Monday, November 26, 2012
My final topic
My final topic will be about the differences between students in the U.S and Vietnam. I've been to the U.S for almost 3 years and I think it's interesting to make a comparison.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Evaluation the second and the third interview
The 2nd interview:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AohaV-Lb7l-6dC0xT2t4N0lWeW9uWmczVHlUWDdwREE
The 3rd interview:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AohaV-Lb7l-6dEJFVnJCSC1aUVR4d1p6MUE1eExRV3c
1st: Gerry, Jonathon M
He made a great interview with many good questions.
2nd: Tran, Quyen H
She did a long interview and very specific
3rd: Phung, Trang T
Her interview is fun and I learned a lot from her interview also.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AohaV-Lb7l-6dC0xT2t4N0lWeW9uWmczVHlUWDdwREE
1st: Louzolo-Nkindou, Chancelvie B
She did a really great job. Everything's in details. I learned a lot of new things from her interview.
2nd: Phung, Trang T
She did a very interesting interview.
3rd: Tran, Quyen H
Her country report is very specific.
The 3rd interview:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AohaV-Lb7l-6dEJFVnJCSC1aUVR4d1p6MUE1eExRV3c
1st: Gerry, Jonathon M
He made a great interview with many good questions.
2nd: Tran, Quyen H
She did a long interview and very specific
3rd: Phung, Trang T
Her interview is fun and I learned a lot from her interview also.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Interview a Chinese
Interviewer: Thanh Dao
Interviewee: Jiayu Wang
Preparation:
China is a big country and has a huge affection on the world. It's developing very fast and strongly. And even though the Chinese communication in St Cloud State University is large, I don't have any Chinese friend in here. Luckily, I asked my friend if he can introduced me one and he helped me. He gave me the number of Jiayu - the one I was going to interview. Jiayu asked me if I can go to the Shoemaker hall but I didn't know where it was so we decided to meet at ECC. Before come to meet him, I went to the library and print out the questions. I prepared the same questions I got for 2 previous interviewees.
After the interview:
I think I finished this project well. China is a big country with a large population and a long history. Also, Jiayu is a very friendly person. Even though his English is not so good and he couldn't answer some of my questions. For example, he doesn't know what "troublemaker" is and I found a hard time to explain for him. Anyway, he tried his best to answer all of my questions. I think he did enjoyed the interview and I did, too. Our conversation is not so long but it still gave me a lot of information. Now I understand more about Vietnam's neighborhood's people - Chinese.
Country Report:
China is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country. It's the country has the largest population with the number of population has reached 1.3 billion. That's why the government in this country limited each couple can only has 1 child. China only has one single-party calls Communist Party of China.
China has has a numerous historical incarnations. The first unified Chinese state was established by Qin Shi Huang of the Qin state in 221 B.C. Their main religion is Buddhism. With the rise of Chinese nationalism and the end of the Cultural Revolution, many forms of traditional Chinese art have sparked interest in China and even worldwide. Dragon boat racing is one of the traditional sport in China but the young people in China prefer more soccer and basketball. Their capital is Beijing but the largest city is Shanghai. Coming to China, there are many places you can't keep like: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, etc...
Work Cited: "China." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China>.
The interview
Me: Hi Jiajy, how are you today?
Jiayu: Good. How are you?
Me: I'm good. So how long have you been to St. Cloud State?
Jiayu: St Cloud State? About 5 years. This is my fifth year in here.
Me: Oh really? So are you a senior?
Jiayu: Yeah. I spent my first year in here to study English.
Me: Okay, so this is the fifth year in the U.S too right?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: Okay. So today I'm gonna interview you about your country China. And could you please tell me briefly about your family? What is the value of family in your country?
Jiayu: Ah...there are 3 people in my family: my father, my mother and me. And most of time my father decides everything.
Me: So your father is the head of house right?
Jiayu: Yeah right.
Me: So is it related to gender matter? Does gender matter in your family?
Jiayu: Yeah, most of the time the man in family decides everything.
Me: Okay, let's talk about your home country. Where is your home country?
Jiayu: China?
Me: Oh I mean home city, hometown...
Jiayu: oh have you heard about Suzhou? It's the city beside Shanghai.
Me: Oh, could you please write it down for me?
Jiayu: Yeah sure
Me: Is it a small city or big?
Jiayu: Not small. Actually it's a big city. It's same large as Shanghai
Me: Oh so how does your home country culture different from the U.S culture?
Jiayu: Very different. Have you ever heard about Jiangnang? It's one of the traditional Chinese culture. We have some traditional garden there, and traditional clothes.
Me: Yeah I can see the differences between Asia and America. So could you please tell me about the highlights in your culture? Like what things will make people immediately think about your country?
Jiayu: Absolutely about large population right?
Me: Oh no, something like culture.
Jiayu: Culture? You mean like a part of culture?
Me: I mean like food and fashion...
Jiayu: Oh I think many Americans like Chinese food. Do you like Chinese food?
Me: Yeah, I like Chinese food. So do you know any history of the food in China?
Jiayu: We have a lot of different types of Chinese food actually. Like the foods in different provinces have different features. Kind of sweet, spicy...
Me: Oh okay so let's get back to your city. Could you please tell me a little bit about your city?
Jiayu: My city? It's a very beautiful garden city...
Me: Garden?
