One of the satisfying aspects of recording oral history is hearing how people speak: their pronunciation, vocabulary, timing, breath. The sound of verbal communication. We often say that oral history can be used as a source for the study of language and linguistics so it was wonderful to hear Dr Brook Ross talk about one such study, using recordings from the Auckland Libraries oral history collection. If you’re interested in the development of the New Zealand accent, and the role of Auckland speakers in that, take a listen.

When we are preparing to record an oral history we make a note of the places people have lived. It’s part of the context for the life we are recording and gives someone listening more to go on when they are evaluating what they hear. And of course if someone has moved around over the course of their life, it may help understand more about their speech and accent.

Thanks to Auckland Libraries, especially Sue Berman, Curator Oral History and Sound, for all the audio posted online. A treasure trove.