Interview Preparations
I decided to interview Mohammed, because I have an interest in African culture, and was unable to reach a fellow classmate. I texted him on May 14th and explained to him that I had a school project in which I needed to interview an international student. I asked him if he would be willing to help me out with that. He agreed to do it, and we set the interview up for later that week so that we could be on his schedule. On May 18th I texted him and reminded him that we would be meeting up that day. He offered to just meet me at my apartment, and said he could be over within the next couple of hours. At 3:15 he showed up, and we started the interview. We conducted the interview at my dining room table, and I recorded everything on my phone from which I placed on the computer.
Interview Report
I am pleased to say that the interview went very well. Mohammed was very willing to answer any questions that I had, and added in a lot of exciting details. Any interview goals I had were met and then some. A lot of what he had to say really surprised me. It is interesting to see how much different regions in Africa are. I was surprised at how smoothly the interview ran, it almost seemed more like a conversation than anything else. Mohammed came here for a better education, and for more freedom. He knew that he wanted to do something in tourism, and he figured that America would be the best place to study. Talking to Mohammed got me extremely interested in what other people had to say, therefore I am happy that my first interview went well and that there are more to come.
Country Report
The Republic of Guinea is a country located in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic ocean. It is about the size of Oregon, and is generally hot and humid. French is the official language of the country; however, other ethnic groups within in the country each have their own language. They have had a history of authoritarian rule ever since gaining independence from France in 1958. Their government is modeled after the French. The country has over half of the world's bauxite reserves.
The main mode of transportation in Guinea is the automobile. Most people now own their own cars, but taxis that charge per seat are still a popular choice as well. Railways are abundant in the country, but airways are still intermediate. Islam is the main religion in the country. Approximately 85% of the population is Muslim, 8% are Christian, and 7% hold traditional animist beliefs. Only 40% of children attend school in the country, and the literacy rate is one of the lowest in the world at 29%.
Sources
Interview Transcription
K = Kelsey
M = Mohamed
K: Hello Mohammed, and thank you for agreeing to take this
time to do an interview!
M: No problem, my pleasure
K: What are the typical greetings in your country and what
do they mean?
M: French is the official language of the country, so the
people who are educated typically do the greetings in French such as Bonjour. However,
there are 3 other dialects of the country but the greetings are much the same
meaning as here, good morning, hello, goodbye, and such.
K: When two people meet, what are the greetings? Is it
similar to the French greeting consisting of a handshake and kiss on the cheek?
M: Handshakes mainly are used, especially between men. However,
if it is a close friend from high school you might give them a hug.
K: Can you describe a typical day for a child in your
country?
M: Like what age?
K: Say younger 10,12
M: Well if they are in school they will wake up in the
morning, get ready and have breakfast.
K: What are some typical breakfast foods?
M: Milk and cocoa mix, and French bread with jelly is
probably the most popular breakfast. Some other families make almost like an
oatmeal mix though with corn.
K: And then after breakfast?
M: After breakfast they will go to school from 8am until
noon and then get a break.
K: Do the schools require uniforms?
M: Yes, it is khakis and a blue shirt. In college there are
not uniforms. At noon they go home to have lunch. The main meal is typically
rice with some type of sauce; it can be tomato sauce or something. Then they go
back to school until 4 o’clock and then come home, play with friends go
fishing, play soccer, etc. Then at nighttime children might watch some TV
before bed, but then hear stories from mom and dad.
K: Are the stories written in children books, or tales
passed down?
M: The books are usually based upon things that have
happened in the country to teach the children early on.
K: What type of government is in charge?
M: It is much like the United States, it is a democracy.
K: What is the main mode of transportation?
M: We have everything like here in the United States, but
cars are biggest as well.
K: Ok, do children bus to school?
M: It actually depends on where you live, because usually if
you are close children walk. However, some children ride with parents or take a
taxi.
K: What age do you start school?
M: At 3 years old, children go to preschool
K: Is there a lot of stress on children to go to school?
M: Early on, not really school is just a fun environment to
be in. Then when children get older they are under most stress in a successful
family because the family is expecting you to do well. Without the
expectations, it is not very successful because some of the people have a hard
time finding a job with a degree if they are not from a successful family. It
varies on family dynamics. The majority of the population is uneducated.
K: Oh that’s interesting!
What are some of the religious holidays that are celebrated in your
country? And what are the traditions?
M: Um, well it is mostly a Muslim community so we celebrate all
the Muslim holidays. Ramadan, the end of fasting; and another holiday after
Mecca where people sacrifice a lamb are the two biggest ones. However, we also
have Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas that are celebrated and no
body goes to work.
K: Does every family sacrifice the sheep, and who is
responsible?
M: Yes, every family does it if they can afford it financially. It is also the mom or dad that does it, it depends on who is financially responsible for the family.
M: Yes, every family does it if they can afford it financially. It is also the mom or dad that does it, it depends on who is financially responsible for the family.
K: Oh so, the head of the house?
M: Yes
K: That is interesting! Do you have any daily rituals in regards
to your religious beliefs?
M: Yes, Muslims pray 5 times a day. The hours very but usually the times are around 5:30am, 1:00pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Those are the five mandatory prayers for every Muslim. We also donate a percentage of our money to the church.
M: Yes, Muslims pray 5 times a day. The hours very but usually the times are around 5:30am, 1:00pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Those are the five mandatory prayers for every Muslim. We also donate a percentage of our money to the church.
K: Ok, and what are the famous sports in your country?
M: Soccer, big thing
K: Alright, what countries foods do you like most?
M: Well I am a big eater so I like both, but my favorite food is a dish that my mom makes called Yasa. It is grilled or baked chicken with onions, mustard, and olives, a lot of different ingredients made with rice. I could eat that stuff every day!
M: Well I am a big eater so I like both, but my favorite food is a dish that my mom makes called Yasa. It is grilled or baked chicken with onions, mustard, and olives, a lot of different ingredients made with rice. I could eat that stuff every day!
K: Are there any differences between America food and from
your country?
M: Most definitely, some families will eat some European meals at nighttime if they are well off type of deal, or during holidays. But otherwise the main dish is rice.
M: Most definitely, some families will eat some European meals at nighttime if they are well off type of deal, or during holidays. But otherwise the main dish is rice.
K: Alright, could you tell me a secret about yourself that
very few people here know, one that shows us who you are and what you stand
for?
M: Wow, what a deep question! I stand for equal justice for
all, I get really frustrated when I hear about discrimination cases such as
right now what is going on at St. Cloud State. I’ve been talking to minority
professors, and they don’t have as much opportunity for promotion that their
Caucasian counterparts do. Minority students have also complained, and that
really bothers me.
K: Is that something that is highly promoted from where you
come from?
M: Yes, absolutely.
K: That is always a good thing! Is discrimination a problem?
M: Discrimination does exist, but at a tribal level. Certain
ethnic groups do feel like they are not entitled to some things that others
are. However, that is only during political and election time. Everywhere else
they go they feel accepted.
K: Ok, and then just one more question for you.
M: Ok
K: What can SCSU do to make your stay here on campus a
little better?
M: Work on diversity, have more diverse professors and
programs. Also, really make sure that international and foreign students are feeling
very accepted into this institution.
K: I can certainly agree with you there with the growing
population!
M: Exactly
K: Well ok, that concludes my questions for you; do you have
any questions you’d like to ask me?
M: No, that is ok
K: Alright well I certainly appreciate you’re time. Thank
you for agreeing to help me out with this! You had a lot of interesting things
to say!
M: Absolutely, anytime!
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