Cross-Cultural Engagement Paper & Culturagram
Purpose: The purpose of the interview is to understand how a person’s family background and culture impacts their values and life choices, and also to be able to identify a person’s non-verbal expression(s) as they share their story. The interviewee must meet the following criteria:
• The interviewee must not be related to the student (or well acquainted already)
• The interviewee’s cultural background (i.e., ethnicity, race and/or nationality) must be different than the interviewer.
• There should be at least 3 additional degrees of cultural separation (using the “14 Dimensions of Diversity” diagram; e.g., ability, gender, age/generation, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political views, socio-economic status, military status, ability etc.), for a total of 4 differences between you and your interviewee. You must discuss the differences in your paper, not merely list them, which calls for a bit of self-disclosure on your part.
• The interview must take place face-to-face (i.e., via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or in-person, if applicable and safe) and this must be documented in the paper. Interviews cannot be conducted on the phone or through e-mail.
• Using the questions provided in the Elaine Congress article as a starting point, ask your interviewee to address the impact of culture on their upbringing and family system. Pay attention to the interviewee’s verbal and non-verbal communication as they answer the questions
• Gather enough information to be able to create a Culturagram (based on the Elaine Congress article), using the template provided for you on Canvas. Grade: 20 points available toward final grade Submission format: Canvas
Instructions for Paper /Culturagram Please complete a short, typed paper (3 – 5 pages, not including the cover/title page or Culturagram) using 12-point font, double spaced. The paper should be written in narrative format (not question-and-answer interview format).
• Give a short introduction that includes the date, location, and duration of your interview and an overview of your interviewee by providing their first name only, age, ethnicity, general state of health, where they live, and whether they live with someone else or alone. Also, how do you know this person (neighbor, acquaintance)? (at least 2 paragraphs)
• How was the Interviewee selected? How are you different in culture/ethnicity? Discuss the 3 additional degrees of cultural separation using the “14 Dimensions of Diversity Diagram”, provided on Canvas. (at least 1 paragraph)
• Summarize the main points of your interview (must include cultural content on the ten areas identified by E. Congress in the Culturagram article). Be sure to provide specific examples. (at least 2 pages)
• Discuss the level of acculturation of your interviewee (i.e., how “Americanized” are they, compared to their cultural upbringing; at least 1 paragraph)
• Discuss your assessment of any life events or beliefs that appear to have impacted the interviewee (something you noticed/picked up on during the interview with regard to their body language, affect, response, or facial expression; at least 1 paragraph)
• Create a Culturagram, to be attached as a separate document on Canvas or submitted in class to the instructor.
Elaine Congress Questions to Be Used
• What brought you to the United States? Why did you decide to leave [county of origin]?
• How long have you lived in the United States? In this community?
• What is your legal status? Waiting for citizenship? How long?
• How old were you when you came to the United States? What language do you speak at home? In the community?
• What clubs/groups do you belong to?
• When you are sick what do you do? Where and to whom do you turn for help?
• What kinds of family parties do you have? What holidays do you celebrate? How do you celebrate?
• What particular events have been stressful for your family? Do you believe everyone should have a high school/college education?
• Do you believe that the man should be the family breadwinner?