My first interview with Ibrahim Al

My first interview with Ibrahim Al

1.    Interview Preparations

l  Description of preparations:

At first we wrote the objective in the class, and the objective answers the questions of “why”, with “whom”, and “how”. After that we wrote ten more questions about we want interview or interesting for international students. Before beginning the interview, teacher teach us how to do the interview and how to communication when we as question to international students.

l  How did I approach people?

I am going pursue a bachelor degree of international business from George Fox University in Portland, OR. In 2012, I transferred to St Cloud State University and now I am studying a junior course of majoring in management. I take ESL 202 course at first semester, and I with Ibrahim take same class, he is my classmate, he was very funny, we are sit together for every time. He would like to send some messages about what he do at weekend and communication with me in the class time. I would like to interview my friend Ibrahim and how his microsystem changed his daily life.

l  When, where, and how did I conduct the interview?

I met with Ibrahim in coffee shop at library on the 20th of October afternoon, we interview around 70 minutes. In addition to the interview, I tell some interesting story about my family in China. So, Ibrahim and I have different family backgrounds. Ibrahim lives with his parents, two brothers and younger sisters live in big house it’s like a villa that has three layers in the countryside. His mother used to cook very delicious food at home, and they ate meals together every day. His father was the primary caregiver and had power to control everything for his family. For me, I was the only child in my family and I live in a big villa in the city with my parents and grandmother. My mother is a story woman in the company and she is the primary caregiver in my family. For his family, his parents work in the New York right now, and every break he with her brother will come back to New York with his family enjoying this time. So, we talk a lot of information about family at beginning.

l  Whom did I interview?

As I interviewed “Ibrahim”, I gained knowledge and understanding into a new culture and learned things about a person I have known for a while but never really “known.” Ibrahim is a 22-year-old male is an international student who lives in Saudi Arabia. He grew up in a small town. He came to the United State when he was 18 years old. In 2010, he was going pursue a bachelor degree of study second language of English at the IEC (International English Center) for three years in St Cloud State University and now he was studying a junior course of majoring in management.

2.    Interview report

l  Describe the interview?

The interview was entirely with a good mood because we are very close each other. Actually, we do not need any icebreaker because I already knew most things about him. We have shared our personal and cultural information in many times. However, the only thing that I need to be careful was that it was an interview, not a personal conversation. I did not know how far he could accept about his information, and it was very important thing that I need to consider. The interview lasted about 70 minutes.

l  What surprised me?

Different countries have different belief systems that are based on their own cultures. In order to highlight these differences, I would like to interview my friend Ibrahim and how his microsystem changed his daily life. My microsystem as a child greatly influenced the personality, values, and beliefs that I have today, but if I had grown up in the microsystem of my classmate, Ibrahim, my values and beliefs would likely be very different. Ibrahim and I come from different cultures, so we had very different childhood microsystems. We discussed how different cultural principles work in family, classroom, and traditions.

3.    Country Report

l  Country:

a)      Officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arabic pronunciation (help•info)), is the largest Arab state in Western Asia by land area (approximately 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi), constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula) and the second-largest in the Arab world (after Algeria). It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, Yemen in the south, the Red Sea to the west and Persian Gulf to the east. Its population is estimated to consist of 16 million citizens and an additional 9 million registered foreign expatriates and 2 million illegal immigrants

b)      Saudi Arabia’s geography is diverse, with forests, grasslands, mountain ranges and deserts. The climate varies from region to region. Temperatures can reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the desert in the summer, while in the winter temperatures in the north and central parts of the country can drop below freezing. Saudi Arabia gets very little rain, only about four inches a year on average.

c)      This area of the website offers facts and physical information about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

d)     Here you can read about early Saudi Arabian history, which as part of the Middle East was the birthplace of civilization, and how the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came into being in 1932.

e)      Learn about the Saudi government and how the Kingdom’s political system is rooted in Islam's traditions which call for peace, justice, equality, consultation and respect for the rights of the individual.

