INSIGHTS AND CHALLENGES IN INTERVIEWING ORANG ASLI CHILDREN: REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Abstract

Interviewing children is challenging and a privilege, especially working with marginalised communities like Orang Asli. Immersing myself in their world, rich in culture, traditions, and untapped stories— required me to explore the complexities of ethics, communication, and trust with care and adaptability. I am writing a reflection on my experiences interviewing Orang Asli children, sharing eye-opening and insightful moments. From overcoming language barriers to finding culturally sensitive ways to engage, each interaction taught me the importance of creativity, patience, and empathy. I also discover the ethical dilemmas of working with children from marginalised communities. While it is important to collect meaningful data and make children feel comfortable, with these reflections, I share practical strategies and insights for researchers seeking to make the voices of children from Indigenous communities heard by emphasising the need for respect, cultural sensitivity, and genuine connectedness.