Pictures instead of words – Collective Memory-Work, a common means of expression
In the contribution we would like to reflect on the possibilities of using collective memory work with people who use different spoken languages. We assume that a common language is central to the implementation of Collective Memory-Work, but language in this context should be defined as a common means of expression. The contribution is based on the results of a doctoral research project. The PhD project explored the ‘construct of change’ in relation to issues of space, possibility and agency raised by refugee women who also found themselves in a relationship that involves aspects of violence and coercion. In 2021 and 2022, the memory work was carried out in a group of 8 women who did not speak a common language. The memory scenes were written in different languages and had to be translated. In order to use other forms of expression, the work was also based on the photovoice method. This means that photos were taken and used to present a memory scene. We would like to present this method in the workshop using a memory scene from one of the contributors and discuss how it can be improved in terms of CMW.
Bianca Fiedler: Phd student in the department of educational science at the Philipps-University in Marburg (Hessen, Germany).
Contact: bianca-fiedler@gmx.de
Gudrun Siebke-Richter: had been actively involved in discussion groups in the so-called “new” or “second” German women’s movement from the late 1960s and early 1970s, and then became acquainted with collective memory work in the context of women’s studies in the early 1980s.
Contact: siebke-richter@web.de