Return to Oral History in the Classroom

Transcribing and Editing the Interview

According to oral historian Donita Moorhus of R & D Associates, “There is a disagreement among oral historians on what should and should not be done in the way of editing an oral history transcript.  Some argue that the transcript should be absolutely verbatim, with no editing except to provide punctuation and to (perhaps) add some information as first names and exact dates, carefully bracketed to indicate that it was added by the interviewer/editor.  Others argue that the editor should work with the narrator in checking facts, correcting unclear statements, and adding details so that the final manuscript is the most accurate account of events being discussed that the narrator can produce.  An extreme style of editing rewrites the transcript in perfect English, deleting unpleasant remarks, and even eliminating interviewer questions.”


TRANSCRIPTION/EDITING GUIDELINES:

 

·       Expect four hours of transcription for every hour of interview depending on the quality of tape

 

·       Punctuate to convey the speaker’s meaning , to retain the style and flow of discussion and to help create a readable manuscript.

 

·       Retain the questions posed by the interviewer, but pare down rambling questions, i.e., edit out fumbling, starts and stops.

 

·       Preserve chit-chat to indicate the formality or informality of the interview session. Add additional notations in [brackets], e.g., chuckles, laughs, shouts, whispers, or lengthy pauses.

 

·       Note the need for additional information, such as first names, dates, definitions of technical, obsolete or slang terms.  Add information in [square brackets] in the text or as information footnotes at the bottom of the page.

 

·       Correct grammatical errors if they are obviously an error of speech or if the narrator is very sensitive about his or her speech patterns, but aim for the most accurate portrayal of the narrator’s speech.

 

·       Leave in repetitions of word, phrases, or stories that show emphasis and/or convey the narrator’s feelings and attitudes.

 

·       Eliminate false starts and superfluous crutch words.

 

·       In order to preserve the tape punch out top of each tape.

 

·       When transcribing refer to “The Style Guide for Transcribing Oral History Tapes” from Baylor University.


Return to Oral History in the Classroom