f)       Read about the modernization of the Kingdom’s transportation and communications infrastructure and the special emphasis on sports and recreation being accessible to all Saudis.

g)      Facts and figures provide an overview of the physical country, including time zones, currency and more.

h)      Saudi Arabia has the world's 2nd largest oil reserves, which are concentrated largely in the Eastern Province. Oil accounts for more than 95% of exports and 70% of government revenue, although the share of the non-oil economy has been growing recently. This has facilitated the transformation of an underdeveloped desert kingdom into one of the world's wealthiest nations. Vast oil revenues have permitted rapid modernisation, such as the creation of a welfare state. It has also the world's sixth largest natural gas reserves.

l  Languages:

a)      The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. The three main regional variants spoken by Saudis are Hejazi Arabic (about 6 million speakers), Nejdi Arabic (about 8 million speakers[) and Gulf Arabic (about 0.2 million speakers). The large expatriate communities also speak their own languages, the most numerous being Tagalog (700,000), Rohingya (400,000), Urdu (380,000), and Egyptian Arabic (300,000).

l  Religion:

a)      There are about 25 million people who are Muslim, or 97% of the total population. About 85–90% of Saudis are Sunni, while Shias represent around 10–15% of the Muslim population.The official and dominant form of Sunni Islam in Saudi Arabia is commonly known as Wahhabism (a name which some of its proponents consider derogatory, preferring the term Salafism), founded in the Arabian Peninsula by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the eighteenth century, is often described as 'puritanical', 'intolerant' or 'ultra-conservative'. However, proponents consider that its teachings seek to purify the practice of Islam of any innovations or practices that deviate from the seventh-century teachings of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and his companions. Shias face persecution in employment and religious ceremonies.

b)      In 2010, the U.S. State Department stated that in Saudi Arabia "freedom of religion is neither recognized nor protected under the law and is severely restricted in practice" and that "government policies continued to place severe restrictions on religious freedom". No faith other than Islam is permitted to be practiced, although there are nearly a million Christians – nearly all foreign workers – in Saudi Arabia. There are no churches or other non-Muslim houses of worship permitted in the country.

c)      Conversion by Muslims to another religion (apostasy) carries the death penalty, although there have been no confirmed reports of executions for apostasy in recent years. Proselytizing by non-Muslims is illegal, and the last Christian priest was expelled from Saudi Arabia in 1985. There are some Hindus and Buddhists in Saudi Arabia.

·        Culture:

a)      Saudi Arabia has centuries-old attitudes and traditions, often derived from Arab tribal civilization. This culture has been bolstered by the austerely puritanical Wahhabi form of Islam, which arose in the eighteenth century and now predominates in the country. The many limitations on behaviour and dress are strictly enforced both legally and socially. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, for example, and there is no theatre or public exhibition of films. However, the Daily Mail and Wikileaks indicate that the Saudi Royal family applies a different moral code to itself ("WikiLeaks cables: Saudi princes throw parties boasting drink, drugs and sex. Royals flout puritanical laws to throw parties for young elite while religious police are forced to turn a blind eye.") Public expression of opinion about domestic political or social matters is discouraged. There are no organizations such as political parties or labour unions to provide public forums.

b)      Daily life is dominated by Islamic observance. Five times each day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques scattered throughout the country. Because Friday is the holiest day for Muslims, the weekend was Thursday and Friday. Starting on June 29, 2013 the weekend has been shifted to Friday-Saturday to better serve the Saudi economy and its international commitments. In accordance with Wahhabi doctrine, only two religious holidays are publicly recognized, Celebration of other Islamic holidays, such as the Prophet's birthday and ʿĀshūrāʾ (an important holiday for Shīʿites), are tolerated only when celebrated locally and on a small scale. Public observance of non-Islamic religious holidays is prohibited, with the exception of 23 September, which commemorates the unification of the kingdom.

