1.1 The historian and sources

Social sciences

History

Grade 8

Land and power

Module 2

The historian and sources

Source A is a good example of a newspaper article that is compiled from different sources. Not only are the opinions of the two opposing parties quoted directly, but background is also provided: e.g. letters from Cosatu, as well as mention of the mediation by the minister of labour and the numbers of workers that did not go on strike. The reader is able to sort out the facts and form an own opinion .

The letters to which the article refers are the primary sources , because, just like an eyewitness report, they provide first-hand information and were recorded at the same time as the events that took place. A secondary source is based on information that comes from primary sources and can even provide a new perspective on things that happened centuries after the events took place. A fact (unchangeable and provable) differs from an opinion , which can be a conclusion that is not necessarily supported by the facts.

Propaganda is based on facts that are taken out of context, suppressed or distorted to proclaim a specific standpoint. Prejudice/bias does not maintain a balance between the two sides of an issue and partiality is usually based on strong emotions and often excludes reasonableness and balance.

Because the historian has to evaluate different sources in his search for facts, he has to compare the different sources. He looks for sources that agree so that facts that differ can be examined. This means that the historian must read and listen carefully, so that he can take propaganda, prejudice and partiality in any source into account.

Activity 1: group discussion [lo 3.3, 3.7]

Discussion questions :

1. When can we say that someone is telling a lie?

2. Should you tell your friend that she is wearing an ugly jersey, that you do not like it?

3. Are you stealing if you quickly copy your friend’s work if you have forgotten to do your homework?

Assess yourself in terms of the following :

Source a: assessment of application of concepts to source a

• Once again, read paragraph three of Source A, which contains the words of advocate Etienne Vermaak.

What follows are quotations from Source A that you need to evaluate.

• Read the quotation. Underline one of the words between brackets that you believe is best suited to the quotation and then give a reason for your choice.

1 (a) “We stick to the offer of 8% and the minimum wage of R1 900 per month.”

(Fact / Opinion) /3/

(b) “The strike might still last a while__________________________________”

(Fact / Opinion) /3/

2. Samwa’s statement is given in paragraph 5. Read it again.

(a) Now underline the word between brackets that best suits the statement and motivate your answer, as in number 1.

(Prejudice / Partiality) /3/

(b) The following people acknowledge that their actions display partiality:

Aunt Sally’s naughty son John is always good, she says. Pasqual’s mother always makes the most wonderful food. Thembo’s dog is the best in the whole of Africa.

Be honest and write down an issue / person about which you are partial./1/