What is an international storyteller?

[Csenge Zalka]

Hey everyone, little sister again :)
I started my summer research, and after the first few questions in the interviews the same issue kept coming up: how do we define "international storyteller"? I had my own (rather vague) idea about it, but turns out not every teller and not every listener thinks the same when they hear this term.
So could you help me out with some ideas and opinions on this?
What is an "international storyteller"?
Thanks a lot!
Csenge

[Rachel Hedman]

Dear Csenge:

I am not surprised at the response--only because I went through a similar interview experience. After talking with 24 key people of the American Storytelling Movement, I thought the place to start would be "How do you define storytelling?"

I was so new that I didn't realize how hard a question this was--and in interviews the rule is to start with an easy question!

So when asking the definition of "international storyteller", you have a challenge to the second power (if math could help express the challenge).

"International" could mean that someone uses the Internet and has enough sales and fan base that could be accessed in every country of the world. It could mean that the person has most of their performances abroad. It could mean that they return repeatedly to the same country once a year. And on. . .and on. . .and on.

Notice that I stayed away from the "storyteller" definition.

My thesis, that delves in the storytelling definition--or struggle for it, can be found at the Brigham Young University library plus each of the people interviewed received a copy as a thank you.

From my blog post "Storytelling Nonprofits in a Changing World", I shared a little about my thesis experience in the comment section.

Any definition is hard. People still find it difficult to agree on a definition for "cookie". The goal is not to find agreement. The goal is to exchange understanding.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

[Csenge Zalka]

Thank you :) Yes, the storyteller I am, I am not really looking for a solution, I am looking for a colorful mosaic of ideas and opinions that I can present, because the fact that there is not just "one good answer" tells a lot in itself about the storytelling world.
So all kinds of answers or ideas are welcome :)
And I'd love to read your thesis, by the way :)
Cheers,
Csenge

[Steve Evans]

Hi Csenge. This is fascinating. One of the things I am learning is that there is no meaning outside of context. So... maybe you could help me understand the context in which the phrase "international storyteller" is used!

Is an international storyteller simply one who tells a story in a nation or country different from his or her own? One who tells international tales? Or one who has a true understanding of other cultures and how to bridge them using stories? I kind of learn toward the last one, but that is where I come from: I live, work, and research on an international level and am extremely interested in applied storytelling as it crosses and impacts cultures different than my own and as they impact my culture!

I would love to hear more and to hear how your research is going! Best wishes. STEVE

[Csenge Zalka]

Yes, that is my question too :)
And I like your idea! So you consider yourself an international teller?
Cs

[Steve Evans]

Well, I do consider myself "working" in the international realm. I'm American, live in India, travel internationally 50% of my time, and have been in over 90 countries because of my work. I tell stories as I travel and tell stories because of my travel. My major concern is cross-cultural communication. But, I don' know! Am I an international storyteller?!?!?! Maybe you can tell me! STEVE

[Csenge Zalka]

You are so doomed :D You know what comes after this, right?
Can I ask you some questions? :D
(Yeah, that means you pretty much fit the category of 'international storyteller', if you ask me ;)
Cs

[Steve Evans]

Doomed...!

Ok, but you might catch me in the next 48 hours because I head to Tajikistan for two weeks! Or get me after then. However, I might have good i-net connection while there! Who knows?!?!

Really, I would be happy to answer some questions!

Best wishes. STEVE

[Steve Evans]

I responded to your message. Sorry I went overboard on the send button! I think it went three times! Anyway, I hope all of the questions were answered adequately. I mentioned that I would post a few papers here that might give some perspective on some of the things I tried to say. So, here they are! Best wishes to you and your project. STEVE

[Steve Evans]

Oh, and here's one other paper I forgot to include above! STEVE

[Steve Evans]

Hey. Why haven't you joined the Applied Storytelling group yet?

Maybe I'll hold off answering your questions until you do...!

: ] STEVE