Jiayu: Yeah garden. I don't know how to say it... It has a lot of traditional gardens. We have winter there. Very cold...
Me: Ok. So can you tell me how a young person be considered troublemaker?
Jiayu: Troublemaker? You mean the son or...?
Me: I mean like bad people in your country?
Jiayu: Oh. They do bad things, illegal.
Me: Yeah, troublemaker is like something... Of course it's wrong if someone kills people but like troublemaker you know?
Jiayu: Well okay...Troublemaker.. I don't know what does that mean.. Just skip the question. Sorry about that.
Me: That's Okay. So what do you think about the music culture in your country? Is it significant?
Jiayu: Yeah a lot of people, like young people like American music: Pop, jazz. Some old Chinese people like traditional music.
Me: Do you like traditional music?
Jiayu: Some parts. It depends on different types.
Me: So is marriage important?
Jiayu: Yeah sure. China is a traditional country so they think marriage is very important.
Me: But the ratio of boys and girls are very different in your country right?
Jiayu: The ratio?
Me: Like the ratio of boys and girls are born. Many more boys than girls right?
Jiayu: Oh yeah.
Me: So is there still gender/ race discrimination in your country?
Jiayu: Not really. Because China is an open country. I think we're very open.
Me: Okay. So...
Jiayu: I like the food part
Me: Yeah. Let's talk about the food. What food you think is the best?
Jiayu: In China? There are many foods...
Me: What food you like best?
Jiayu: I like? Chinese chicken wings...
Me: Could you please write down the name for me?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: Do Chinese people eat a lot? Like the meal size, is it bigger than America?
Jiayu: Oh no. Not so big.
Me: Do Chinese eat spicy?
Jiayu: One province of China which is called Sizhuan, I can write it down for you. Sizhuan province. All of food in there are spicy.
Me: Do you like spicy?
Jiayu: Yeah I like it.
Me: So did you spend all your time of high school in your home country right? So could you please tell me about the education system in your country?
Jiayu: Yeah. Education system... Okay. Do you want me to start from the high school or?
Me: Yeah elementary school.
Jiayu: Elementary schools in 6 years, so we start from 7 or 8 years old. And when we graduate from that school. We need to take a test, like a middle school test. And the only bad thing is school decides where you go. Where you go to the middle school depends on your test score. And then you spend 3 years in the middle school, and you do the test. then 3 years in high school. And we need 1 more test to go to college.
Me: To go to college?
Jiayu: Yeah, college or university. In China, test score decides everything.
Me: Is the test tough?
Jiayu: Yeah, very tough.
Me: So what's the most important subject in your country generally?
Jiayu: Most important subject..
Me: Like the subject you think you need to focus on it?
Jiayu: Like Math and Chinese, traditional Chinese.
Me: Are there many kinds of Chinese?
Jiayu: Local language? Yeah a lot of it. We got like 50, 60...
Me: 50??
Jiayu: Yeah 50
Me: Do students have to wear uniform everyday in school?
Jiayu: Yeah. Every school.
Me: Do you like it?
Jiayu: I don't like it. It looks bad. It looks strange you know. Strange color and strange haha...
Me: So can you wear short or flip flop?
Jiayu: Yeah I can wear short
Me: But you said like you have to wear uniform?
Jiayu: Uniform yeah. We have different types of uniform
Me: Can you wear flip flop to school?
Jiayu: Umm... No.
Me: Okay. Do a lot of people get a chance to attend college?
Jiayu: Yes. There are a lot of colleges in my country. It depends on your test scores you go to different types or levels of college.
Me: Let's tak about social. What are top 3 social pastimes/hobbies in your country?
Jiayu: Yeah. I think the favorite sports are basketball and football. I can't choose which one is more popular.
Me: So do you think people in your country generally reserve when they meet new people?
Jiayu: Oh no
Me: Are they friendly?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: So how many children can each couple have?
Jiayu: Only one. We have the policy. Each couple can only have 1.
Me: So if each coupe has more than 1?
Jiayu: They will be punished like $5000. Maybe they will lose there job.
Me: Really? So what is your view on tattoo?
Jiayu: It's cool. But it's only for young people
Me: What's the view of your country about tattoo?
Jiayu: It depends on the generation. The old people they don't like it.
Me: So is it considered bad if a girl has tattoo in your country?
Jiayu: It still depends
Me: But you still think it's cool?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: So if I come to China where would you suggest me to go?
Jiayu: Traveling? Beijing for sure. Beijing, Shanghai...and Suzhou, for sure haha
Me: Your hometown? Haha. So which age is considered adult in your country?
Jiayu: 18. Over 18 you can do anything you want
Me: Do you think people in your country are hard worker?
Jiayu: It depends on haha
Me: Are you a hard worker?
Jiayu: Yeah, I have to. haha
Me: So let's talk about religion. I know China is a big country but could you please tell me some religions in your country?
Jiayu: Lots of religions but the predominant is Buddhism.
Me: Buddhism? Do you have Catholic or Muslim?
Jiayu: No. Almost no. We have the Dao Jiao.
Me: So what's your religion?
Jiayu: Buddhism.
Me: So could you please tell me some holidays that you celebrate in China?
Jiayu: Um..Spring Festival.
Me: Is that the Lunar New Year?
Jiayu: Yeah. It's the like Christmas in America. It's the first day of Chinese New Year.
Me: So you have a day off that day?
Jiayu: Yeah we have a week off.
