Теренен метод за спечелване доверието на информаторите "Вграждане в социума"
"Embedding into Society" Field Method for Winning the Credibility of the Informants

Author(s): Goran Stefanov
Subject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Customs / Folklore, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
Published by: Пловдивски университет »Паисий Хилендарски«
Keywords: Sakar mountain; fieldwork; anthropological method
Summary/Abstract: In 2009 I started a field research on the territory of Sakar Mountain in order to write my master’s thesis. During my stay in the region of Topolovgrad I collected information and conducted field research regarding the local folklore, especially the legends, traditions and songs related to the area of Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinty) convent, the cave named “Karakolyovata dupka” as well as the annual Folklore Fair. I chose the method of structured and semi-structured interviews following questionnaires prepared in advance. I must say that I did not obtain much ethnological material from the interviews. But they revealed something else which, although not included in the questions, should be taken into consideration as a major factor for the population of the region concerned. Local people are extremely suspicious and distrustful of strangers and avoid direct contact. I think that they were worried because of the sheets of paper and the pen I was holding, as well as of the fact that their words would be recorded on a voice recorder or written down on paper. According to the ethnological terminology I had gotten into what is called a "difficult terrain”. "Embedding into society” is a method that produces the most fruitful results in Sakar Mountain and it was developed by me. It is very similar to two other methods, through which the researcher approaches the society and wins the credibility of the people therein - "research-action" and "observation included". The difference being the use of local musical and mythological folklore by the researcher, in dynamics through provocation while conducting the research.

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