Final Project-Ethnographic Narrative

Final Project- Ethnographic Narrative

Introduction

The paper focuses on the elaborative explanation of the sources that I have taken brought into use to collect the relevant and reliable data about my indigenous identity through notes of field work. It then provides the evaluation of various ways through which the recommended perspectives of anthropologist's thought process influenced and modified my conception about my own indigenous identity. Finally, it discusses questions about my identity that is still unanswered.

Descriptive Reflection

To outline an authentic ethnographic narrative that can truly and closely reflects my indigenous identity and novel aspects and values of my culture, I opt to choose analytical ethnography (Brodkey, 1987). This approach allowed me to have a closer perspective and view of my own indigenous identity and draw on the possible narrative work that may appropriately reflect the true image of my culture and heritage. I chose two main sources to collect data regarding my identity and design a qualitative framework that justifies my field work.



Eye Witness Report

The first source of data collection was chosen to be an eye witness i.e. to summon firsthand experience of the prevailing knowledge and information about the subject matter. The main line of data collection under this source was based on my personal experiences from living in the past and present, the values and traditions that I have self-witnessed the core values and basic themes of African American cultural heritage that I have self-experienced.

One of these experiences was the ritual of death that is assumed to be an event of rejoicing the deceased's departure. This perspective and distinct meaning of death are being based on the consideration that Lord has ended up the difficulties and sorrows of our fellowman. The other event that I have eye witnessed is the celebration and ceremony of the two lives, which are bonded together in the eternal relationship of wedding.

Documentary Material

This source of data collection helped me to revive the traditional views and practices of our ancestors. My parents and close relatives were the primary source to collect my notes on field work to analyze the complications and implications of the voyage that my indigenous identity has covered so far. To understand the changes or modifications in the traditional customs and rituals those have been making their place over the span of many years.

This source guided me with the basic theme difference between the traditional and contemporary ceremony of wedding. The knocking, libation and reception ceremonies were among the memorable moments of a traditional African wedding ceremony that was filled with unforgettable enjoyment and blow of fun with family gatherings.

Evaluation of the Role Perspectives

Thinking Like an Anthropologist has proposed five major role perspectives that can guide a person to recognize and improve his or her conception of indigenous identity. During the formation of this research paper and underlying a practical approach towards my indigenous identity, I got the opportunity to go through this book and felt a beam of light that broaden my horizon of identity knowledge and assisted me to ...