Me: So what do you do in the week?
Jiayu: In that week? We just visit some friends, and get some parties...
Me: Is it the time to spend with families?
Jiayu: Yes. We have families get together and have dinner the day before Spring Festival day.
Me: So could you please tell me about what thing you not like about your country?
Jiayu: The traffic. Everyday
Me: Maybe it just happens in the big cities
Jiayu: No. Every place. Because we have too many people in every city. When we all go to the school, I was always late when I was in my high school.
Me: So what think you like about your country?
Jiayu: I think my country's growing very fast, the GDP, the economy and some of the cultural parts...
Me: And what do you feel proud of your country?
Jiayu: It's developing very fast
Me: Oh okay. So do you have any questions for me?
Jiayu: Uhm.. no. haha
Me: Thank you so much
Jiayu: Thank you.
My record is here.
Interviewee: Jiayu Wang
Preparation:
China is a big country and has a huge affection on the world. It's developing very fast and strongly. And even though the Chinese communication in St Cloud State University is large, I don't have any Chinese friend in here. Luckily, I asked my friend if he can introduced me one and he helped me. He gave me the number of Jiayu - the one I was going to interview. Jiayu asked me if I can go to the Shoemaker hall but I didn't know where it was so we decided to meet at ECC. Before come to meet him, I went to the library and print out the questions. I prepared the same questions I got for 2 previous interviewees.
After the interview:
I think I finished this project well. China is a big country with a large population and a long history. Also, Jiayu is a very friendly person. Even though his English is not so good and he couldn't answer some of my questions. For example, he doesn't know what "troublemaker" is and I found a hard time to explain for him. Anyway, he tried his best to answer all of my questions. I think he did enjoyed the interview and I did, too. Our conversation is not so long but it still gave me a lot of information. Now I understand more about Vietnam's neighborhood's people - Chinese.
Country Report:
China is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country. It's the country has the largest population with the number of population has reached 1.3 billion. That's why the government in this country limited each couple can only has 1 child. China only has one single-party calls Communist Party of China.
China has has a numerous historical incarnations. The first unified Chinese state was established by Qin Shi Huang of the Qin state in 221 B.C. Their main religion is Buddhism. With the rise of Chinese nationalism and the end of the Cultural Revolution, many forms of traditional Chinese art have sparked interest in China and even worldwide. Dragon boat racing is one of the traditional sport in China but the young people in China prefer more soccer and basketball. Their capital is Beijing but the largest city is Shanghai. Coming to China, there are many places you can't keep like: Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, etc...
Work Cited: "China." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China>.
The interview
Me: Hi Jiajy, how are you today?
Jiayu: Good. How are you?
Me: I'm good. So how long have you been to St. Cloud State?
Jiayu: St Cloud State? About 5 years. This is my fifth year in here.
Me: Oh really? So are you a senior?
Jiayu: Yeah. I spent my first year in here to study English.
Me: Okay, so this is the fifth year in the U.S too right?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: Okay. So today I'm gonna interview you about your country China. And could you please tell me briefly about your family? What is the value of family in your country?
Jiayu: Ah...there are 3 people in my family: my father, my mother and me. And most of time my father decides everything.
Me: So your father is the head of house right?
Jiayu: Yeah right.
Me: So is it related to gender matter? Does gender matter in your family?
Jiayu: Yeah, most of the time the man in family decides everything.
Me: Okay, let's talk about your home country. Where is your home country?
Jiayu: China?
Me: Oh I mean home city, hometown...
Jiayu: oh have you heard about Suzhou? It's the city beside Shanghai.
Me: Oh, could you please write it down for me?
Jiayu: Yeah sure
Me: Is it a small city or big?
Jiayu: Not small. Actually it's a big city. It's same large as Shanghai
Me: Oh so how does your home country culture different from the U.S culture?
Jiayu: Very different. Have you ever heard about Jiangnang? It's one of the traditional Chinese culture. We have some traditional garden there, and traditional clothes.
Me: Yeah I can see the differences between Asia and America. So could you please tell me about the highlights in your culture? Like what things will make people immediately think about your country?
Jiayu: Absolutely about large population right?
Me: Oh no, something like culture.
Jiayu: Culture? You mean like a part of culture?
Me: I mean like food and fashion...
Jiayu: Oh I think many Americans like Chinese food. Do you like Chinese food?
Me: Yeah, I like Chinese food. So do you know any history of the food in China?
Jiayu: We have a lot of different types of Chinese food actually. Like the foods in different provinces have different features. Kind of sweet, spicy...
Me: Oh okay so let's get back to your city. Could you please tell me a little bit about your city?
Jiayu: My city? It's a very beautiful garden city...
Me: Garden?
Jiayu: Yeah garden. I don't know how to say it... It has a lot of traditional gardens. We have winter there. Very cold...
Me: Ok. So can you tell me how a young person be considered troublemaker?
Jiayu: Troublemaker? You mean the son or...?
Me: I mean like bad people in your country?
Jiayu: Oh. They do bad things, illegal.
Me: Yeah, troublemaker is like something... Of course it's wrong if someone kills people but like troublemaker you know?
Jiayu: Well okay...Troublemaker.. I don't know what does that mean.. Just skip the question. Sorry about that.
Me: That's Okay. So what do you think about the music culture in your country? Is it significant?
