Process Description
Well to start off I’ll talk about how I prepared myself for this interview. I’d say the most important part was finding someone who was willing to be interviewed. I took advantage of the fact that we have a few international students in our class so I asked one if he knew of anybody that would be willing to set aside time for an interview. Before I knew if I had someone to interview or not I used the time to find an application on my phone to record the interview. (which ended up not working as well as I hoped) Then as a class we came up with 7 core questions and then I came up with 7 more of my own, for a total of 14. Next was to sit down and come up with some learning objectives that I want to achieve during this interview, which are listed below.
1. I’d like to communicate efficiently with an international student despite the language barrier.
2. I’d like to get a better view/ broaden my horizons from a student who grew up in a different part of the world.
3. I’d like to understand his or her culture, compare it to my own, and from there analyze the major differences.
4. I’d like to learn and experience the basic fundamentals on holding an interview.
5. Improve my communicating skills, get to know, and learn from this person.
Eventually I got in contact with John who was the person I ended up interviewing. With the help of my classmate we set up a date and time that would work with his schedule for the interview. To show a little gratitude I brought the interviewee a case of Pepsi to show him that I appreciate him giving up his time. When I got to his apartment I showed him the questions that I would be asking him and explained what class it was for and etc. Then we began the interview which went very well I thought. It ended up not taking as long as I hoped but now I know to have more questions prepared for the next two interviews. After it was all done I listened to my recording and did my best at transcribing it.
Personal Review
I thought the interview went really well other than a few complications that I plan on fixing for the next two interviews. This was the first interview I ever conducted so it was quite exhilarating. I learned a lot about the Chinese culture and views of an international student. Although the interview didn’t last as long as I wanted it to, but it still seemed like all of my questions were answered fully. So my goal is to come up with some more questions for the next two so I don’t run into this same problem. Another thing I noticed after transcribing the interview was that I did a lot of the talking. Not sure if it was because I was nervous or inexperienced at interviewing, most likely both. So that is something I also need to fix in future interviews. Another major problem had been with my recorder. I used an App on my Android phone which ended up not working out so well. Most of it was broken up which I only noticed as I was transcribing it. So therefore I had to pick apart what I had and use that to finish out the rest with memory. For my next interview I plan on purchasing a recorder.
As far as my objectives go I believe I met the majority of them on my first interview. So my goal is on my next few interviews expand on what I already learned and continue learning about other cultures and becoming more experienced with various techniques of interviewing.
Interview Transcription
Jordan: Ok. Well hey John. As you already know I’m doing this for my English class. Kind of weird being recorded huh?
John : Yes.
Jordan: Is that alright if I record you for this project?
John: Yes sure.
Jordan: Thank you sir. But I guess I have a list of questions that I’m going to ask you.
John: Ok.
Jordan: It was the list you went over already.
John: Ok.
Jordan: I guess one of the first ones that we came up with is, What did you find hardest about transitioning to the US? Was there like a culture shock or anything like that?
John: Yes. When I first come here the language/ the communication is very difficult for me because I can’t talk. I can’t get to know more American people. If I have some problem or get into trouble it would be hard for me to communicate and get some local person to help me.
Jordan: Oh I get it. There is a communication barrier. So if you need help it is hard to explain you situation to another person who only speaks English.
John: Yeah. Yeah.
Jordan: So I suppose it would be scary if you were by yourself and had an issue that you needed to discuss with someone.
John: Yes.
Jordan: Well I would be scared as well. That’s very interesting. Well just kind of off this question, how long did you practice or start learning how to speak English in China before you came here?
John: Yes I spend maybe about ten years to learn English.
Jordan: Oh really? Where they hard on you? Yes. Or did you just learn a little bit slowly?
John: Huh It was hard.
Jordan: Yeah I believe it, there’s a big difference between the two languages. But you speak really English really well.
John: Thank you.
Jordan: Yeah so pretty much going off of the first question your biggest trouble was communicating. Was there any other issues? Did Americans speak English a lot fast than you expected?
John: Yes it was a lot different. It was hard to get the point of the conversation and make sense of it sometimes.
