Cross-Cultural Interviewing

Cross-Cultural Interviewing

Cross-cultural  communication anxiety and uncertainty are common elements experienced  by everyone despite their cultural orientation. Understanding this  shared concern will help us empathize with others in intercultural  communication. This week, you will better understand the dynamic of  interacting with a person from a different culture. You will experience  some anxiety as the interviewer, but the person you will be interviewing  might also be anxious. Keep this in mind.

It is finally here; you are ready to give  the interview! You have prepared culturally sensitive questions, you  have been building a comfortable relationship with the interviewee, and  you have selected a time and place that works well for the interviewee.  Next, consider the following tips from “9 Tips on Conducting Great  Interviews” (Israel, 2012) that will help your interview be a success.

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Cross-Cultural Interviewing

APA

1. Start slow, creating a safe environment for interviewee.
2. Coax your interviewee into revealing information. Don’t hammer them.
3. Ask open ended questions.
4. Ask questions you don’t know the answers to – allow yourself to be surprised.
5. Allow interviewees to go off-topic a bit.
6. Don’t send questions ahead of the interview.
7. Be prepared – do your research.
8. Listen to your interviewee.
9. Avoid dumb questions.

Interview Questions

Name of Interviewee:

Question 1:
Can you share a bit about your cultural background and how it has shaped your values and beliefs?

In asking this question, I  hope to gain insight into the interviewee’s cultural identity and how it  influences her worldview. Understanding this helps set the tone for a  respectful and open conversation. It allows her to express pride in her  heritage and helps me recognize any traditions or values that are  important in her life. A possible follow-up might be: “Are there  specific traditions or practices you continue to follow today?”

Question 2:
What challenges have you faced while navigating cultural differences, either at school, work, or in your community?

This question aims to  explore the social or institutional challenges the interviewee might  have experienced due to her cultural background. It helps bring  awareness to systemic issues or everyday interactions that can affect  one’s sense of belonging. I’ll encourage further discussion by asking,  “How did you overcome those challenges?” or “Did you have a support  system during those times?”

Question 3:
How does your family maintain cultural traditions, and how do those practices influence your daily life?

Here, I hope to learn how  cultural practices are preserved within the family unit and how they  shape behavior or routines. This can include language, food,  celebrations, or religious observances. A good follow-up might be: “Do  you plan to pass these traditions on to the next generation?” or “Are  there any you’ve adapted to fit your current lifestyle?”

Question 4:
Have you ever felt misunderstood or misrepresented because of your cultural background?

This question can reveal  experiences of stereotyping or cultural insensitivity, which are  important for understanding how individuals experience identity in  broader society. It also allows the interviewee to voice how they want  to be seen or understood. I would follow up with, “How do you usually  respond in those situations?” or “What do you wish people understood  better?”

Question 5:
What role does language play in your cultural identity?

This question can help  uncover the emotional and practical significance of language in the  interviewee’s life. Language is often deeply tied to culture, so  understanding whether she is bilingual or has experienced language loss  can be insightful. Follow-up questions might include, “Do you feel  different when speaking one language versus another?” or “Is language  something you prioritize teaching in your family?”

Question 6:
What advice would you give someone who wants to be more culturally aware and respectful?

This closing question is  designed to allow the interviewee to offer perspective and wisdom from  her lived experience. It can lead to practical suggestions or  reflections that promote inclusivity and empathy. I might follow up  with, “Is there something you wish more people would do or stop  doing when interacting across cultures?” to deepen the conversation