Defining History Across Cultures: Islander and Outsider Contrasts

Poyer, Lin (1992). "Defining History Across Cultures: Islander and Outsider Contrasts". ISLA: A Journal of Micronesian Studies. 1 (1): 73–90. ISSN 1054-9390.

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Abstract: Historians, anthropologists, and historic preservation experts involved in Micronesian history define historical significance in light of their own cultural backgrounds and professional interests. Local people, including cultural experts, work from different assumptions about the meaning of the past. Comparing local and non-local experts’ listings of historically significant sites on Térwa (Maloelap Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands) highlights these different views as outside experts emphasize Torwa’s extensive World War II remains while local people focus on sites of traditional importance. Different definitions of historical significance hold implications for the study of history across cultures and for the practical organization of research and preservation activities.