Interviewing Someone from Another Culture, Essay Example

The interviewing process allowed for some interesting observations to be made about my partner’s culture.  There were some noticeable differences made between the two cultures in the concentrated area.  The interview produced a number of interesting perspectives that are not normally recognized when one engages inside one’s own culture.

The Interview

The interview was conducted in order to differentiate between the two cultures as expressed between the interviewee and myself.  Seeking to concentrate on a definitive area, nonverbal communication and expression in language was chosen.  This was one area in which differences were expected.

The questions that were asked were keyed on this area.  The area of emphasis was foremost that of nonverbal communication.  That is, the presence and tendencies inherent in body language, eye contact, and other methods of nonverbal communication that may be present in modes of communication.  Additionally, an emphasis was placed on expression in language.  Seeking to gather information revolving around the expressions and mannerisms in language was a follow-up to the first and major point of emphasis.

During the interview, follow-up questions were an integral component of the dynamic in the interview.  Such questions were centered on the differences present in various types of conversations.  For instance, nonverbal communications may certainly be different in certain situations, such as those with friends, family, and other less comfortable situations for individuals.

These questions were designed to incorporate many dynamics inside the culture.  Nonverbal communication is differentiated across cultures, and there was a certain target present for the interviewee in terms of perspective.  Thus, certain determinations were able to be made.

Results

The determinations that were able to be made were particularly revealing.  The results did indeed capture all of the major objectives of the interview, prior to its occurrence.  The nature of the follow-up questions were interestingly able to capture the personality of the interviewee as well, as the interviewee was free to talk about one’s perceived notions of the differences between the two cultures.

The results revealed a lesser presence on nonverbal communication.  The interviewee expressed that nonverbal communication was less relied upon in the interviewee’s culture.  The direct form of communication, in terms of verbal communication, was used in communication more prominently.

The secondary objective revealed the lesser presence of emotions in communication.  In this culture, emotions are utilized quite prominently, in my opinion.  However, the interviewee expressed that the interviewee’s culture did not make use of emotions in communications as much, and certainly more so in conversations that were more formal.  It seemed as if though, even in conversations that are more formal, that emotions are more present in my personal culture, as gathered from the interviewee.

Conclusion

The interview maintained a great deal of significance.  The interviewee expressed a number of interesting observations that added to the knowledge of nonverbal communication and expression.  It resulted in a rewarding experience for myself and the interviewee.