First Advisor

Peter C. Ehrenhaus

Term of Graduation

Winter 1999

Date of Publication

3-19-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech Communication

Department

Speech Communication

Language

English

Subjects

Italian American families -- Oregon -- Portland -- Folklore, Identity (Psychology), Siri family

Physical Description

1 online resource (2, v, 107 pages)

Abstract

Storytelling involves the active utilization of both past experiences and future possibilities, which is sustained through interaction, and could not exist without its past and future counterparts. It is the vehicle through which all intertwine.

This implies that communication is a very important element in the formation of an individual's identity - and to the meaning given to the storytelling practices. As a family member tells a story, other members listen, question, and request more about particular aspects of the story. By talking and listening, family members produce a narrative together, a story.

The purpose of this study was to examine how an Italian-American family viewed their identity through storytelling practices. This study explored storytelling as a meaning-making process. Through interviews, artifacts, and personal experience, this study exclusively examined the Siri family, an Italian-American family (most members living in Portland, Oregon). This study sought to enhance understanding of (1) how individual family members may use storytelling to construct personal identities, (2) how family units may use storytelling to develop a family identity, and (3) what meaning is generated from family members' storytelling practices.

Using ethnography as the research method, 15 Siri family members were interviewed. Each subject was interviewed once before the second set of interviews occurred. At this time, a group interview was conducted. All interviews were transcribed for narrative only, and grouped into themes to answer the research questions.

Storytelling seemed to do several things for the Siri family. First, the stories helped build structure and a sense of belonging as a group. Second, they provided clues for behavior - how to act and why they act a certain way. Third, they helped establish roles and ways of communicating. Lastly, they provided a sense of entertainment as well as a family archive for those to follow.

In addition, there were unanticipated findings. The interview process caused family members to reflect upon the storytelling process at a deeper level. This was supported by several Siri family members admitting remorse for their past behaviors.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44944

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