I use three methods in my current research on Francophone identity and place: Interviews, Walkabouts and Diagramming (mental mapping).
One-on-one interviews:
The interview is helpful for delving into and attempting to understand complex behaviours, experiences, and opinions and it enables the discovery of what is relevant to participants. Due to the face-to-face verbal interchange the interviewee can tell me if a question is misplaced and my interpretation can be checked and scrutinized by participants. All interviews are conducted in French unless requested in english.
Walkabouts:
What I call a “walkabout” is a form of one-on-one interview while walking. Participants and I walk within places such as festivals and events as well as everyday places like community centres and public areas. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the experiences of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone places.
Group diagramming:
Groups of participants are asked to map the French-speaking places of the city – these are the locations where participants speak French in their every day lives. We then discuss experiences within these places. This is a participatory exercise working with rather than on people and seeks to give voice to participants and to encourage dialogue amongst participants (photo and diagram used with permission from a previous research project).
