MI Diaries

The MI-Diaries app is part of the MI-Diaries project from Michigan State University's Sociolinguistics Lab, which is collecting audio diaries from Michiganders aged 3+ who are interested in submitting periodic oral history recordings. The MI Diaries project originally aimed to document life in Michigan during the lockdowns and immediately afterwards, as we moved back into normal life. However, the response from Michiganders was so positive that we have continued to collect audio diaries ever since. We are interested in all aspects of how life is changing or stays the same for Michiganders, from their daily routines to their language. Residents of Michigan can learn more about the project and sign up at the project website http://mi-diaries.org.

Diarists receive weekly (or monthly) emails from the team, with a list of audio diary prompts, such as "Was there a headline that stuck out to you this week?". Diarists may choose to answer any or none of these questions - you may simply tell us about your day if you wish!

Diarists may choose whether to have their stories be featured on the MI-Diaries website; each week we select a handful of stories that highlight what diarists have been experiencing that week.