Jordan: I know you probably learned proper English when you were in China. Was there any slang in America or anything that gave you difficulties?
John: Yes like the words that have two meanings. For example when I come here I know the word strange. But if you say the word weird I don’t get it. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
Jordan: Oh ok. That makes sense. It’s difficult when you have two different words for one meaning. I could understand that. Alright I suppose we could jump into the next question. I know it’s a little broad but, What were some cultural differences between your culture and here?
John: Yeah sure like the families?
Jordan: What are some differences between family styles in American in comparison to China?
John: The families in China focus on their children. That is the most important thing.
Jordan: Ok, yeah that makes sense. So you kind of noticed since you’ve been here that American families don’t really worry about their kids so much?
John: Yes. The kids or children have more time to do what they want.
Jordan: So you’re saying your parents would tell you what to do all the time?
John: Yes they set up and create my life. Make many decisions for me.
Jordan: Do you like how this is or not really that much?
John: No I didn’t like it that much.
Jordan: Is that part of the reason why you came to America to study?
John: Yes.
Jordan: Well my hats off to you. I wouldn’t mind going to China to see the culture. But I couldn’t imagine going there to learn the language and then go to college to learn in that second language. I can imagine how unbelievably tough that would be.
John: Yes the Chinese language is a very tough language to learn for foreign people, and by foreign people I mean not Chinese.
Jordan: And yeah I’ve heard that. I can also see how it would be the other way around. I heard that English is also a very difficult language to learn from other peoples perspectives.
John: Yes it was a very difficult language to grasp.
Jordan: Is the Vietnamese language similar in anyways to the Chinese?
John: I don’t know? What language?
Jordan:Is there more than one language in Vietnam?
John: Huh, Slam?
Jordan: Oh, are they kind of similar?
John: No not really.
Jordan: Do you think it would be easier to learn that language or English?
John: Yeah English is better.
Jordan: Were there any other major cultural differences that you can think of?
John: Nothing right now.
Jordan: Ok should I move on to the next question?
John: Yes if that is all.
Jordan: This is kind of an interesting question as well. Not sure if it’s to relevant . Who takes care of your finances in the family?
John: Yeah sure. The parents.
Jordan: Is there one parent that handles the finances more than the other?
John: No they both handle them equally.
Jordan: I’m not sure how to word this but does the woman in your country contribute to the income of a family as well?
John: Like do both parents work? Yes it is very common that both the male and female have jobs. It has been this way as long as I can remember it.
Jordan: Ok on to the next question then.
John: Ok sounds good.
Jordan: Have you had any personal experiences with racism since coming to the US?
John: No I haven’t had any personal experiences myself but my close friend had one. He was in a class with all American students and was doing the same work as them but for some reason got lower grade. He talked to the teacher but the teacher just denied and stuck with his decision.
Jordan: Well that’s too bad. Unfortunately there are a lot of people out there like that but I think times are changing quickly to where as racism isn’t quite as big of an issue.
John: Yes I haven’t had any troubles yet so I agree.
Jordan: It’s just kind of funny I grew up in a very small town of 500 people.
John: Oh wow that is a very small town.
Jordan: Yeah it sure was. And it consisted of all white people for the most part who were stuck to their small town views and many of them were very raciest but I’ve noticed that it’s been changing over the years.
John: That is very interesting and good to hear. I don’t think there is any need for racism in this world.
Jordan: I agree. Ok well on to the next question. What were your preconceptions about the US before coming here and how have they changed?
John: No I didn’t have any bad preconceptions of the US before coming here. Mostly everyone was very friendly which was nice to see.
Jordan: Glad to hear it. They don’t necessarily have to be just bad preconceptions. It can be good as well. Just thoughts you had about America before you came here that proved otherwise.
John: Well I heard about the partying lifestyle of college students and it turned out to be true. In China it is not as common. In America it seems as though that is one of the big reasons to go to school.
Jordan: That is really interesting. Is there anything else you would like to add or should we move on to the next question?
John: Yes we can move onto the next question.