Jiayu: Yeah a lot of people, like young people like American music: Pop, jazz. Some old Chinese people like traditional music.
Me: Do you like traditional music?
Jiayu: Some parts. It depends on different types.
Me: So is marriage important?
Jiayu: Yeah sure. China is a traditional country so they think marriage is very important.
Me: But the ratio of boys and girls are very different in your country right?
Jiayu: The ratio?
Me: Like the ratio of boys and girls are born. Many more boys than girls right?
Jiayu: Oh yeah.
Me: So is there still gender/ race discrimination in your country?
Jiayu: Not really. Because China is an open country. I think we're very open.
Me: Okay. So...
Jiayu: I like the food part
Me: Yeah. Let's talk about the food. What food you think is the best?
Jiayu: In China? There are many foods...
Me: What food you like best?
Jiayu: I like? Chinese chicken wings...
Me: Could you please write down the name for me?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: Do Chinese people eat a lot? Like the meal size, is it bigger than America?
Jiayu: Oh no. Not so big.
Me: Do Chinese eat spicy?
Jiayu: One province of China which is called Sizhuan, I can write it down for you. Sizhuan province. All of food in there are spicy.
Me: Do you like spicy?
Jiayu: Yeah I like it.
Me: So did you spend all your time of high school in your home country right? So could you please tell me about the education system in your country?
Jiayu: Yeah. Education system... Okay. Do you want me to start from the high school or?
Me: Yeah elementary school.
Jiayu: Elementary schools in 6 years, so we start from 7 or 8 years old. And when we graduate from that school. We need to take a test, like a middle school test. And the only bad thing is school decides where you go. Where you go to the middle school depends on your test score. And then you spend 3 years in the middle school, and you do the test. then 3 years in high school. And we need 1 more test to go to college.
Me: To go to college?
Jiayu: Yeah, college or university. In China, test score decides everything.
Me: Is the test tough?
Jiayu: Yeah, very tough.
Me: So what's the most important subject in your country generally?
Jiayu: Most important subject..
Me: Like the subject you think you need to focus on it?
Jiayu: Like Math and Chinese, traditional Chinese.
Me: Are there many kinds of Chinese?
Jiayu: Local language? Yeah a lot of it. We got like 50, 60...
Me: 50??
Jiayu: Yeah 50
Me: Do students have to wear uniform everyday in school?
Jiayu: Yeah. Every school.
Me: Do you like it?
Jiayu: I don't like it. It looks bad. It looks strange you know. Strange color and strange haha...
Me: So can you wear short or flip flop?
Jiayu: Yeah I can wear short
Me: But you said like you have to wear uniform?
Jiayu: Uniform yeah. We have different types of uniform
Me: Can you wear flip flop to school?
Jiayu: Umm... No.
Me: Okay. Do a lot of people get a chance to attend college?
Jiayu: Yes. There are a lot of colleges in my country. It depends on your test scores you go to different types or levels of college.
Me: Let's tak about social. What are top 3 social pastimes/hobbies in your country?
Jiayu: Yeah. I think the favorite sports are basketball and football. I can't choose which one is more popular.
Me: So do you think people in your country generally reserve when they meet new people?
Jiayu: Oh no
Me: Are they friendly?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: So how many children can each couple have?
Jiayu: Only one. We have the policy. Each couple can only have 1.
Me: So if each coupe has more than 1?
Jiayu: They will be punished like $5000. Maybe they will lose there job.
Me: Really? So what is your view on tattoo?
Jiayu: It's cool. But it's only for young people
Me: What's the view of your country about tattoo?
Jiayu: It depends on the generation. The old people they don't like it.
Me: So is it considered bad if a girl has tattoo in your country?
Jiayu: It still depends
Me: But you still think it's cool?
Jiayu: Yeah
Me: So if I come to China where would you suggest me to go?
Jiayu: Traveling? Beijing for sure. Beijing, Shanghai...and Suzhou, for sure haha
Me: Your hometown? Haha. So which age is considered adult in your country?
Jiayu: 18. Over 18 you can do anything you want
Me: Do you think people in your country are hard worker?
Jiayu: It depends on haha
Me: Are you a hard worker?
Jiayu: Yeah, I have to. haha
Me: So let's talk about religion. I know China is a big country but could you please tell me some religions in your country?
Jiayu: Lots of religions but the predominant is Buddhism.
Me: Buddhism? Do you have Catholic or Muslim?
Jiayu: No. Almost no. We have the Dao Jiao.
Me: So what's your religion?
Jiayu: Buddhism.
Me: So could you please tell me some holidays that you celebrate in China?
Jiayu: Um..Spring Festival.
Me: Is that the Lunar New Year?
Jiayu: Yeah. It's the like Christmas in America. It's the first day of Chinese New Year.
Me: So you have a day off that day?
Jiayu: Yeah we have a week off.
Me: So what do you do in the week?
Jiayu: In that week? We just visit some friends, and get some parties...
Me: Is it the time to spend with families?
Jiayu: Yes. We have families get together and have dinner the day before Spring Festival day.
Me: So could you please tell me about what thing you not like about your country?
Jiayu: The traffic. Everyday
Me: Maybe it just happens in the big cities
Jiayu: No. Every place. Because we have too many people in every city. When we all go to the school, I was always late when I was in my high school.
Me: So what think you like about your country?
Jiayu: I think my country's growing very fast, the GDP, the economy and some of the cultural parts...