·        Works cited:
 

1)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia   visited 10/20/13

2)    http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/country-information/ visited 10/20/13

3)    http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/satoc.html visited 10/20/13

4)    http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Saudi-Arabia.html visited 10/20/13

5)   http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-religion-saudi-arabia-15694.html visited 10/20/13

6)   http://www.christianpost.com/news/muslim-leader-calls-on-us-obama-to-stop-ignoring-saudi-arabias-religious-freedom-violations-101403/ visited 10/20/13

7)   http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/saudi-arabia-country-profile.html visited 10/20/13

8)   http://www.ethnologue.com/country/SA visited 10/20/13

4.    Interview transcription of my interview with “Ibrahim Al”

I: Ibrahim

Y: Yipeng ( me )

Y: Hi, Ibrahim. How are you?

I: Good. How are about you?

Y: I’m good. Are you ready for the interview?

I: of course, how long we can finish?

Y: I think about one hour. I will do my best to cooperate with you. Actually, I need to record our interview, is it ok for you when we do the interview?

I: It is ok. No problem. I don’t mind.

Y: Thanks you. I will ask you ten core questions same with my classmate s and five question that I made. So totally fifteen questions, and this is the question list. You can check the list (I give him cope for the questions).

I: I think I can answer it, you already hard work for the interview.

Y: Thank you! Let’s we start the interview.

Core Questions:

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

I: sometimes I speak our own country language, and English with each other who come from my country. This is because I want my English get better and usually the ex-patriot community makes great efforts to put together a wide variety of activities, from running clubs to theatre groups, so I can usually find something of interest. I will doubt spend more time with other foreigners than with Saudis, although if it is possible, make sure to get to know American or other countries colleagues as they will provide an entrance to other countries culture.

Y: Yes, sounds good. I would like to take with an American students because that a good way help me study my poor English. And other question is what is the clothing style for men and women?

I: In Saudi Arabia, One thing foreigners will notice when traveling in Saudi Arabia is how much of the body is covered, both for men and for women. To foreign visitors, where people's bodies are constantly on display, this may come as a shock, but in order to be welcomed as a foreigner, you should respect your host country's customs.

·         Saudi men typically wear a traditional dress called a thobe. This is a long, ankle-length, flowing robe-type garment which is usually white or light colored cotton in warm weather and darker colored wool in cool weather. Almost all Saudi men wear a thobe, regardless of their occupation or standing. For special occasions such as weddings, men don a bisht or mislah over their thobe. These are long cloaks in white, brown or black and are trimmed in gold.

·         Saudi women need to wear an traditional dress abaya in public, but she does not need to put the headscarf on, she can just put it round her shoulders. Abaya is a plain black robe worn by Muslim women to cover their regular clothing, it could be described as a long-sleeve robe-like dress and it is the traditional form of dress for many countries of the Arabian peninsula including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. In Iran the abaya is referred to as a chador and in South Asia a burqa. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqab, a face veil covering all but the eyes.

Y: All foreign ladies that I know western or not have and wear it. I have very rarely seen a lady without an abaya outside once only to be honest, she was western and wearing a long black coat. This is for all large cities including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam. Nevertheless she can get used to it very easily as without it she would stand out making things more uncomfortable. In smaller cities, she would need to cover her hair and perhaps even the face ( e.g Abha, Buraydah, etc) Regarding daughter is not, she is very young and does not need to have an abaya before she is a teenager.

I: So good, you do the hard work for my country.

Y: How are women and men treated differently?

I: Yes they are. They can't even drive cars and they have to follow certain rules called the sharia laws. Men have to follow the rules but they are using whole different proses. They have to follow the law and so do men but men have a whole different process. Women where black and are treated fairly. The only thing that I am sure they don't enjoy is that they can’t drive cars. They either has to take taxis, have their husband drive them, or get a person that we as Arabs call swag which drives you where you want to go. I’m sorry but I don't know what those are called. Also when there are some restrictions for women, women in general are treated with much more respect than in the USA. Example: if there is not an extra counter for women only, I never have to stand in line. I as a woman have the right to get served first.

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

I: Relationships are powerful. Our one-to-one connections with each other are the foundation for change. And building relationships with people from different cultures, often many different cultures, is key in building diverse communities that are powerful enough to achieve significant goals.

