Talanoa: Tongan epistemology and Indigenous research method

Abstract

Story dialogue known as talanoa is increasingly finding its place as a Pacific research method. The authors situate talanoa as an Indigenous concept of relationally mindful critical oratory. Approaching talanoa from mostly a Tongan lens, it is argued that it can contribute to broader discussions of Indigenous research methods and epistemology. The authors address the talanoa literature that has defined it as an open or informal discussion, and respond to questions that have emerged from challenges in implementing it practically in academic research. Indigenous Oceanic thought is used to interpret talanoa as a mediation between relations of Mana (potency), Tapu ( sacred/restrictions), and Noa (equilibrium), which is a gap in the talanoa literature. Talanoa is grounded as a continuum of Indigenous knowledge production and wisdom present from the past that is adaptable to research settings. Centring Moana (Oceanic) epistemology in talanoa challenges dominant research methods to adapt to Indigenous paradigms, rather than attempting to Indigenize a Western one.

The incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the Arctic Council: Lip service?

“…The process of Talanoa involves the sharing of ideas, skills, and experience through storytelling (UNFCCC website, 2018). According to Tecun, Hafoka, 'Ulu'ave, & 'Ulu'ave-Hafoka (2018), instead of attempting to indigenize a Western paradigm, Talanoa suggests adapting indigenous paradigms. Stories told through indigenous research tools, such as Talanoa, can be weaved together by researchers, individuals, and groups to coproduce/construct knowledge where story is knowledge, and knowledge is gathered through story (Tecun et al, 2018).…”

“…According to Tecun, Hafoka, 'Ulu'ave, & 'Ulu'ave-Hafoka (2018), instead of attempting to indigenize a Western paradigm, Talanoa suggests adapting indigenous paradigms. Stories told through indigenous research tools, such as Talanoa, can be weaved together by researchers, individuals, and groups to coproduce/construct knowledge where story is knowledge, and knowledge is gathered through story (Tecun et al, 2018). Although the UNFCCC website does not offer any outcomes of incorporation of Talanoa Dialogue into global policymaking process, it is quite clear that the UNFCCC has recognized the crucial role of TEK and Indigenous methodologies in climate change policies.…”

Unmasking the Essential Realities of COVID‐19: The Pasifika Community in the Salt Lake Valley

“…A factor not unique to Pacific Islanders that could contribute to the spread of the virus are feelings of stigma for those that contract COVID-19. For example, Kapu/Tapu, the notion that something is sacred or restricted (Tecun et al 2018), is highly significant in many different Pacific Islander languages and communities. The word taboo common in English stems from these words.…”

Going back and researching in the Pacific community

“…The move to focus on Pacific indigenous research methodologies and methods is a complex yet ongoing experience for researchers of Pacific heritage. The complexities for such researchers are related not only to the navigation of research contexts and relational spaces marked by the colonisation era (Fa'avae, 2018) but also to the internal becoming as a 'Pacific' researcher conscious of a decolonial intent (Tecun et al, 2018) in the process of working out their positionality in relation to the research context (Fasavalu & Reynolds, 2019). Engaging with talanoa research as both research methodology and method offers early career researchers the opportunity to find their place within a growing body of research by, for, with Pacific peoples (Sanga, 2016) that is culturally democratic (Thaman, 2014) and takes into particular consideration our connections to land, people and knowledge in the diaspora.…”