What are the most effective ways to research a culture before writing a story?

1 Read books and articles

One of the best ways to research a culture is to read books and articles written by people from that culture or by experts who have studied it. Look for both fiction and non-fiction works that explore the history, politics, religion, art, language, and customs of the culture. Pay attention to how the authors describe the culture, what themes and issues they address, and what perspectives and voices they use. Reading can help you gain a deeper understanding of the culture and avoid common misconceptions or generalizations.

2 Watch films and documentaries

Another way to research a culture is to watch films and documentaries that depict or analyze the culture. Films and documentaries can provide you with visual and auditory cues, such as clothing, music, gestures, and accents, that can enrich your story. They can also show you how the culture interacts with other cultures, how it responds to challenges or changes, and how it expresses its identity and values. Watch films and documentaries made by people from the culture or by reputable sources, and be critical of the representations and narratives they offer.

3 Talk to people from the culture

A third way to research a culture is to talk to people from the culture or who have lived in or visited the culture. Talking to people can give you firsthand insights, anecdotes, opinions, and emotions that can inform your story. You can ask them about their experiences, beliefs, traditions, habits, and preferences, and how they relate to the culture. You can also ask them for feedback on your story idea, characters, plot, and dialogue, and listen to their suggestions and critiques. Talking to people can help you build rapport, empathy, and authenticity with the culture.

4 Visit the culture or a similar one

A fourth way to research a culture is to visit the culture or a similar one, if possible. Visiting the culture can give you a direct and immersive experience of the culture, where you can observe, participate, and learn from the people and the environment. You can see the landmarks, taste the food, hear the language, feel the climate, and smell the aromas of the culture. You can also compare and contrast the culture with your own, and notice the similarities and differences. Visiting the culture can help you create a vivid and realistic setting for your story.

5 Use online resources and tools

A fifth way to research a culture is to use online resources and tools that can provide you with useful information and data. You can use websites, blogs, podcasts, social media, forums, and databases that focus on the culture or aspects of it. You can also use tools such as Google Maps, Google Translate, Google Trends, and Wikipedia to find out more about the geography, language, trends, and facts of the culture. Use online resources and tools with caution, and verify the sources and accuracy of the information.

6 Keep an open mind and a curious attitude

A sixth way to research a culture is to keep an open mind and a curious attitude throughout the process. You want to avoid making assumptions, judgments, or generalizations about the culture, and instead, seek to learn and understand the culture from its own perspective and context. You also want to acknowledge your own biases, limitations, and gaps in knowledge, and be willing to challenge and revise your own views and assumptions. Keeping an open mind and a curious attitude can help you write a story that respects and celebrates the culture.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?