Y: I think As the United States becomes a more culturally and ethnically diverse nation, public schools are becoming more diverse. And understanding the potential differences between our Western and other cultures’ concept of time and immediacy. So, other question is “Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students?”

I: I’m often treated as "the prize!" People will automatically think you're cool. Just remember that in the U.S. and this is something families had difficulties with their exchange students who were used to more freedom. And exchange students do most things for themselves and are very independent.

Y: They take pride in doing their own work. So, just be polite, offer to help out, participate in family activities, and enjoy yourself.

I: Yes, I think so. I can the best by myself.

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

I: I come to the United States about 4years because my parents work in the New York. So, I come with them together. When I come to the America I hard work to study English and the culture background because I love here, and there is my second home.

Y: Have you been able to visit any other parts of the United States?

I: Yes, when I have time, I like to visit with my friend or my family because the United Sates is a good vacation country in the world.

Y: Yes, I like to. If I have a blue feeling, I like to travel by myself.

What are your home country’s major religions?

I: Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia, and virtually all citizens of the country are Muslim. Although no law formally forbids Saudi Arabian citizens from practicing another religion, in practice it is heavily frowned upon. The legal system of the country is based entirely on Sharia law, and the government has stated that the Holy Quran and the Sunni school of Islam are the nation’s constitution. Those caught proselytizing another faith may be arrested and imprisoned. They may even be sentenced to death.

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

I: I think is a dream and benefit, when I listing Martin Luther King speaking “I have a dream” that make me want to come to the United States because I want have a good future in here and learn more knowledge for university in the Saint Cloud State, and there teacher are very nice because their will help any students who needs help.

Y: I believe you can do it, and your dream will come true. I have few questions I wrote for you, can we do it right now?

I: Ok, no problem.

My Own Questions:

Y: what kind of special food and drink people like it in the Saudi Arabia?

I: Saudi Arabia also strictly follows the dietary restriction of Islam, and haram foods and drinks are not allowed. The dietary restrictions hold true for foreigners living or visiting Saudi Arabia, as well as citizens. Both pork and alcohol fall under the heading of haram; import, purchase or consumption of either of these is strictly illegal and punishable. Most meals consist of a rice staple and a meat, generally grilled chicken or lamb. Other common dishes include fava beans, falafel and shawarma.

Y: what kind of power distance in your family?

I: In my family is power distance is lower because Everyone in Saudi families has equal rights, no matter whether it is a young child or old person, that individual should have a power in this family; and no matter of how old or of what generation in the family. All the family members can talk together and share many ideas or opinions. People can take the advice from their elder family members or not take the advice. They can use their own ideas by themselves.

Y: I think in my family, high power means older age and higher generation in a family. China has a long history about traditional manners; elder people in the family must be respected and have the most power. Parents respect older people who know a lot of things, because they want to learn knowledge from other people and books. Parents also think the elder people must have more experiences, and they should have much knowledge. And other question is “what kind of different classrooms environments in Saudi Arabia”

I: In Saudi Arabia, schools divide into two parties that are all-girl schools and boys’ schools. So most of the teachers in the all-girl schools are females, and a lot of the teachers in the boys’ schools are males. When I went to boy’s schools, he didn’t need to pay a tuition fee for public school, and he ate free lunch at school. But for other students who studied in private schools, they needed to pay the tuition fee for the course but the book was free for students. Ibrahim liked to play sports with his friends after school because he just studied six hours for each day in the school and their school closed at 1 PM.

Y: We have different classrooms environments. In China, I used money to pay the tuition fee for every school that is public or private school. Also, I had to pay when I ate lunch in the school. In addition, most of the teachers in the school were both males and females. When I was in senior high school, students would go to school six days for each week, and I studied in school more than ten hours. After school, I would like listening music and watch TV shows at home.

I: I like Chinese teacher teach style more than own country.

Y: Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you!

I: No. I enjoying with you do the interview time.

Y: Thank you very much. I hope you have a nice day.