Cultural Interview Speech And Report Assignment ✓ Solved

CULTURAL INTERVIEW SPEECH AND REPORT ASSIGNMENT

Find a member of a culture different than your own. It should be a culture you are not familiar with. Interviews can take place in person, over the phone, or by email. You will be required to ask them a minimum of 10 questions. Your questions will need to cover at least 4 course concepts/ideas (i.e. class identity, discrimination, accommodation). During your speech, make sure to point out the specific concepts you discussed.

After the interview, you need to create a comprehensive report of your experience. This report should be 2-3 pages (12 pt font typed, Arial or Calibri, double-spaced, 1 in margins all around) and include: 1) A very brief overview of the culture (this may require you to do outside research), 2) An overview of the interviewee/pen pal, 3) A summary of what you discussed, 4) Your reactions to this experience, 5) The "interview transcripts" from your verbal interview or print out of all e-mail correspondence (this should include your 10 questions and the interviewee's responses). Note: Your "interview transcript" does NOT count toward your 2-3 page minimum length. 6) A report cover page with your name, the interviewee's name, the assignment, and date.

Paper For Above Instructions

The cultural interview assignment provides a unique opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understand their cultural narratives. In this paper, I will reflect on my cultural interview experience with Maria, a university student from Mexico. I chose to interview Maria due to her unique perspective on Mexican culture, which was largely unfamiliar to me.

Before the interview, I conducted preliminary research to understand the broad aspects of Mexican culture, including its traditions, social norms, and the concept of family, which strongly emphasizes social connections. This foundational knowledge prepared me for more insightful questions during the interview.

During our discussion, I asked her ten questions that aimed to provide insights into her cultural background. I began by asking about her family traditions and how they celebrate significant events, which opened the door to deeper conversations about her values and beliefs. Maria explained that in her culture, family gatherings are central and are often marked by large meals, music, and dance, reflecting a communal spirit.

Next, I inquired about her educational experiences. Maria explained that education holds a critical place in Mexican society, with significant emphasis placed on obtaining higher education despite socio-economic challenges. We discussed the differences between the educational systems in Mexico and the United States, noting the pressure on students in Mexico to excel academically.

One key concept we discussed during the interview was the notion of 'familismo,' which reflects the importance of family in Mexican culture. Maria explained that familial ties dictate personal decisions, emphasizing a collective over an individual mindset. This insight connects with the course concept of class identity as family roles often determine economic opportunities and social mobility within Mexican society.

Moreover, we touched upon the subject of discrimination, especially concerning Mexican immigrants in the United States. Maria shared her experiences and observations regarding stereotypes faced by her community. This was particularly poignant as we discussed how these stereotypes not only affect individuals but also the broader community's image. It provided a real-world context to understand the discrimination course concept in a cultural context.

After our interview, I found myself reflecting deeply on my experiences. I felt a mix of admiration for Maria’s resilience and a sense of responsibility to advocate for cultural understanding. Her experiences illuminated the struggles and joys of navigating life between cultures. I realized how often cultural nuances are overlooked, which can lead to misunderstanding and discrimination.

The report resulted in my understanding of how essential it is to listen actively — something emphasized in our coursework. I documented our conversation meticulously, ensuring to capture her responses accurately while integrating relevant academic concepts to support my reflections on our discussion.

The transcription of our conversation ultimately included all the questions I posed and all of her responses. This aspect of the report served to delineate our discussion and hold onto the authenticity of her words, making the academic points more relevant and personal.

In summation, this cultural interview not only met the assignment requirements but also enriched my understanding of cultural dimensions. As global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world, we have a responsibility to engage with, learn from, and celebrate our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. In my report on the experience, I highlighted not only what I learned but also how the process has reshaped my perspectives and responses to cultural differences.

References

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