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This is one of the things we mean by ‘fieldwork’, and it is about looking at a c
This is one of the things we mean by ‘fieldwork’, and it is about looking at a culture that is ‘unknown’ to you right now. It might be no further than the student next to you or the person living next door. Please don’t ask a family member unless they are very, very new to the family, and you can tell me why they are from a truly different culture.
Rule #1: Always be polite and respectful. Find a (safe) person and ask them if you can ask them some questions about their life. Most people find it pleasant and flattering to be asked about themselves, so this tends not to be a problem. If they say no, just find somebody else.
It is best not to ask them about religion, sexuality/gender issues, or politics, since very few people can discuss these issues calmly and objectively.
It is great to ask about hospitality protocols, buying presents, and family structure from an anthropological (cultural) point of view (though to be fair, any and all subjects could land you in a controversial place). I am not interested that they buy scented candles. You need to ask if they get them, is it a compliment or an insult, who buys that for whom, if you get it, what you own them, and how soon, etc.
People are generally much more attuned (probably for reasons of survival) to what is bad or wrong, so asking for negative information seems to elicit more of an original response. For an opening, you can ask: what do most people get wrong, or misunderstand about your culture? Or: what common US habit do you find offensive and why? You can also try variations on:
How do gender roles and expectations vary within your culture, and how are they perceived and negotiated?
Can you describe the traditional family structures and dynamics within your culture, including patterns of authority and inheritance?
What are the most valued forms of artistic expression or storytelling in your culture, and how do they reflect societal values and beliefs?
How do people in your culture typically view and interact with nature or the environment, and what cultural practices or beliefs shape these interactions?
Start with these; something will come up, and you can keep talking from there. Other than this, try not to get too attached to prepared questions ahead of time since it might make you miss an interesting turn of conversation.
As always, I am not interested in the facts I can find in a Google search (I will subtract points for that), It means I am not interested in a list of things (foods, holidays etc); the anthropologist is looking for how people build cultural meaning.
Please try to surprise me… I am pretty familiar with the rules concerning many cultures so look to elecit some new information. Use the research you have done on your country as inspiration!
Part of your grade in this exercise is your ability to elicit anthropologically relevant information from a person. If the first person keeps giving you cliches, find a different person to talk to. Since this might happen, don’t leave this interview until the last moment! Having a poor interview is not an excuse for not handing in a good paper: the subject is NOT responsible for giving you ‘good’ stuff.
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