Cultural Interview: Pick A Person To Interview Who Has Had A

Cultural Interviewpick A Person To Interview Who Has Had A Different C

Cultural Interviewpick A Person To Interview Who Has Had A Different C

Cultural Interviewpick A person to interview who has had a different cultural experience than you. Maybe the person or person’s family is from a different region or country. Other forms of diversity or difference are acceptable too. You may interview someone of any age, and it is OK if he or she is a co-worker, neighbor, friend, relative, spouse, or someone else you know. However, please keep in mind the spirit of the assignment.

If you are interviewing someone you know well, please work hard in the interview to gain a deeper insight and appreciation for their experience. Please conduct the interview face-to-face, through Skype/Face Time, or over the phone. The interview should be a minimum of 20 minutes long. Please take notes during the interview. If the interviewee gives you permission,you can record the interview to help you later when writing your assignment.

It is not required to record or video tape the interview. You will not be turning in any recordings. You will be turning in a written assignment based on your interview. Written Assignment Overview: Write a two-page essay about your interview experience. Your essay should include an introduction of your interviewee, summary of the interview answers in essay format, discussion of how the interview content relates to course concepts, and a final section with some concluding thoughts about the interview experience. You will be required to use the following headings: Introduction, Summary of Interview, Culture & Geography, and Conclusion.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of conducting a cultural interview provides a valuable opportunity to explore the diverse experiences that shape individuals’ identities and perspectives. For this assignment, I selected Mr. Ahmed, a first-generation immigrant from Syria, whose background offers a compelling insight into how culture and geography influence personal experience and worldview. The interview provided not only an opportunity to learn about his life journey but also to reflect on broader concepts of cultural diversity, adaptation, and resilience.

Mr. Ahmed is a 35-year-old man who moved to the United States with his family four years ago. He emigrated from the city of Aleppo, Syria, amidst the ongoing conflict, seeking safety and stability for his family. During our interview, he shared details about his early life in Syria, emphasizing the significance of community, tradition, and the challenges of displacement. His story epitomizes the profound impact of geographic and cultural displacement, illustrating how environment shapes cultural practices and perceptions.

Summary of Interview

In describing his background, Mr. Ahmed highlighted the importance of family and religious practices within Syrian culture. He discussed how their daily routines, festivals, and social gatherings are rooted in longstanding traditions that foster a sense of community and continuity despite the upheavals of war. He explained how these cultural bonds provided comfort and strength during their migration journey.

Regarding his adaptation to life in the United States, he spoke about the initial cultural shocks, such as language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, and differences in lifestyle. However, he noted that his resilience and strong community connections helped him navigate these challenges. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural practices, such as celebrating Ramadan, which provided a sense of normalcy and connection to his roots.

Culture & Geography

The geographic shift from Syria to the United States marked a significant change in Mr. Ahmed’s environment, impacting his cultural expression and worldview. In Syria, cultural practices are deeply intertwined with the local landscape and historical context—traditional crafts, cuisine, and social norms are a reflection of the region’s history. Upon relocating, he noted how the American environment encouraged new forms of cultural expression, including participation in multicultural communities and exposure to diverse lifestyles, which broadened his understanding of identity and adaptation.

This transition underscores the influence of geography on culture by demonstrating how environment constrains or enables cultural practices. For Mr. Ahmed, moving from a war-torn landscape to a multicultural society facilitated a blending of traditions and new cultural identities that are still evolving. His experience exemplifies how geography and environment are critical components shaping cultural interaction and individual adaptation.

Conclusion

The interview with Mr. Ahmed profoundly deepened my understanding of how cultural identity is shaped by geographic and social environments. It highlighted the resilience of individuals navigating displacement and the importance of cultural continuity amidst change. Engaging with his story reinforced the significance of empathy and appreciation for cultural diversity, enriching my perspective on the complex interplay between environment, culture, and personal identity. Overall, this interview experience exemplifies the importance of embracing diversity to foster understanding and coexistence in a globalized world.

References

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• Levitt, P. (2007). God Needs No Citizenship: Immigrants and the Changing American Political Landscape. Harvard University Press.
• Berry, J. W. (2005). Acculturation: Living successfully in two cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(6), 697-712.
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• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Fanon, F. (2008). The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press.
• Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity at large: Cultural dimensions of globalization. University of Minnesota Press.
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• Castles, S., de Haas, H., & Miller, M. J. (2014). The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World. Palgrave Macmillan.