The National Library and Archives Participates with a Paper and a Poster in the Conference of the American Oral History Association
The National Library and Archives Participates with a Paper and a Poster in the Conference of the American Oral History Association
The National Library and Archives participated in the Annual conference of the American Oral History Association, held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Aisha Bilkhair presented a paper titled: “Oral History: Redefining and Documenting the Past: The Experience of the UAE as a Model”. The paper addressed the methodology employed in documenting and recording oral history in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Aisha reviewed the collection practices applied in this type of documentation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing elements that impart a unique character to the UAE society—elements not typically found in field collection methods in other parts of the world. She highlighted how human relationships in the UAE are deeply rooted in cultural and social heritage, with narrators insisting on recounting their history and details with precision and authenticity.
Dr. Aisha also emphasized the importance of the connection between UAE society—both citizens and resident expatriates to the nation’s authentic cultural heritage. This heritage encompasses values, customs, and principles that sustain the national identity. She explained how this connection fosters a distinctive identity for the people of the UAE and creates a clear influence on expatriates, who view the UAE as a source of inspiration and an extension of civilization and culture, deserving of preservation with pride and honor.
Dr. Aisha Bilkhair emphasized that the National Library and Archives’ permanent membership in this esteemed association positions the UAE at the forefront of nations participating annually. This contributes to shedding light on the unique nature of Emirati society and its rich heritage, attracting researchers and academics to explore the nation’s achievements and encouraging academic studies in this field. Oral history is one of the key pillars for understanding the evolution of society and its culture over time. Through it, the stories and memories of senior individuals, encompassing the stages of the nation’s development, as well as its tales and challenges, are documented to serve as a guiding beacon for future generations.
Madya Al-Mehairbi, the Researcher in Oral History, also participated by presenting a poster titled: “The Bridge of the Past, Present, and Future: The Model of the National Library and Archives.” In her presentation, she provided an overview of oral history in the National Library and Archives, highlighting the importance of preserving oral history as an essential part of the UAE’s national and cultural identity. She explained the role of the National Library and Archives in collecting and documenting oral narratives, which are considered a treasure from which the generations to come will draw knowledge. The researcher also discussed the importance of this type of documentation in conveying human experiences and traditional knowledge to future generations, thereby enhancing a deep understanding of Emirati identity and its core values.
The poster received widespread praise from the visitors of the exhibition, who commended the efforts of the National Library and Archives in collecting and preserving oral history, as well as in promoting the culture of the UAE and the nation’s story. A large number of conference participants visited the display and expressed their happiness with what they saw and learned about the history and heritage of the UAE.
