In this article, I discuss the experiences of conducting ethnographic research in my village of origin in Zimbabwe. The issues I discuss in this article are the methodological approach, the deconstruction of prior assumptions, challenges in meeting respondents, positionality and grappling with multiple identities in the field, the unintended therapeutic effect of life histories, learning the art of patience in fieldwork, reciprocity, friendship and the challenge of spontaneity. This discussion is important in the debates on the challenges of conducting emic ethnographic research, reflexivity and positionality. The article therefore makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge focusing on the dynamics of carrying out ethnographic research in one’s cultural backyard.

在这篇文章中，我讨论了在我的家乡津巴布韦进行民族志研究的经验。我在本文中讨论的问题是方法论方法、先前假设的解构、与受访者会面的挑战、立场和与该领域多重身份的斗争、生活史的意外治疗效果、在田野工作中学习耐心的艺术、互惠，友谊和自发性的挑战。这种讨论在关于进行民族志研究的挑战、反思性和定位性的辩论中很重要。因此，这篇文章对关注在一个人的文化后院进行人种学研究的动态的知识体系做出了重大贡献。