My Final Project:Revolution in Middle East and Role of Saudi Arabia.

Process Interview:
                                This interview was much controversial for me to conduct because my questions were different from my previous interview question. this time i was mostly foucing on revolution in middle east and focusing on the strongest country in middle east ,Saudi Arabia. so my best approach were my old interviewees from Saudi Arabia. i settle a evening time with my both interviewees and i conducted an interview .They didn't allowed me to show their faces ,so i only recorded their voices.

Personal view:
It was interesting interview because i had both my interviewee together and we had a great conversation. it was an eye opening information they told me about Saudi Arabia. also my goal was to know that why their is revolution in middle east and what causes it.i think i achieve my goal and was able to understand it.

Country Report:

My interviewee were from Saudi Arabia. Following are the some specific detail about Saudi Arabia.

Current King: Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic

what are the  reasons , Saudi Arabia is known for?

Saudi Arabia is well known for its distribution of oil all around the world. Also due to religious purpose people who believe in Islam often visit holy places Makkah and Medina situated in Saudi Arabia. If we look at the Middle East history, we will see that before Saudis, it was a Turkish kingdom. Saud the first king of Saudi Arabia took the land from turkey and implemented the rules of Islam; he declared the country as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and himself as a king. It’s been our 100 years and still the royal family is ruling the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is said that people were digging for the water, but they were lucky and oil comes out from the ground. Saudi economy is very strong because they are the biggest supplier of oil all over the world. Saudi students get scholarship to study abroad; Saudis are vastly growing in technical world. Although women are not allowed to drive-in Saudi Arabia but still kingdom have strong boundaries and limits.

What changes did Saudi king had made after getting the control over Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims, so does there are strict rules and regulation.The biggest important thing about the Saudi Arabia that their alcohols free country. There are very harsh punishments if being caught with alcohol.  Every woman must wear a veil no matter what. Men are only allowed to own shops and businesses. Women are only allowed to work in some specific places such as hospitals, banks customer service but with rules and regulations. Over past few years Saudi people are very much highlighted, like about 20 years ago a former King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Late) had did a tremendous work for the Muslim people who visited Saudi Arabia for pilgrim purpose. During the era of King Fahd both the holy mosques Al Harem in Makah and masjib Al-Nabawi were restructured and were implemented with so many facilities.

(Following is the video below about the expansion of holy mosques)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZkfBMFEYbI

Travel and Tourism:

 Saudi Arabia is a great country to visit from tourism perspective. It has cities as compared to the cities of united sates with tall buildings and amusement parks. But more often people visit for religious purpose. A lot of foreign people live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East who offers thousands and thousands of jobs every year for the people all around the world. Due to current revolution in Egypt and Tunisia, present king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had declared a raised in a pay for most of the people. Over all Saudi Arabia is the most strong and well man tined country in Middle East.

Revolution in Middle East;Impact on Saudi Arabia:

 After the revolution in Egypt , other middle east countries were becoming more and more unstable. people are to sick from their leaders that they just want their leaders to step down from there presidency and let anybody else rule the country. In Saudi Arabia people also started the protest against government but soon they come down and was happy with their leaders. few days ago due to so much violence and disturbance in neighbour country Bahrain , Saudi Arabia send its troops to Bahrain which really make the Saudi people mad and they again start protest

Following are the videos of people protesting in saudi arabia against the action of Saudi government on Bahrain

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHPyg6IlHio&feature=related

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPXXoKStLP8&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Following is the video related to the Saudi Troops entering in Bahrain

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73aJwRKSIm4

Some pictures  of the Saudi Troops entering in Bahrain:

Some pictures from Saudi Arabian people protesting

Some beautiful places in Saudi Arabia:

sea view with 7 star Continental Hotel ( Jeddah, saudi arabia)

Following is the Video about the city that never sleeps Jeddah,Saudi Arabia

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn7HCD5KKZc

One of the holy city Makkah, Saudi Arabia

My visit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia 2010 summer

World largest clock in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Largest Skyscraper In Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Night View of Mosque Al-Haram and skyscraper with largest clock, Makkah Saudi Arabia.

Another most holy mosque Masjid Al-Nabawi ( mosque of last prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)) in Madina, Saudi Arabia

Faisalia Tower in the capital city of Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia ( A most important place from business point of view)

Work cited:

http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx

Images:
http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1003&bih=559&site=search&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=clock+in+makkah&aq=1&aqi=g2g-m2&aql=&oq=clock+in+ma

http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1003&bih=559&site=search&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=saudi+arabia+protest+2011&aq=1&aqi=g9&aql=&oq=saudi+arabia+pro

Videos:
             http://www.youtube.com/

Article:
http://wallstreetpit.com/65699-what-will-saudi-arabia-do

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/01/could-saudi-arabia-be-next/



Book:
culture smart ! saudi arabia by Nicholas Buchele
Publish Date: June 02, 2008


Transcript and Video of my Interview:
 My interviewee
1) Qasim Almarhoon (Saudi)  (2) Mujtaba Muhammad (Saudi)


Me:
      Hi, My name is Moizuddin Hashmi, i will be conducting an interview for my English 191 class, this is my final project .and it is about the revolution. i will be ask question why their is revolution because i been to saudi arabia and never heard that ,i will introduce my two interviewee, please go head introduce your self.

Mujtaba: Hi , my name is Mujatab Muhammad and i am a senior with Finance major.

