Interview 3

My Third Interview

Interview Preparations

For my third interview, I had to create time on a weekday, Thursday, when we all had free time with my interviewee, and reservations in the library reading area to conduct the interview. Previously, I had developed fourteen questions that would be relevant in helping me understand the cultural background of my interviewee, Y, whom I had shared a class with and was introduced to by my Chinese friend X. I had also formulated questions that would help me understand what it was like for my interviewee living in the United States and his experience with his family. For my records, I had obtained an electronic recorder from Buy electronics.

Interview Report

The interview went on well and I understood the differences between the two cultures. What surprised me most is what Y had to go through in order to accustom to the new environment given the enormous difference in the cultures between the two countries. Y was quite cooperative and opened up well throughout the interview.

Country Report

China is an Asian country with a vast land full of many landform features with many natural resources. It has the largest population in the world and has in the past year had an enormous economic growth (Alon Pg 97). It has a rich culture and an ancient culture, civilization and history. They communicate largely in Chinese. The widest spread religion in the country is Buddhism though other religions like Christianity have also emerged n the region (Barmé Pg 107). Different symbols are used in China. For example, the country’s flag depicts the Communist Party (star), revolution (red color), and the small stars (the Chinese people). Gender roles in China are largely designated with men and women taking up different roles. Men are expected to exhibit performance, dominance, wealth pursuits, and assertiveness whereas women are expected to be modest, submissive, warm-hearted, and solicitous (Thomas et al. 55). China is an independent country found within the Easter side of Asia. It has an estimated over 1.35 billion citizens and dwellers, making it the mostly populated within the globe. The Communist Party assumes leadership within the nation making it a single state party. With the Capital situated in Beijing, China is governed throughout the 22 provinces with able leaders that make it a giant in trade and technology.

Interview Transcription

Me: How do you communicate with each other in your country?

Y: We mainly communicate in the Chinese Language; Chinese has its own writing which is used in written Chinese (Palls Pg 35). However, some other languages have also emerged and are taught in schools though still a few people speak in foreign languages.

Me: What is the clothing style for men and women?

Y: Unlike the western (America), China is totally different when it comes to dressing style which is based on tradition. Though currently, many people have adopted the western dressing style especially in the urban regions. A beizi is traditional clothing that is worn by both men and women and a chang-ao is mainly worn by women (Latourette Pg 78).

Me: How are men and women treated differently?

Y: Chinese men are considered more superior than the women. Though this has tremendously changed with the global movement, many women are still dependant on men and answer to them in most aspects of life especially in the rural China (Latourette Pg 98).

Me: How has your experience here helped you interpret and respect cultural differences?

Y: The women here are more liberated and free unlike in China and I have realized how important this is for their development. I appreciate the fact that the country is interracial and one can easily learn more languages and has a chance to appreciate more than just a single culture. This treats the boredom that comes with monotony.  Interpret that there is truly beauty in difference and contrast.

Me: Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students?

Y: Yes, I enjoy speaking with other exchange students since I learn a lot from them.

Me: How long have you been in the United States?

Y: Two years.

Me: Have you been able to visit any other part of the United States?

Y: Not much. I have been so engaged in my studies and have not had the time to travel to most part of the United States, However, I have been able to visit my uncle in Las Vegas, California on the few vacations that I have had here.

Me: What are your home country major religions?

Y: The main religion in my country is Buddhism, but there are others like Jainism. Over the recent years, Christianity has also grown in China (Barmé Pg 107).

Me: What influenced you to come to the United States? Especially, Saint Cloud State?

Y: My family was moving to the United States since my father got a job in the United States. I and my other siblings had also wanted to come to the United States to enjoy the diverse culture and be able to attain the American education which is very diverse and rich. Schooling is what influenced me most to come to the Saint Cloud State.

Me: Do you live with your Parents?

Y: Yes, both my parents are here. I also have all of my siblings around.

Me: How many people are there in your family?

Y: We are six in my family; my parents, a sister and two other brothers.

Me: What kind of transportation do you have?

Y: I have a car which I use on the long distance travel especially on distances more than a mile. In short distances, I have a bicycle which I use especially around the neighborhood.

Me: What kind of Food do you like?

Y: (Laughs) I have to admit that when I came to America, I was still into Chinese delicacies and had no American food at all. I only visited Chinese restaurants when away from home. I guess this was because I never gave myself the chance to taste any of the American foods. When I tasted some, I realized how delicious it was and it has been my favorite food ever since. I like turkey and rice.

Me: Are there any favorite cooking?

Y: Yes, I like stewed food.

Me: Do you have any questions fort me? I have asked so many of you!

Y: I would love to ask you some few questions as I would love to understand America more than I already have but I guess that would be another time since I have a class to attend to right now. I would love to meet you again sometime for my queries.

Me: Well I guess we will figure that one out. Thank you for your time Y.

Y: You are welcomed.

Works Cited

Alon, Ilan. Chinese culture, organizational behavior, and international business management. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2003. Print.

Barmé, Geremie. In the red on contemporary Chinese culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999. Print.

Latourette, Kenneth Scott. The Chinese, their history and culture. 4th ed. New York: Macmillan, 1964. Print

Palls, Byron P. Cultural Portraits: A Synoptic Guide. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, 2008. Print.