When I am interviewing, there are a
things that I need to accomplish. First, I am trying to establish a connection
with the person being interviewed. This will make the transfer of information
much more natural and, if they trust you, more truthful. I want to achieve an
in depth understanding of what makes that person who they are today. An
accurate recording of this information will help me to transcribe it more
accurately. In a sense, I am trying to put myself in his or her shoes in an
effort to make it easier to get across who this person is. All while I am
extracting this information from the interviewee, I need to make sure they are
comfortable and feel welcome. To do this, I need to make sure to ask questions
in a friendly manner and not be too persistent. I want to uncover a secret or
two that he or she would not normally talk about when meeting someone for the
first time. The whole purpose is to have a better understanding of the person
and where they are from.
Steps:
11.Approach someone to be interviewed.
22 .
Introduce the idea of them being interviewed
lightly.
33.Agree to a date and time to conduct the
interview.
44.Discuss the list of questions and make changes
as necessary.
55.Familiarize myself with the questions.
66.Add filler questions wherever necessary.
77.Prepare the necessary recording equipment to
conduct the interview.
88.Do research on the country that the interviewee
is from.
99.Compile the research done into a country report.
110.Conduct the interview.
111.Take note of things that surprised you.
112.Go over the recording to make sure it is
understandable and quality.
113.Graciously say goodbye.
114.Get onto the computer.
115.Transcribe the interview.
116.Discuss the final product with the interviewee
to make sure they are satisfied with how they are portrayed.
117.Organize the information.
118.Revise your transcription and country report for
mistakes.
1.What
could SCSU do to make your stay on campus better?
There are a few things that SCSU could do to
improve things on campus. First, the notification system for classes being
cancelled for whatever reason is atrocious. Additionally, parking is a
nightmare and has a lot of room for improvement. The amount for a parking
ticket is too high. They should make permits more affordable as well. With a
few of those things taken care of, I can’t say I would have much left to
complain about. They facilitate learning well overall.
2.Could
you tell me a secret about yourself that very few people here know about and
that shows us well, who you are and what you stand for?
I could tell you many secrets. That does not mean that it would
benefit you to know them. It doesn’t even mean you would know more about who I
am or what I stand for. Those are not secrets to me. I divulge information
willingly for the most part. I enjoy getting to know someone and understanding
how he or she ticks. Therefore, I feel obligated to allow them the same
opportunity. This usually gets me into trouble; not a good trait.
3.Which
country`s food do you like the most? What are the similarities and differences
between it and your own culture`s food?
When I think about what kind of food I like the most, it
takes me awhile to put a finger on it. I am not prejudicial based upon the
foods origins. The only thing that really matters is how it tastes to you. I
enjoy a great steak, but I also love shrimp. The best food caters to the
occasion and the mood at the time that you are eating it. In some cases my
favorite foods would make me want to puke, but that doesn’t stop me from eating
the right food for the right occasion.
4.What are
the typical greetings in your culture and what do they mean?
Typically, I just say “Hey!” “Hello” or “ello”.
“Hey” can mean: what do you think you are doing? It can also mean: you over
there, come here and talk to me. Lastly, it is most commonly meant to just
greet kindly and innocently. “Hello” would mean I am simply trying to greet you
neutrally: with no mood attached to my greeting. This is a pretty common
greeting here in America. “Ello” is a friendly and almost silly greeting that
is playfully mocking the way that British people have an accent.
5.What
kind of government is in charge of your home country, how did it affect your
life and how has democracy in America been a change?
The type of government that was in charge in my home country
was a presidential representative democratic republic. I left the country when
I was 3 years old. That form of government may have had a little affect on my
life. The way I was treated as a baby may have been different from here in some
ways. For instance, I was born on a queen bed, at home, with a mosquito net
over it in order to keep me from contracting malaria. In many ways Democracy
has not been a change for me due to growing up in America.
6.What
different modes of transportation are used in your country?
Most people tend to
drive around when they need to go places. Some smaller towns you may see people
walking from place to place. Occasionally, there are bicycles used as
transportation when you need to arrive faster than walking. My personal
favorite method of transportation is on a motorcycle. This is the fastest and,
I think, safest method of transport. It is also much more efficient than
driving a car! Planes are also used when needing to travel great distances. If
I need to go to California I am more likely to fly, because it is cheaper than
driving.
7. At
what age do you start school? Are you under a lot of stress in school?
When I was three, I
attended pre-school. Not everyone goes to pre-school though. It is also
possible to start kindergarten when you are five. School can get more stressful
over time. It is all about how you let it affect you as well as what you dwell
on. The level of homework was higher in High School than in college. The
significance of your homework is higher in college. I think it can be stressful
at times to think how you do on some test could affect your future. Having a
job while in school also has compounded that stress level.
8.What
religious holidays or other cultural events do you or others celebrate; can you
explain your traditions for each?
I am not very
religious to begin with. That does not stop me from celebrating holidays
though. I celebrate Christmas. We exchange presents and have a family dinner. I
also celebrate Thanksgiving and have a large meal with many courses. New Year’s
is a great holiday. We have parties and confetti! Then, we usually have a resolution
for the new year.
9.Do you
have any daily rituals in regards to your religious beliefs?
I don’t have any
rituals per say. I am not religious. My family is somewhat religious. They pray
before meals sometimes. They also go to church on Sundays. I, personally, do
not participate. I find it a bit naïve.
10. How
would you describe famous sports in your country?
Football is the most
watched sport in America. The superbowl is a fantastic game to watch in
America. Soccer is also pretty popular. Soccer tends to be more popular
internationally. Baseball is supposedly a very American sport. I am not really
a fan of it. It can be really boring to watch. I prefer cricket which is more
common in South Africa.
11.Can you describe a typical day for a child in
your country?
I am not sure about a typical day for other children, but I
can describe a typical day for me. Start of the day with a shower. Next, I
usually check my phone and see who replied or didn’t. Then if I have class I
will go to it. After class, I will either make breakfast or if I am really
tired, sleep more. Then maybe I will watch a movie on my computer and relax.
After that, make some lunch. Most days, I work a 5-8 hour shift. Lastly, I will
come home, finish homework if necessary, and then get some well-needed rest.
Background:
1. Where did you grow up?
2. What are some of the cultural differences between living there and living in America?
3. If you could choose now, would you still live here or move back and why?
4. What are your most fond memories about the country you are from?
Hobbies:
5. What was your favorite thing to do as a child?
6. What is your favorite thing to do now?
7. What about your favorite hobby brings you joyfulness?
8. Do you have any hobbies you don't yet do but aspire to one day?
Goals:
9. When you were a child, what did you want for yourself to become?
10. What are you trying to become now that you have matured?
11. What is special about the person you now want to become?
12. What changes do you think you will have to make in order to achieve your goals?
