In the realm of qualitative research, few methods are as personally resonant and academically profound as autoethnography. This was illuminated for me upon reading “Analyzing Analytic Autoethnography: An Autopsy” by Carolyn S. Ellis and Arthur P. Bochner, whose unconventional approach—a scholarly conversation mirroring a casual chat—broke the mold of academic writing for me.

Autoethnography, a term I learned is derived from Greek—auto (self), ethno (folk/people), and graphy (writing)—is a research method that marries personal narrative with cultural analysis. It is both a process and a product that enables researchers to explore their personal experiences in relation to cultural, political, and social dynamics. The article by Ellis and Bochner was a revelation, emphasising that storytelling isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a bridge to empathy, a challenger of norms, and a presenter of diverse perspectives.

In their discussion, Ellis and Bochner dissect the nature of autoethnography, setting it apart from traditional realist ethnography. They advocate for a research approach that isn’t just about the extraction of data but is a reflective and evocative presentation of one’s lived experience. Their conversation delves into the nuances of storytelling, the evocative power of narrative, and the author’s role in constructing meaning through text. The risks associated with autoethnography are not shied away from; instead, they are presented as cautionary elements that, when navigated thoughtfully, can lead to rich, insightful scholarly work.

Applying these insights to my own Action Research Project (ARP), I find myself asking: Can the canvas of my research be constructed with my own experiences? As an educator working with large cohorts of Chinese students, my positionality is not just a backdrop but the central stage where cultural interactions play out. It’s within these interactions that I seek to understand my students’ academic journeys, and in doing so, also unravel my own.

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Ellis, C. S., & Bochner, A. P. (2006). Analyzing Analytic Autoethnography: An Autopsy. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 35(4), 429-449. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891241606286979  (accessed October 2023)

Autoethnography by Helen Kara (July 2021) – https://youtu.be/ED_gUjzxhVw?si=NqxKksxbNjOxM4HY (accessed Oct 2023)

Autoethnography (a brief howto) by Christopher Moore (July 2021) – https://youtu.be/GBHpedvkWs0?si=7cFlUbwekvd5Dly7 (accessed Oct 2023)