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Cultural Studies of Science Education

, Volume 11, Issue 2, pp 447–469 | Cite as

Oral narratives: reconceptualising the turbulence between Indigenous perspectives and Eurocentric scientific views

  • R. Bechtel
Article
First Online:

Abstract

Mitigating the borders that exist between scientific cultures can be a difficult task. The purpose of this paper is to look at the differences and similarities that occur in language use when two scientific cultures communicate in the same forum on a topic of mutual concern. The results provide an opportunity to share knowledge of an Indigenous culture that relies on barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) as a way of life in Northern Canada. Analysis of language use led to the identification of framework categories that can be used to increase awareness in different perspectives of science knowledge. Reconceptualization of the narratives presented can be used to calm the turbulence that exists between Indigenous People and other cultures and provides an opportunity for science educators to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into the classroom. It was found that autobiographical approaches in particular could provide an opening for cultural borders to be lessened.

Keywords

Indigenous knowledge Science Oral narratives Autobiography 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Centre for Mathematical, Science, and Technology EducationUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada

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