Jordan: What is your opinion on the American diet and how does it differ from your home country?
John: Umm yes it seems Americans eat a lot of beef chicken pork turkey. In china vegatarism is more common.
Jordan: Oh ok I understand, the Chinese eat more vegetables in comparison to meets.
John: Yes, and we eat more rice in China.
Jordan: What is a common dish that you would eat at home?
John: We always have soups.
Jordan: Oh so soups are a pretty common meal choice.
John: Yes, that with rice. Not many people here eat rice from what I noticed.
Jordan: Yeah I hear you there. I’m one of those exceptions. Kind of off topic but I dated a Vietnamese girl when I lived in Texas for a few years and she got me hooked on rice, noodles, and interesting soups.
John: Oh ok I can see how that would happen.
Jordan: Alright well I suppose we can move onto the next question. Do you think you’ll have difficulty finding a job after college? Why or why not?
John: Well if I decide to stay in America it could be more difficult for me to find a job because of my slight language barrier.
Jordan: I can see how that may play a small part but your English well continue to improve so hopefully that won’t be an issue. Do you plan on staying in America to find a job?
John: Yes I want to stay here. It’s something different and I like it so far. I just have to work on getting my social security number before I can do that.
Jordan: Ok. Well if you decided to go back to China is it beneficial that you have a college degree in America versus China?
John: Yes it is very beneficial. Some employers in China like that we have an American degree and favor that over Chinese.
Jordan: Oh ok, very interesting. The next question is, Was learning a second or third language your decision growing up or was it pushed on you by your school or family? Why did you decide to learn English?
John: Yes learning English was pushed on me. It was built into the schools curriculum.
Jordan: Oh ok. Did you have a choice between another language such as French?
John: No English was the only class that was taught at the school I went to and it was required.
Jordan: Ok I gotcha. Alright well I suppose we can move onto the next question. This one kind of relates to one of our past questions but here it is. How essential is it to have a post high school education in your country? Would it be tough to find a good job without a college degree?
John: Yes it is very important to have an education in my country. Otherwise just like this country you work a hard job or one that is not so desirable for less money.
Jordan: Oh ok that makes sense. So in a sense it is just like America then? Yes
John: but maybe even more so important. At least in my family where it was really pushed on us to have a good education.
Jordan: That makes sense, well I suppose that’s not a bad thing to push on a individual.
John: No I am glad that I am going to school.
Jordan: Awesome. Ok well the next question is, What did you do to pass the time in your country?
John: Well similar things as Americans. I often enjoyed hanging out with my friends. We’d play basketball or videogames and occasionally go to clubs or bars.
Jordan: Oh really? You like basketball huh? I love playing basketball.
John: Yes I like basketball but I’m not as good as many Americans. I would be one of the last people picked for a team.
Jordan: Nothing wrong with that, it’s just enjoyable to shoot around to relieve stress that’s what I always did.
John: Yes I agree.
Jordan: You mentioned you like to go to bars and clubs. Is there a drinking age in China?
John: No there isn’t a limit.
Jordan: Really? That is awesome. So a 12 year old could go and buy a beer in a bar.
John: Yes, and there is no age limit on when you can start smoking either.
Jordan: Wow that awesome. I think if I grew up in China though I wouldn’t be alive at this point.
John: Yes it kind of sucks because I am 19 and not allowed to drink legally in the US. Where as in China I could. But it’s ok.
Jordan: Yeah that is understandable. Alright well I suppose we can move on to the next question. How is family culturally different between your country and the US? Bigger or smaller families? Is family important above all else or not so much?
John: Yes American families are a lot different. In china a couple are only allowed one child.
Jordan: Oh yeah I remember reading about that. For some people in china it is important for them to have a boy to carry on the name or no?
John: Yes for some people this is the case. It is possible for a family who had a girl to give her up for adoption and then they are allowed to try for another baby.
Jordan: Wow I find this very interesting.
John: Yes so do I cause I always wanted to have siblings.
Jordan: I can imagine that cause I wouldn’t know what to do with out my brothers and sisters.