Me: And what do you feel proud of your country?
Jiayu: It's developing very fast
Me: Oh okay. So do you have any questions for me?
Jiayu: Uhm.. no. haha
Me: Thank you so much
Jiayu: Thank you.
My record is here.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Interview a South Korean
Interviewer: Thanh Dao
Interviewee: Dennis Cho
Preparation:
Dennis is a roommate of my friend in St. Cloud. I believed we will have a great conversation because I would love to know more about Korea. I have some friends from Korea when I was in High school in Wisconsin and they were always proud about their country. I rearranged some questions in order so the interview could be more fluent. I also added a few more questions I wanted to know about Korea for Dennis. He added my facebook when my friend told him that I need to interview a Korean. He seemed very nice. At first I told him to meet at library but he want to meet in Atwood. I was going to interview him on Friday so I knew Atwood will have so many events. Anyways, I said it's okay and we had a quite hard time to find a quite place in Atwood.
After the interview:
I think Dennis is very cooperative with me. Even though he didn't know a lot about the information. We had a great talk even though it's not very long but I still get many information. We laughed a lot in the interview. We did have fun and enjoy it. Now I understand more about Korean culture. My questions covered a lot of things around Korea. Sometimes he misunderstood the question so he answered it in a different way. I explained for him again and guided him to the correct way. Now I have so many more knowledge about Korea and have another friend, too.
Country report
South Korea is a sovereign state, which is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It has a population of 50 million and the capital - Seoul is also the largest city in South Korea with a population nearly 10 million. South Korea used to be annexed by Japan until the end of the Korean Empire in 1910. Nowadays, South Korea is one of the most developed country in Asia with many famous brands spread out all over the world like Samsung, Daewoo, LG, etc...
Most of South Korean are Buddhist and Christian. Christianity is South Korea's largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korean religious adherents. South Korea and North Korea share their traditional culture, but they have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in 1945. Since the success of the film Shiri in 1999, Korean film has begun to gain recognition internationally.South Korean mainstream culture, including televised drama, films, and popular music, also generates significant exports to various parts of the world. Many K-pop stars and groups are also well known abroad, especially in other parts of Asia.
South Korea also has a lot of famous place to visit like Seoul - the capital, Busan - a city with many beautiful beaches and Jeju island.
"South Korea." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Mar. 2012. Web. 04 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea>.
The interview:
Me: Hi, how are you today?
Dennis: I'm good
Me: Today I'm gonna interview you about your country - Korea. So, just tell me a little bit about yourself. How long have you been to the U.S?
Dennis: Actually this is my fourth year in America.
Me: And the first year in St. Cloud right?
Dennis: Yeah. I was in High school for three years. This is my first year in college.
Me: Okay. First I want to ask you about your family in Korea. What's the value of a family in your country?
Dennis: Om... I think is like..It's almost the same for everybody, the most important thing in our lives, and stuff...
Me: So what's your family structure like? Like the head of house...
Dennis: Actually, of course my father is the head of the house.
Me: So is it any related to gender matters?
Dennis: No.
Me: Oh so just you father is the head of house?
Dennis: Yes.
Me: So where's your hometown?
Dennis: Busan - Korea. South Korea, of course.
Me: Yeah. Is it near the capital - Seoul?
Dennis: No, it's totally opposite way of Seoul
Me: So how does your home country culture different from the U.S culture?
Dennis: Culture? Korean are really respect the elders. When we see old people, we say hi first. Even in our own language, we have different ways to say to older people and our ages. I think it's different with American.
Me: Yeah, it's similar to my country, too. So, can you tell me about the highlight in your culture? Like, what things will make people immediately think about your country? Probably like food, clothes or anything.
Dennis: Maybe it's is..crazy about study.
Me: Crazy about study?
Dennis: Yeah, like, in high school, we started at 8 o'clock in the morning, and then ended at 9pm or 10pm. And everybody thinks that study is the most important thing in our lives which is not true.
Me: Oh yeah, but I mean something like about culture...
Dennis: Culture? Actually... Clothing? I don't really know about it.
Me: Really? Like the Hanbok? (I pronounced it incorrectly)
Dennis: Hanbok?
Me: I don't know if I say it right..
Dennis: Hanbok, Hanbok...?
Me: I don't know if I say it right. I mean the traditional clothes of your country?
Dennis: Oh, Hanbok.
Me: Hanbok. Okay.
Dennis: yeah, that's the traditional clothes.
Me: Do you know any history of it?
Dennis: History? I don't know. I just know all people wear it.
Me: Oh okay. So yeah... Can you tell me a little bit about your city? Is it a big or small city?
Dennis: Oh yeah, my city - Busan is the second largest city in Korea. It's near the sea, and we many good beaches. Very pretty. We have a lot of sea food. It's really good city.
Me: Can you tell me about the music culture in your country?
Dennis: Oh, it's not really different between Korean and American music. It's kinda similar I think.
Me: Yeah I think Kpop is very popular now.
Dennis: Yeah, Kpop is popular because of pretty girls and good looking guys in it.
Me: How about marriage? Is it important in your country?
Dennis: I don't think so. These days, people change their minds. They think they don't have to marry because it will take a lot of money to grow children. So they are worried about to have a baby so they don't want to get married.
Me: So it's not important right?
Dennis: Yeah.
