What is ethnography? Most importantly it is a collection of methods comprising direct and sustained social contact with agents, and of documenting the encounter, respecting, recording, representing the irreducibility of human experience. Ethnography is the disciplined and thoughtful witness-cum-recording of human experiences.

Further, ethnography values the full picture of a situation or a story to depict the truth. But what is the truth, and how do we define and reach it? Especially when we are entering a “cross-cultural” setting in which our knowledge of a community, its traditions, myths, beliefs, etc. is limited, how do we prevent misinterpreting the story? How do we interact with the story without altering its original meaning? What is our role as ethnographers? Where are the limits, and how far is too far?

The value of ethnography is in allowing past experiences or biases to color, influence, and educate the present. It is in finding multiple truths, combining perspectives in order to understand different cultures and heritages. It is also about collecting narratives to accompany the data and numbers. It’s about finding and reconnecting with humanity. It is about learning through observation and experience. It is an exchange that provides opportunities for learning, sharing, and reflection for all participating parties.

I think the values of ethnography when conducted “well,” are infinite and, of course, vary. However, I believe that in assuming an ethnographic role; we must each come to terms with and acknowledge what we do (and likely will) not understand or know. And rather than get frustrated by such obstacles, become inspired (from a place of humility) to listen, learn, and understand.