Members of the Asian community are being invited to share their stories to help influence new ways of building links between ethnic minority groups.

A Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) team is exploring the inter-generational differences of British Muslims with a Pakistani, Indian or Bengali background through traditional gift-giving practices.

Researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the differences through the years to provide insights into whether any changes in cultural traditions and behaviour are taking place.

Results from the project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, could then help develop community engagement strategies through greater understanding of ethnic minority groups.

Lead researcher Dr Amna Khan, senior lecturer at MMU’s Business School, said: “Many people in the community felt that post-911, Muslims had received a lot of negative publicity.

“There was limited information which acknowledged the contribution they made to communities and society in general. So a project which explored how they gave gifts to people within their community and outside their community was developed.

“Britain is a multicultural society with many different ethnic groups and cultures. To make a society work together it is important to understand the diverse cultures and behaviours.

“This study is important as it gives insights how communities can work together through the act of gift giving.”

The team will conduct 90 oral interviews in community centres around the North West and build links with residents.

They are also appealing for more members of the South Asian British Muslim community to be interviewed.

Findings will be shared with people of all ages groups at the Manchester Mega Mela 2015, through activities such as story telling corner, quizzes, interactive displays and audios.

The interviews will be stored in the North West Sound Archive. Transcripts and some copies will be housed in Manchester’s Central Library. The story book will be displayed in the community centres involved in the project.

For more information, log on to http://giftgivingresearch.co.uk/ or contact Dr Khan at amna.khan@mmu.ac.uk.