of time 2. Learning and using local languages and dialect 3. Actively participating in a wide range of daily routines and extraordinary activities with people in that context. 4. Using everyday conversations as interview techniques 5. Informally observing during leisure activities) 6. Recording observations in the field notes 7. Using both tacit and explicit information in analysis and writing

Contextualization of participants Positionality: situated knowledge produced by positioned actors Context: positionality and history Harowitz’s example; identities

Participant observation and ethical issues Not full prof method One among others Problems with many types of audiences

Overview of field research Beginning the fieldwork process: Selection of project, funding Preparing for the field Working in the Field: Site selection, gaining rapport Exchanges and gift giving, factors influencing fieldwork, culture shock Fieldwork techniques: theoretical considerations, interviews and questionnaires Recording Culture: f ield notes, tape recording, photography, videos and films Data analysis: analysing data, writing process