How to interpret written historical sources

Interpretation is the ability to identify implicit (‘hidden’ or less obvious) meanings in historical sources.

You will need to do this most often with visual sources that take time to interpret.

However, written sources can be just as complex. This is because many historical texts, such as legal documents, propaganda materials, or religious writings, will need extensive interpretation due to difficult or out-of-date language, subtle messaging, or political subtexts in the writing.

As a result, they often will not be explicit enough for you to understand right away, and they will require you to interpre the information provided.

To successfully interpret what a written source says, follow these steps:

1. Read the source two or three times. (Reading it once is often not enough).
2. Identify the main message of the source. (e.g., What is the most important point made in the writing?).
3. Highlight the key phrases used by the author. (Usually, two to three key statements are enough).
4. Summarise the main message in your own words. (This will usually require you to use indirect quotes). 
5. Read over your summary to make sure everything you have written was stated by the source. (e.g., Don't include your own opinion in your summary).
6. Reread your summary to make sure you have successfully paraphrased the source and have not simply copied their exact words.

Here is an example interpretation of a source that follows the steps above.

(You can click on the image to make it larger).

Also, it is worth noting that professional historians often cross-reference other primary sources when attempting to interpret difficult writing to help them analyse the use of certain words, or to consider important historical contexts.

Doing this can hep ensure accuracy when interpretating a source's meaning. However, for many students, you many regularly not have access to other primary sources to help you do this.

Identifying the message of a document shows that you understand the source, which means that you can use it as an indirect quote in your historical writing.

Your interpretation also helps you in your analysis and evaluation of the source. For example, identifying the source's message can help you ascertain:

• The purpose of the writing
• The motive of the author
• The relevance of the source to your argument
• The accuracy of the information presented in the source

Demonstrating the interpretation of a written source in your writing:

Davis makes the point that all the major political changes in Israel in the second half of the twentieth century are the direct result of American interference (1998, 56).

The Edwin Smith Papyrus provides explanations about Egyptian treatments for medical trauma, and it shows that they also regularly included detailed anatomical observations when attempting to resolve human sicknesses.

Watch a video explanation on the History Skills YouTube channel:

Watch on YouTube