John: How big is your family?
Jordan: I have three brothers and one sister and they are all younger than me.
John: Wow that is a very large family. So much different than anything you’d see in China.
Jordan: Very interesting, well I suppose we can move onto the next question. The United States is starting to become more and more ethnically diverse as the decades fly by. Is this similar to where you’re from? How so? So like you see a lot of different people from many different countries trying to make a living in America. Do you see the same type of thing in China?
John: No not so much. There are Americans who move to China though to experience the culture and try to better understand and comprehend the Chinese language. For example have you heard of the city Shang hi? My friend is from there and I’m from a smaller suburb close by Shang hi.
Jordan: Oh ok, awesome. Hearing about Shang hi reminds me of that Rush hour movie with Jackie Chan that takes place in Shang hi. Have you seen it?
John: Yes yes I’ve seen it. Very good movie.
Jordan: Oh ok, well the next question is, How does the Climate differ between here in Minnesota and your home country? How did you adjust to the change?
John: Ah yes it is very cold here. It is usually warmer in China.
Jordan: Oh ok. So how cold does it really get in China during the winter?
John: Well it gets to around 10.
Jordan: 10? That is really cold even for Minnesota.
John: Oh no no. I mean 10 Celsius. We use Celsius in China.
Jordan: Oh ok that makes sense. We are the only country that uses Fahrenheit. Pretty smart no? Well and for the last question. Have you worked in the U.S since you’ve been here? Why or why not? And if you have what were some of the biggest challenges for you?
John: No I haven’t worked here yet.
Jordan: Well that makes sense you’re probably trying to focus on your school work and what not.
John: Well when I first got here we were in this program for a year to help us better understand the English language and now I’m starting my freshman year in this school. I hope to get a job on campus next semester because that is the only place I can work until I get a social security number.
Jordan: Oh really? I guess that makes sense but I would of figured that international students would be an exception to the rule. Like you guys would get some other temporary paper work that would allow you to work in this country?
John: I’m not real sure how that works but I’m looking forward to getting a job on campus next semester. Oh ok sounds good. Well I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you letting me interview. You were really a lot of help.
John: No problem it was real enjoyable.
Jordan: Ok Thanks again John.
China Country Report
China is clearly one of the oldest civilizations that is present today. This is shown by their vast amount of history, culture, and art that thrived very well before the 19th century. China is located in eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, and Vietnam. With the total area relationship being slightly smaller than the United States with a total of 9,596,961 sq km, it has the highest population over any country in the world at 1,336,718,015. The standard language of The Peoples Republic of China (AKA China) is Mandarin.
China's geography causes an uneven population distribution; 94 percent live in the eastern third of the country. The coastal areas of China tend to be the most economically developed and because of this many poorer people from bigger cites tend to migrate there in hopes to find work and prosperity.
The Han Dynasty (206 A.D.-226 B.C.) seems to be when the country of China flourished. Due to their military power and advancements at the time they created an amazing age of art, politics, and technology. Many ethnic Chinese still refer to themselves as the "People of Han," and Han Chinese consist of roughly 92 percent of the total country's population.
There aren’t many cities in America or many other countries where you can’t find delicious Chinese food of some sort. Rice is a major food source for the Chinese people. Other than to be eaten as a solid the Chinese also use rice to make beers, wines, and vinegars. In northern China people heavily rely more so on flour based food such as noodles, breads, dumplings, and steamed buns. Noodles are a symbol of longevity and good health according to their traditions. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that between 2001 and 2003 12% of the total population was malnourished.
Although religion is not banned by the constitution of Peoples Republic of China, it is not encouraged. The three most commonly practiced religions are Taoist, Buddhist, and Muslim.
The capital of China is Beijing with a total population of 10,849,000. Also the power or government lies within the Chinese Communist Party.
China is such a huge country with so much culture and history it’s hard to hit any of the main points thoroughly without writing a novel. The GDP of this country quadrupled between 1978 and 1998 so going off of this trend I suspect as the years go by, China is going to have a very large influence on this world. This is definitely a country I hope to visit someday.
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