Interview
Title: My 3red Interview with Musti M.
Preparations Made
Before the actual interview, I had developed 13 questions. I had a recorder that I would use to record the interview. My interview questions had the objective of comparing the United States and South Africa in terms of culture and social structure. The other objective was to uncover the reasons that prompted the interviewee to choose St. Cloud rather than any other school in the United States or in other countries and his plans after completing studies. The focus of the interview questions was to get information about the interviewee’s schooling and development in their country.
After developing the interview questions, I approached the interviewee through a friend who knew him. Musti and I went to the part of the library where few students studied to be away from inconveniences. We sat across each other on the study table. The location was good because even though there were some people around, it was quiet enough for us to communicate. In addition, the location was convenient because it made the interview casual and less pressurizing. We embarked on the interview without any hitch.
Interview Report
I met with Musti in St. Cloud main library on the 29th of October 2013 where talked for about 45 minutes. I think the interview went well because we discussed the interview questions and even talked more about personal life.
South Africa and Culture
During the interview, Musti uncovered a wide range of information on the educational culture in South Africa. According to Musti, the population of South Africa is high, leading to a high level of competition for available resources and employment opportunities. The need to remain competitive has forced children to come up with unique ways of up keeping with the others. For example, on a normal school day, children attend school from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. They extend study hours so that they can do well in high school and attend prominent universities and colleges.
Musti appreciates the American educational culture in comparison to the South African educational culture. The interviewee feels that the education system in St. Cloud is participatory because teachers tend to encourage the participation of students. Mngomezulu (234) agrees that students in South Africa should be given more attention because the population of students at all levels tends to be on the increase, which makes it difficult for teachers to provide quality education. As of 2012 for example, the population in South Africa was more than 45 million. This made it difficult for leaders in the education industry to manage learning institutions, especially tertiary institutions. Primarily, Musti suggested that the resources used in schools are not sufficient to provide quality education in South Africa hence the preference for St. Cloud.
Apart from the limited number of institutions of learning for South African students, the other problems experienced by learning institutions are associated with inequality and race. Though restructuring programs have been implemented, the incidence of racism and inequality is still high (Mngomezulu 235). The differences are attributed to cultural diversity in the country. That is, the South African culture is diverse with hybrid mixtures of cultures (South African Culture and Tradition Explored).
South Africa has several cultural attractions such as Robben Island where Nelson Mandela- the country’s first president- was imprisoned during the aphatheid era. The South African culture has also been shaped by her music where it depicts variety and diversity of the country’s culture. The music includes classical music, jazz music –common in townships, marabi, pop, and black jazz among others (South African Culture and Tradition Explored).
Interview Transcription of My Interview with Musti M
- Do you like the weather in St. Cloud? Please explain.
Yes- I like exploring new things and I find weather in St. Cloud new and that is why I enjoy it.
- What do you do for leisure?
A lot of things actually, from singing, to dancing and watching movies. Sometimes I engage in adventure exploration of nature.
- Could you please tell me about yourself?
I am a quiet person –largely private and only talk when I feel it is important. I am the only child in my family to attend school abroad and I think I have made my parents proud.
- How often do you communicate with your family back at home?
Communication is like everyday…I communicate with my family and friends by either calling them or through social network and sometimes though texts and emails. I am planning to Skype with them soon…
- What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, ate, Origin, and etc,)
There are several holidays in South Africa but one of the most celebrated in Christmas Day which is celebrated every year on 25th December. Since about eighty percent of our population is Christian, this holiday is very important. On this day, people attend church, engage in singing and dancing, and eat their favorite foods.
- In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the United States.?
Although there is no much difference in religious beliefs between the United States and South Africa, it would be challenging to exercise religious practices here because I find the American pace of singing slower and more reserved than ours.
- Tell me some important things from your culture?
As a Zulu, one important aspect of our culture is tribal dance and song. We normally perform them with vigor. Sometimes we perform them during certain rituals or festivities.
- What’s the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?
My culture is more conservative compared to the American culture which seems to be more liberal. There are some things such as kissing in public that I find rather queer.
- What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?
After graduation, I would like to continue studying and get a part time job here before I go back home. I would like to take skills and knowledge back to my country as a way of giving back to the society.
- Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you! (mandatory question at the end)
I did not expect that…but, would you like to experience South African culture or are you satisfied with your experience with American culture
Answer: I would not mind trying something new…I definitely would like that .
- How does your family feel about you going to school so far away from home?
They found it challenging at first because they were worried that I would not cope with life over here. However, they are becoming more comfortable with time.
- How long have been studying at SCSU?
Less than two years…..am not yet half way through.
- Did you face any racism since you came here?
Not as such…the people I have met are friendly and do not seem to notice that I am different from them.
Works Cited
Mngomezulu, Richard B. Politics and Higher Education in East Africa. Nairobi: African Sun Media, 2012
South African Culture and Tradition Explored. 2013. Retrieved from http://www.southafrica.com/culture/
No comments:
Post a Comment