Question

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

You might want to give your subject a set of questions in advance to help them prepare for the interview, and perhaps locate some memento, album, scrapbook or photographs to enhance their responses.  Also it would be great if a family member would be willing to accompany you to “the old neighborhood” to see a former home, old schools, or religious congregation, any landmarks of the community, a memorial site, or cemetery.

If at all possible, speak to a number of generations to get closer to and get a different perspective on the family’s immigrant experience. What happened to the original language? Why did some families become bi-lingual, and others only spoke English and the children were not proficient in the family’s original mother tongue. Has the family returned to visit the “old country”? Why or why not?

Some of the stories, obviously, will be handed down, told, and retold, often with great variation based on recollection, or based on which details seem most significant to them. Be sure to express your gratitude for their time, perspective, and insights.

It is so kind of you to help me and take this time to talk about our family of origin. Ready?

1. 1.         Let’s begin with an overview of our country or countries of origin—either from personal experience and memories, or what was passed down to you. What was life like over there?

1. 2.         At one time people would describe their ethnic heritage as “Heinz 57 variety.” How would you describe our heritage or multiple heritages?

1. 3.         Did religion play an important role in family life? If yes, why was that; if not, why not?

1. 4.         For instance, do you remember attending any religious services with your parents or any other family members?  If so, how did you feel about attending those events? What do you most remember about those times?

1. 5.         What experiences of growing up in America do you recall most fondly?

1. 6.         What about education—public or parochial school? Talk about that.
2. 7.         What if any part did religion play in your daily life?

1. 8.         Do you think our family in America has kept up the traditions present in the old country? If not, what reasons could you offer for our lack of participation?

1. 9.         What kind of views did the family hold to about whom you dated? Did religion and ethnicity matter to them?

1. 10.      Were there any conflicts about whom you wanted to marry? If so, please explain.

1. 11.      Do you remember any time(s) in your life when you experienced harassment, were picked on or bullied over religious or ethnic identity? Like slurs or stereotyping?  If not you directly, did you know of any of the family encountering discrimination either when looking for employment, or choosing where to live?

1. 12.      If you did encounter this kind of treatment, or a friend did, how did you respond in the situation?

1. 13.      Is belief in God or some higher power important in your life?
   1. a.         If not, was it ever?
   2. b.         If it was important at one time, but it isn’t now, what might have happened to change your views?

1. 14.      What does America mean to you?

1. 15.      How would you define American?

1. 16.      What role if any do you think religion should play in American life?

1. 17.      How would you define separation of church and state?

1. 18.      As we conclude, can you think of anything you would like to add that came to mind as we were talking?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

1. I came from Nigeria for my further studies post my graduation there. Where I come from, life was mediocre in some ways as there were no set standards of doing things like how infrastructure should be developed, services should be catered, which was largely due to the political turmoi and corruption at that time. But there was also affluence for those who could afford it, like getting proper resources, amenities, partying with friends etc.

3. Religion played a somewhat balanced role in my family life. My mother was staunch catholic who would not miss any mass and would frequently go to church for anything. She had submitted to the idea of God completely and how he's determines destiny.

My father, on the other hand, did not specifically believe in it but he didn't stop my mother from doing what she wanted to. That way I had a little bit of both which let me have a balanced view

4. I remember going to church on Sundays with my family. In fact, my mother also encouraged me to get more involved in other activities of church like social services. It was mostly not pleasant because I'd see people who are corrupt and had attained their position in the country through illicit means yet they were revered even in church and during such programs only because they had money. I didn't like that at all especially the behavior of church authorities which irked me once and I expressed it without mincing. And I was not allowed there after that which I didn't mind

5. In the initial years, seeing the most advancement and developments has been a pleasant experience. The kind of services, quality of products, having access to everything first in the world is the best