First Interview

Country report : Somalia.

Somalia, situated in the Horn of Africa, lies along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. It is bounded by Djibouti in the northwest, Ethiopia in the west, and Kenya in the southwest. In area it is slightly smaller than Texas. Generally arid and barren, Somalia has two chief rivers, the Shebelle and the Juba.

How did I meet my interviewer?

He was my roommate and we lived together for 6 months. He is a really good friend and he was more than happy to help. 

 

Where and when did the interview happen?

            At Atwood on Oct. 21st, for some reasons I couldn't finish all questions the interview was finished on Oct. 25th. Everything went well I really had fun interviewing him. It wasn't hard to speak with him because I know him for a long time. 

 

Who is my interviewer?

            Farah, Mohammed

He moved to the states when he was 5 years old. His family moved to Minnesota when he was 12 and he has been in st cloud for 2 years now. He is majoring Information System. 

A: Abdullah (me)

B: Mohammed (interviewer)

1 How do you communicate with each other in your home country?

The official language in my country is Somali. But also due to the colonial powers that colonized my country we speak Italian in the south and English in the North. In addition a big number do speak Arabic which is as an influence of the Islam which is main religion in Somalia 

2 What is the clothing style for men and women? 

Clothing style range from modern to traditional styles 

Traditional ones are the macwiis, Go’ and khamiis. 

3 How are women and men treated differently? 

Men and women are treated equally.   

4 How has your experience here helped you interpret and respect cultural differences? 

Yes it has helped me a lot I also lived in some other countries and I found the values in our culture is the same as other cultures 

5 Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students? 

Yes I do. Learning new culture is interesting 

6. How long have you been in the United States? 

I moved here when I was Five years old.

7.Have you been able to visit any other parts of the United States? 

Yes I have visited and lived in other states before.  

8.What are your home country’s major religions? 

Islam 

9.What influenced you to come to the United States? Especially, Saint Cloud State? 

This good school and large Somali community in Minnesota 

10. Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you! 

No, I wish you the best Abdull.