Me: How about gender, race/discrimination? Is it still happening in your country?
Dennis: I don't think so.
Me: It's good. So if I come to Korea, where would you suggest me to travel?
Dennis: Seoul, actually. It's the capital so you should go there actually. If we have time, we should come to Busan. Good food.
Me: Yeah, I have some friends from Seoul, too.
Dennis: I think it maybe more fun to go to Seoul, it's bigger than Busan.
Me: So... you study in the U.S since in high school right?
Dennis: Yup
Me: So you have 9 years in Korea? So can you tell me about education in your country? What's the education system in your country?
Dennis : Like what I said before, we stayed all the time at school everyday. Even in middle school we ends at 5, and in high school is at 10. Students are really crazy. Some people they get some pressure and they suicide.
Me: Stressful?
Dennis: Yeah, really stressful.
Me: In your country, do they force you to study any specific subject like...what's the most important subject in your country?
Dennis: Yeah. English and Math are the most important subjects in my country.
Me: Do students have to wear uniform everyday at school?
Dennis: Yup yup.
Me: Every school?
Dennis: I'm pretty sure 100%.
Me: So.. Do you like it?
Dennis: Before, when I was in Korea, I really hate it, but now I'm in America, so I don't really care about it.
Me: But when you're in Korea, do you hate it?
Dennis: yeah, kinda. yeah.
Me: You can;t wear short or flip flop to school right?
Dennis: No, we cannot.
Me: Do a lot of people get a chance to attend college in your country?
Dennis: Ughh..sure.
Me: Everybody has the chance
Dennis: Yeah. But they don't want to go to bad college so they just don't apply for it but they have chances.
Me: Let's talk about food. What's the famous foods in your country?
Dennis: Kimchi, bulgogi, galbi,...
Me: Oh can you write it down for me?
Dennis: Okay.
Me: There's a lot right...
Dennis: yeah
Me: I like kimchi, too... Do you still have it when you come to the U.S? Do you still make it?
Dennis: I don't know how to make it but I can buy it in the Asian store.
Me: Where is it?
Dennis: I don't know... The Vietnamese store.
Me: Oh the Viettien?
Dennis: Yeah yeah yeah.
Me: Okay. So what food do you think is the best?
Dennis: Uhmm I think bulgogi is the best.
Me: Is it spicy?
Dennis: It's not spicy. It's the beef. It's really good. It has special sauce
Me: Do most people in your country eat spicy?
Dennis: Yeah a lot
Me: Do you like spicy?
Dennis: I like spicy but I can't eat the really spicy food.
Me: Me too. So can you tell me top 3 social past time/ hobbies in your country? Like what sports do you usually play?
Dennis: We love to play soccer. But we don't play football like America. And these days people like baseball. In my city we love baseball. And basketball is okay.
Me: Do you like any sport?
Dennis: I play soccer.
Me: That's good. Do you think people in your country generally reserve when meeting new people? Are they friendly?
Dennis: I don't know. I think it's personal thing. It depends on each person. For me, I'm not really friendly to new people. When I'm close, I'm really friendly. But I'm not really.
Me: So do they limit the children each couple have?
Dennis: Can?
Me: Like...as many as you want?
Dennis: yeah, as many as you want. There's no limit for that.
Me: So do you know which age is considered adult in your country?
Dennis: 19.
Me: At that age you can move out or still stay home with your parents?
Dennis: You can move out when you're 18.
Me: 18 or 19?
Dennis: Ah...19. You can drink, you can smoke, whatever you want.
Me: So you can't drink or smoke at 18? Go to pub or?
Dennis: I think if they want, they can do it. They cannot buy it you know...
Me: Oh you have to have ID to buy it?
Dennis: Yeah.
Me: Do you think people in your country are hard workers?
Dennis: Um..kinda..maybe..haha I think... I'm not sure. I'm not a hard worker so I don't know.
Me: What are the different religions in your country? Do you have many religions?
Dennis: yeah, we have most of religions. Like Buddhism, Catholic... We have everything.
Me: So what's the predominant religion in your country?
Dennis: I would say Buddhism. I think so. Maybe
Me: What's your religion?
Dennis: I don't have religion but my parents, they believe in Buddhism.
Me: Let's talk about some special occasions in your country. What are some holidays you celebrate in Korea?
Dennis: Like out own holiday? Or general?
Me: Ah, like your own holiday.
Dennis: August 15th. That's the day we're independent from Japan. We celebrate it.
Me: How do you celebrate it? Do you have fireworks or you just have a day off?
Dennis: Yeah, just a day off.
Me: Can you tell me what things you do not like about your country? And something you like?
Dennis: What I don't like is...um..
Me: Study too much?
Dennis: Study too much, and then boys have to go to the army when they're after 18.
Me: Do you have to go?
Dennis: I have to go.
Me: Did you?
Dennis: Did I? No, I will. Next January
Me: So you have to come back to Korea?
Dennis: Yeah I will go back to December 24th, this year. I just stay here for the first semester and come back to Korean and come back later.
Me: How long you have to go?
Dennis: 2 years. It s...ks..
Me: Can you me about what do you feel proud of?
Dennis: Proud of? Ughhhh
Me: Korean culture spreads out all over the world.
Dennis: Oh, Kpop. I'm really proud of it. A lot of people they like it. Even the Gangnam style. I didn't know it's gonna be that famous. I'm really proud of him.
