CONTEXTUALIZING HISTORIES: OUR ROTUMAN EXPERIENCE

Authors

Alan Howard, University of Hawai'i–MãnoaFollow
Jan Rensel, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaFollow

Abstract

Alan conducted fieldwork on Rotuma in 1959—1960 and did not return until 1987, this time with Jan. Together, we have returned nine times since, for visits ranging from one week to six months. During this period the "field" has changed. About four-fifths of Rotumans now live abroad. We have visited Rotuman communities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S. mainland, and Europe, and we keep in touch with Rotumans via the Internet. Prolonged involvement has resulted in a shift away from a scientific generalizing viewpoint to one emphasizing context and personal histories. It has also forced us to reexamine our commitments. We now choose to spend our energies in service of the Rotuman community rather than seeking recognition within academia. As a result, we are actively engaged in assisting knowledgeable Rotumans to publish cultural accounts of their choosing and in operating a Web site that serves the global Rotuman community.

Recommended Citation

Howard, Alan and Rensel, Jan (2004) "CONTEXTUALIZING HISTORIES: OUR ROTUMAN EXPERIENCE," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 27: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol27/iss2/1