Abstract: Oral history is based on the dialogue of the interviewer and the narrator, with aims for truth rather than portraying the personality. The narrator’s focus shifts according to the interviewer’s questions during the interview, making it difficult to reveal his personality. The interview, being an occasion separate from normal routine, also limits the manifestation of the narrator’s personality. The personality of the narrator is peripheral, which is different from autobiography.  

Key words: oral history; interviewer; narrator; personality.

Wang Jun, Ph.D., is a Lecturer at Huaqiao University. He teaches Western literary and cultural theory. His research is part of the major project “Compilation and Research of Overseas Life writing on Modern Chinese People” sponsored by the National Social Science Foundation of China (IN: 11&ZD138), the project “Research on Oral History and Autobiography” (12YJC751080) funded by Ministry of Education.