Introduction

Interview process can be a very tricky process especially when it involves a person who comes from a
different background in relation to culture and norms. For this paper, I interviewed one of my work
mates in the department of security. The name of my interviewee was McJacson Milan. Mc was a very
intelligent and simple man who was easy to approach. The reason as to why I chose this man is because
he was approachable and honest and I was very sure that he would give me the answers I needed in my
interview results. Originally, MC belongs to Hispanic group which means that his culture is so deep and
may be hard to understand. Secondly, he understands both Native American culture and Hispanic
culture. Form my interview, I came to note that a Hispanic is any person who comes from Mexican,
Puerto Rican, south or Central American or any other culture or origin despite the race. Mc is Mexican
descent but has had lives in the United States for the very long time. Due to this, he understands both
the cultural value of the American people as well as the Mexican culture.

Centrally to McJocson’s culture and identity, I come from an African descent specifically Ethiopia. Unlike
the American and Mexican culture, African culture is very rich with a lot of believes and communication
gestures. An interview with Mcjocosn made me understand how different people can be in relation to
the how they behave.

Preparation for my interview was very easy because he was a person I could access very easily, I just
prepared for my interview questions and made sure that my interviewee was also fully prepared. During
the interview, we met at our board room which was serene and conducive for any communication to
take place. Creating a safe space was significant to make my interviewee and myself feel comfortable
during the interview. In relation to this. I achieved this by engaging my interviewee into a series of
discussions that do not relate to the interview. This gave him and myself an environment that allowed
certain level of comfortability. What was already known about this person’s cultural identity was that
Mexican culture is very rich of believes and communication. I also knew for a fact that he had not been
in Mexico for a long time, he might be more conversant with the American culture more than the
Mexican culture.

It was very easy to have a conversation and to ask questions because we already got acquainted with
the interviewee, therefore, I found it very easy to ensure that the questions were asked in a manner that
he did understand. During the interview, I felt somehow awkward because it was my first time being
official with the person. I also felt that he was quite uncomfortable at the initial stages of the interview
but as the conversation progressed, he somehow become relaxed and free with me.

Part 2: about the other person’s culture:

From the interviewee’s point of view, I learnt a lot about the culture and believes of my interviewee.
One of the things I learned is that the Mexican culture is rich, colorful and vibrant. The culture is actually
influenced by the ancient civilization such as Aztec and Maya as well as European colonization. It is
unique and probably one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. The traditions and
customs of the Mexican people are varied and diverse. In ration to communication, I noted that
the Mexican people have a common language and different structure on how communication
takes place, I realized that one must be able to understand this communication partners to be
able to communicate effectively but without understanding, one will not be able to fit into the
culture. Despite the complexities of this culture, the Mexican people are proud of their native
heritage and each region has its own cultural practices and celebrations. Many of the ancient traditions of
their ancestors have been preserved making it a fascinating destination to explore. There are several
indigenous groups within Mexico including the Nashua’s, Otomis, Mayas, Zapotecs, Tzeltales and
Tzotziles. These, have all influenced the Mexican culture in terms of cuisine, medicine, rituals and
language.
I learnt a lot about my interviewee’s worldview, one thing that was evident is that despite having stayed
in the United States for a long time, my interviewee understands his origin very well. I understand that he
is one person who values culture and origins. He respect each and every one’s opinion on their culture.
He does not judge anyone because they are not part of their culture but he is a person who is very ready to
learn and coexist with other people from a different cultures. This made me appreciate him even more.
The cultural listening made me become aware of my own culture in so many ways. First, it made me
focus on the comparison. I learnt that there are so many reason why we should understand where we came
from. Understanding our cultural norms is the key to making better decision in life and co-existing with
other people that are important in our life. Appreciating other culture does not mean we are less
important but it means that we are equal in the universe. We only need to make sure that each and every
interaction makes us better people in the end. I found so many similarities and sharp contrast between the
two cultures.
In relation to paying attention to my audience, I was very curious to know more from the audience. It was
not just a way of paying attention but I think I was very alert when he was giving me answers. This was
not only needed to complete the assignment but it was needed to ensure that I contest with the rest who
are not from my cultural belief. At some point, I was not able to derive meaning from my interviewee
nonverbal cues because I was not much conversant with the culture.
Finally, I did not manage to get any person biased from my intereview. Instead I noted a lot of equality in
the cultural believes. I noted that my audience value culture and tradition just like myself. They
accommodate everyone despite their origin and race. This gave me a sense of belonging and an urge to
visit their cultures.
Part 3: Refection
The interview process was a very intense process and very official. We pretended that we had never met
before and this made it easy for both of us to handle ourselves as strangers. From, the interview, I was
able to learn several things as a cultural communicator. First, I needed to be open minded when it comes
to other people’s culture. Even if I realized that there were something odd about their culture, I should not
in any way show that I am shocked or perplexed. This is what challenged me in relation to
communication across cultures. We must be able to appreciate each and every culture. We learn that
every culture has its own does and don’ts and if you visit or engage with people form these cultures, it
will only be advisable to get to understand them. What changed me after the interview was the humility
that my interviewee exhibited, he was ready to cooperate and share his culture without any fear. I realized
that our culture should not be hidden but we should be proud to embrace its features because it is our
identity.
There were so many communication practices. First, when we began the interview, we set the rules that
there will be no interruptions especially when I am taking notes. We also stated that each and every party
is allowed to ask any questions they felt to ask and finally we set rules that if one is not comfortable with
the questions asked, they are allowed to raise a concern. I would have wished to go through the process of
asking opening question because at some point, I felt that I was not asking direct question and this could
have messed my entire process. This process helped me in so many ways in understanding the challenges
and the complexities that are inherent in the cultural communication.
Finally, I found the judgment very useful in ensuring that I am a good communicator. One take way that I
am very sure off is that the process of interview is a difficult process and at the same time an easy process
based on the person conducting this process. I would be more careful next time when dealing with people
coming from a different world view. Finally one must take notes and keep an eye contact when
conducting an interview. This ensures that you understand each and every set of answers given. Also,
courage is required when dealing with people who are not from the same cultural recitation. Without the
courage, one might not manage to achieve their interview goals.