Me: And also Korean food too...
Dennis: Oh yeah?
Me: Okay, alright. Thank you so much for the interview.
Dennis: Thank you.
MY RECORD
Interviewee: Dennis Cho
Preparation:
Dennis is a roommate of my friend in St. Cloud. I believed we will have a great conversation because I would love to know more about Korea. I have some friends from Korea when I was in High school in Wisconsin and they were always proud about their country. I rearranged some questions in order so the interview could be more fluent. I also added a few more questions I wanted to know about Korea for Dennis. He added my facebook when my friend told him that I need to interview a Korean. He seemed very nice. At first I told him to meet at library but he want to meet in Atwood. I was going to interview him on Friday so I knew Atwood will have so many events. Anyways, I said it's okay and we had a quite hard time to find a quite place in Atwood.
After the interview:
I think Dennis is very cooperative with me. Even though he didn't know a lot about the information. We had a great talk even though it's not very long but I still get many information. We laughed a lot in the interview. We did have fun and enjoy it. Now I understand more about Korean culture. My questions covered a lot of things around Korea. Sometimes he misunderstood the question so he answered it in a different way. I explained for him again and guided him to the correct way. Now I have so many more knowledge about Korea and have another friend, too.
Country report
South Korea is a sovereign state, which is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It has a population of 50 million and the capital - Seoul is also the largest city in South Korea with a population nearly 10 million. South Korea used to be annexed by Japan until the end of the Korean Empire in 1910. Nowadays, South Korea is one of the most developed country in Asia with many famous brands spread out all over the world like Samsung, Daewoo, LG, etc...
Most of South Korean are Buddhist and Christian. Christianity is South Korea's largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korean religious adherents. South Korea and North Korea share their traditional culture, but they have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in 1945. Since the success of the film Shiri in 1999, Korean film has begun to gain recognition internationally.South Korean mainstream culture, including televised drama, films, and popular music, also generates significant exports to various parts of the world. Many K-pop stars and groups are also well known abroad, especially in other parts of Asia.
South Korea also has a lot of famous place to visit like Seoul - the capital, Busan - a city with many beautiful beaches and Jeju island.
"South Korea." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Mar. 2012. Web. 04 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea>.
The interview:
Me: Hi, how are you today?
Dennis: I'm good
Me: Today I'm gonna interview you about your country - Korea. So, just tell me a little bit about yourself. How long have you been to the U.S?
Dennis: Actually this is my fourth year in America.
Me: And the first year in St. Cloud right?
Dennis: Yeah. I was in High school for three years. This is my first year in college.
Me: Okay. First I want to ask you about your family in Korea. What's the value of a family in your country?
Dennis: Om... I think is like..It's almost the same for everybody, the most important thing in our lives, and stuff...
Me: So what's your family structure like? Like the head of house...
Dennis: Actually, of course my father is the head of the house.
Me: So is it any related to gender matters?
Dennis: No.
Me: Oh so just you father is the head of house?
Dennis: Yes.
Me: So where's your hometown?
Dennis: Busan - Korea. South Korea, of course.
Me: Yeah. Is it near the capital - Seoul?
Dennis: No, it's totally opposite way of Seoul
Me: So how does your home country culture different from the U.S culture?
Dennis: Culture? Korean are really respect the elders. When we see old people, we say hi first. Even in our own language, we have different ways to say to older people and our ages. I think it's different with American.
Me: Yeah, it's similar to my country, too. So, can you tell me about the highlight in your culture? Like, what things will make people immediately think about your country? Probably like food, clothes or anything.
Dennis: Maybe it's is..crazy about study.
Me: Crazy about study?
Dennis: Yeah, like, in high school, we started at 8 o'clock in the morning, and then ended at 9pm or 10pm. And everybody thinks that study is the most important thing in our lives which is not true.
Me: Oh yeah, but I mean something like about culture...
Dennis: Culture? Actually... Clothing? I don't really know about it.
Me: Really? Like the Hanbok? (I pronounced it incorrectly)
Dennis: Hanbok?
Me: I don't know if I say it right..
Dennis: Hanbok, Hanbok...?
Me: I don't know if I say it right. I mean the traditional clothes of your country?
Dennis: Oh, Hanbok.
Me: Hanbok. Okay.
Dennis: yeah, that's the traditional clothes.
Me: Do you know any history of it?
Dennis: History? I don't know. I just know all people wear it.
Me: Oh okay. So yeah... Can you tell me a little bit about your city? Is it a big or small city?
Dennis: Oh yeah, my city - Busan is the second largest city in Korea. It's near the sea, and we many good beaches. Very pretty. We have a lot of sea food. It's really good city.
Me: Can you tell me about the music culture in your country?
Dennis: Oh, it's not really different between Korean and American music. It's kinda similar I think.
Me: Yeah I think Kpop is very popular now.
Dennis: Yeah, Kpop is popular because of pretty girls and good looking guys in it.
Me: How about marriage? Is it important in your country?
Dennis: I don't think so. These days, people change their minds. They think they don't have to marry because it will take a lot of money to grow children. So they are worried about to have a baby so they don't want to get married.
Me: So it's not important right?
Dennis: Yeah.
Me: How about gender, race/discrimination? Is it still happening in your country?
Dennis: I don't think so.
Me: It's good. So if I come to Korea, where would you suggest me to travel?
