Interview

My target respondents were international students from china. I met Chen L over lunch at the college cafeteria and began by telling him all that I knew about China and whether he would be comfortable if I asked him questions about his country. This was aimed at creating a rapport with him.

Report on country and culture

China is the most populous country in East Asia with a population of more than 1 billion people. Its capital city is Beijing and a communist government governs it. The authorized language of the country is standard Mandarin. Other than its population and its strength in the economic sector, China has other points of interest such as the Great Wall, Terracotta army, the Forbidden City, Hong Kong Disneyland and K2, the second highest mountain on earth. The Chinese society emphasizes a family centered communitarianism at the core of its culture. This makes a clear distinction between China and most Anglo- Saxon states. There are key words essential in understanding the Chinese culture. They include Guanxi, Requing, Li, Keqi and Lian (Giskin, 2001).

Guanxi, a Chinese word meaning relations, is the most imperative cultural characteristic of the Chinese people. It is understood as reciprocal obligation, which necessitates a special relationship between an individual with the other members of the society such that everyone and anyone can make unlimited demands on each other. Reign is an essential trait in Chinese social interactions. It covers the area of social expressions such as the provision of complements or condolences and giving of gifted in appropriate occasions. Li focuses on the rule of conduct in any situation. It stresses the importance of basing every mode of conduct on certain Chinese principles. These principles necessitate the essence of doing proper things with the right individuals in the appropriate relationships. Keqi emphasizes the need for courtesy as a basic norm perceived by the Chinese in their daily interactions. Lian can be interpreted to mean face. This is a trait unique only to the Chinese culture. In this culture when an individual loses face, he loses his reputation. This trait is even evident in the Chinese way of conducting business. During their negotiations, they act cautiously and slowly from the notion of face. It is always difficult for any Chinese negotiator to create reductions due to face consciousness. These cultural traits help define Chinese ways of association. They are also essential in the definition of the way their relationships with other states are governed (Giskin, 2001).

Interview transcription of my interview with Chen L

1-     What is your name and where are you from?

Chen L from Jiangsu province in Eastern China

2-     What do you do for leisure?

Playing badminton

3-     Could you please tell me about yourself?

I am a 21-year-old man from China. I love playing badminton for leisure. Currently I am an international student in the United States studying literature at St. Cloud State University.

4-     How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

I maintain a weekly telephone communication with my parents. My siblings and I interact on a daily basis through the social media.

5-     What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, Date, Origin, and etc.,)

Lunar New Year also known as Frostiest Spring is the biggest holiday in China. The double seventh festival also known as the Chinese Valentine’s day meant to celebrate the meeting of loved ones.

6-     In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?

I am a Buddhist and it is relatively difficult to practice this religion in the US because there are very few temples and the idolatry perspective that the national have on my religion.

7-     Tell me some important things from your culture?

It is concerned with maintaining harmony with face and cherishes friendships. The man (husband) is the head and ruler of the house.

8-     What is the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?

American culture is dominated by self-reliance and individualism. Chinese culture places high value on group cooperation. In China, ascribed status defines a person’s worth but in America; an individual achievement such as level of education defines a person’s status.

9-     What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?

I would like to initiate a literacy campaign in my rural home and empower my society with literacy skills before seeking postgraduate studies.

10-  Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you! (mandatory question at the end)

What do you love about your country?

11-  Do you like the weather in St.Cloud? Please explain.

Yes, because it has relatively low temperatures that allows me to dress in light and trending clothes.

12- Do you have any quistion ?

      No thank you and good luck for your class .

Thanks my dear for your time .

 

 

 

References

Giskin, H. (2001). An introduction to Chinese culture through the family. Albany, NY: State

Univ. of New York Press.