Talanoa Activity

Try answering the following talanoa questions any time you have to read (or otherwise engage with) a set of sources for class or a project. Be sure to use complete sentences.

For class readings, you will likely only need to answer the first set of questions, but don’t be afraid to start thinking about the second set, as doing so could give you a head start on your next project!

Set 1: Talanoa Background

1. What populations, places, and spaces are at the center of this talanoa?
2. What discipline(s) is under discussion?
3. Who are the major speakers or writers in this talanoa? Who is absent and why?
4. What are the major arguments being made? What are the major points of contention or disagreement?
5. What are the gaps in the conversation? What is not being said?
6. Why is this talanoa important, to whom is it important, and who has a stake in this justification?

Set 2: Joining the Talanoa

1. How does your research fit within the existing talanoa? Are there speakers, writers, or arguments that you agree with? If so, how and why? Are there some that you disagree with? Again, if so, how and why?
2. What do you hope to accomplish by joining this talanoa? Are you working to fill a gap in the conversation? Are you adding a voice that was not present before but that should be? Are you looking at the issue or issues from a different perspective?
3. What is your personal connection, relationship, or history with the topic? What is your stake in the talanoa?
4. Why is your contribution important, and to whom is it important?