Dennis: Seoul, actually. It's the capital so you should go there actually. If we have time, we should come to Busan. Good food.
Me: Yeah, I have some friends from Seoul, too.
Dennis: I think it maybe more fun to go to Seoul, it's bigger than Busan.
Me: So... you study in the U.S since in high school right?
Dennis: Yup
Me: So you have 9 years in Korea? So can you tell me about education in your country? What's the education system in your country?
Dennis : Like what I said before, we stayed all the time at school everyday. Even in middle school we ends at 5, and in high school is at 10. Students are really crazy. Some people they get some pressure and they suicide.
Me: Stressful?
Dennis: Yeah, really stressful.
Me: In your country, do they force you to study any specific subject like...what's the most important subject in your country?
Dennis: Yeah. English and Math are the most important subjects in my country.
Me: Do students have to wear uniform everyday at school?
Dennis: Yup yup.
Me: Every school?
Dennis: I'm pretty sure 100%.
Me: So.. Do you like it?
Dennis: Before, when I was in Korea, I really hate it, but now I'm in America, so I don't really care about it.
Me: But when you're in Korea, do you hate it?
Dennis: yeah, kinda. yeah.
Me: You can;t wear short or flip flop to school right?
Dennis: No, we cannot.
Me: Do a lot of people get a chance to attend college in your country?
Dennis: Ughh..sure.
Me: Everybody has the chance
Dennis: Yeah. But they don't want to go to bad college so they just don't apply for it but they have chances.
Me: Let's talk about food. What's the famous foods in your country?
Dennis: Kimchi, bulgogi, galbi,...
Me: Oh can you write it down for me?
Dennis: Okay.
Me: There's a lot right...
Dennis: yeah
Me: I like kimchi, too... Do you still have it when you come to the U.S? Do you still make it?
Dennis: I don't know how to make it but I can buy it in the Asian store.
Me: Where is it?
Dennis: I don't know... The Vietnamese store.
Me: Oh the Viettien?
Dennis: Yeah yeah yeah.
Me: Okay. So what food do you think is the best?
Dennis: Uhmm I think bulgogi is the best.
Me: Is it spicy?
Dennis: It's not spicy. It's the beef. It's really good. It has special sauce
Me: Do most people in your country eat spicy?
Dennis: Yeah a lot
Me: Do you like spicy?
Dennis: I like spicy but I can't eat the really spicy food.
Me: Me too. So can you tell me top 3 social past time/ hobbies in your country? Like what sports do you usually play?
Dennis: We love to play soccer. But we don't play football like America. And these days people like baseball. In my city we love baseball. And basketball is okay.
Me: Do you like any sport?
Dennis: I play soccer.
Me: That's good. Do you think people in your country generally reserve when meeting new people? Are they friendly?
Dennis: I don't know. I think it's personal thing. It depends on each person. For me, I'm not really friendly to new people. When I'm close, I'm really friendly. But I'm not really.
Me: So do they limit the children each couple have?
Dennis: Can?
Me: Like...as many as you want?
Dennis: yeah, as many as you want. There's no limit for that.
Me: So do you know which age is considered adult in your country?
Dennis: 19.
Me: At that age you can move out or still stay home with your parents?
Dennis: You can move out when you're 18.
Me: 18 or 19?
Dennis: Ah...19. You can drink, you can smoke, whatever you want.
Me: So you can't drink or smoke at 18? Go to pub or?
Dennis: I think if they want, they can do it. They cannot buy it you know...
Me: Oh you have to have ID to buy it?
Dennis: Yeah.
Me: Do you think people in your country are hard workers?
Dennis: Um..kinda..maybe..haha I think... I'm not sure. I'm not a hard worker so I don't know.
Me: What are the different religions in your country? Do you have many religions?
Dennis: yeah, we have most of religions. Like Buddhism, Catholic... We have everything.
Me: So what's the predominant religion in your country?
Dennis: I would say Buddhism. I think so. Maybe
Me: What's your religion?
Dennis: I don't have religion but my parents, they believe in Buddhism.
Me: Let's talk about some special occasions in your country. What are some holidays you celebrate in Korea?
Dennis: Like out own holiday? Or general?
Me: Ah, like your own holiday.
Dennis: August 15th. That's the day we're independent from Japan. We celebrate it.
Me: How do you celebrate it? Do you have fireworks or you just have a day off?
Dennis: Yeah, just a day off.
Me: Can you tell me what things you do not like about your country? And something you like?
Dennis: What I don't like is...um..
Me: Study too much?
Dennis: Study too much, and then boys have to go to the army when they're after 18.
Me: Do you have to go?
Dennis: I have to go.
Me: Did you?
Dennis: Did I? No, I will. Next January
Me: So you have to come back to Korea?
Dennis: Yeah I will go back to December 24th, this year. I just stay here for the first semester and come back to Korean and come back later.
Me: How long you have to go?
Dennis: 2 years. It s...ks..
Me: Can you me about what do you feel proud of?
Dennis: Proud of? Ughhhh
Me: Korean culture spreads out all over the world.
Dennis: Oh, Kpop. I'm really proud of it. A lot of people they like it. Even the Gangnam style. I didn't know it's gonna be that famous. I'm really proud of him.
Me: And also Korean food too...
Dennis: Oh yeah?
Me: Okay, alright. Thank you so much for the interview.
Dennis: Thank you.
MY RECORD
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