It refers to original materials that provide firsthand information about a particular topic. These materials are created by people who were directly involved in the event or process being studied.
Examples of primary sources include:
* Personal letters, diaries, and journals: These offer intimate insights into the writer's thoughts, experiences, and perspectives.
* Government documents, official records, and legal papers: These provide factual information about policies, laws, and historical events.
* Speeches, interviews, and testimonies: These offer direct accounts from individuals who witnessed or participated in an event.
* Autobiographies and memoirs: These provide personal perspectives on the author's life and experiences.
* Original works of art, literature, and music: These offer creative expressions of the artist's thoughts and feelings.
In contrast to secondary sources, which analyze and interpret primary sources, primary sources offer unique and valuable insights into the past.