INTERVIEWS IN CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH: WORKING WITH THE CUSTODIANS OF TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE AS RESEARCHERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Year 2016, , 175 - 194, 30.10.2016

Ramodungoane Tabane

https://doi.org/10.18490/sosars.261681

Abstract

Traditional health practice (THP) represents one of the lesser-researched and lesser-understood fields,

although one that has been practised for centuries. Conducting research in this field requires the research

community to devise innovative ways of studying and learning from it. A qualitative research

methodology was employed to gain access in the THP field. The study was conducted at three sites in

Gauteng and two sites in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. In-depth individual interviews were facilitated

in local languages by traditional health practitioners who were trained as interviewers. As a result,

authentic data were gathered and analysed. The results of the study indicate that emic knowledge,

understanding and interpretations can be elicited with appropriate research methodology, especially

when the custodians of traditional and cultural practices are included as part of the research team.

Keywords

interviewing, Cross-Culture, Qualitative Technique, Traditional Health Practitioner

References

• Alvesson, M., and Sköldberg, K. (2009). Reflexive Methodology: New Vistas for Qualitative Research
• (2nd ed.), London: Sage.