Qasim: Hi, my name is Qasim Almarhoon and i am a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering.

Me: Thank you guys i know its a busy week for you, so hows every thing going?

Mujtaba: Everything is going fine and getting busy and busy.

Qasim: we are here to help you out on this project. else its busy

Me: very thankful to both of you

Me: so, tell me whats going on tell me as a citizen what you think about saudi arabia 6 months before and now?

Mujtaba: Main think our economy is strong still policy are same with no change.if you talk about gas everything is cheap. there is no democracy.

Me: o there is no democracy ok

Mujtaba: yes, the biggest factor its hard to find a job. first of all you need to know two kinds of Muslims, shia and sunni. so when shia going to apply for a job they will have hard time finding a job even though they have high GPA.

Me: so let me clarify that you said their is a discrimination in religion stuff, like shia and sunni and if a shia try to get a job with a good GPA they still have a hard time getting a job

Mujtaba: yes , exactly.

Me: so what is your opinion Qasim

Qasim: actually i will share a same opinion with mujtaba . you know the economy in saudi arabia is very strong and everyone knows that. we are not facing any change in gas prices even though its a same price and we have a revolution going on. i will share the same opinion with mujtaba . i graduate from high school . i felt religious discrimination , i graduated with a high GPA and had a percentage above 90 % and i applied for the scholarship via a big company. my father been working for that company and its more than 20 years. long beard people interview me and asked me wearied question. i told them i am don't practice religion that much and i read alot of news about sports , science and other things happening around the world. in reply they said we will give you a call back.

Me: so did they call you back

Qasim: No.

Mujtaba: see Moiz they make it hard for us all it is related to religion.

Me: why they want to do that dont they want you to go aboard study and serve the country?

Mujtaba: They make changes for the people , like Qasim they know he is shia

Me: shocked !!!!!

Qasim: they can say it from your face . my father want to the boss and ask him what going on with my son, he applied for the scholarship. boss said " he didnt pass the interview". my father said i been working here for more than 20 years and my son qualify for it but i dont know why are you treating me like that.

Mujtaba: i am going add that my father or anyone who is shia , there is a limit for him. they cant be manager or above who is sunni.

Qasim: the main thing they dont have is the education

Me: my second question is what is Revolution? like what is going on in middle east like Bahrain and Egypt are all over the news ? my viewer's like to know what is revolution?

Mujtaba: revolution in Arab countries. they need the right .

Me: ok , for what?

Qasim: Democracy

Mujatab: there is democracy over their but it is just a word. people dont get their rights.in Egypt for example the president Hosni Mubarak he was in power for 30 years. and he didnt give people their rights and they choose the revolution.

Me: i studied some where that the revolution came from facebook . you know that like people made a group and started getting together.

Qasim: i wana add something that Hosni Mubarak was a president for more than 30 years and since that time nobody want him. in every election he become a president.

Mujtaba: In voting they surprise to see Hosni Mubarak again.

Mujtaba: like in Bahrain the king over their didnt make change for people. i am gonna be honest with you the percentage of shia in more in Bahrain than sunni. like how many percent?

Qasim: you mean the people more than 90% shia.

Mujtaba: but when you go over their you see different people from other country working over their

Qasim: citizen of Bahrain against the foreign people. but when we look at revolution both shia and sunni are in revolution they need their democracy . they don't want foreign people to get all the jobs ,all the money and everything.

Mujtaba: the revolution is for peace not for war. even in Libya the president over their More than 30 years.

Qasim: i would like to add something about Egypt ,when you go to any hospital in Saudi Arabia you will see Egyptian doctor because they don't get chance in their country.

Moiz: It is good conversation going on over here. Saudi Arabia had this trouble before and right now they are helping Bahrain . what strategy they use before in 1990's during the war?

Mujatab: they send the military .

Qasim: In 1991 Saudi Arabia send the military to protect the people in Kuwait from Iraq but in Bahrain they send the military to protect the military of Bahrain ( LAUGH OUT LOUD).

Me: Now this is part 2 of our conversation Youtube allow us  to record 15 minutes . lets continue an important question.

Mujatab: like why Saudi Arabia send his military to Bahrain not in Egypt or Libya. Bahrain is 90% shia so Saudi Arabia decided to help Bahrain and connect them with Iran because Iran is the strong ( they are atomic power) and everything.

Qasim: Most people think the revolution is only from shia , no that not the truth. all people want their rights.

Me: Good to know that.well tell me if Saudi Arabia run out of oil what they will do?

Mujatab: Actually Saudi economy is so strong and they planned a head for about 30 years .so we will not run out of it?

Me: God Willing , you will not .

Mujtaba: we only talked about negative thing but the positive things are like the scholarship , we have all free benefits like health care ,tuition

Me: at least you don't have to pay the health insurance like in USA.

Mujtaba: you didn't ask me about the revolution in Saudi Arabia

Me: no i didnt but like to know?

Mujatab: many people are put in jail and they are said to be terrorist . people have big beard are terrorist

Me: so now it become a stereotype.

Qasim: Their is peace but people make simple thing complicated.

Me: i thing we are all set it was good interview . wish you guys best of luck on finals.

Mujatab: you to Moiz ,good luck with everything .

Qasim: take care, thank you Moiz for not showing our faces.

Me: thank you guys it was fine and thankful that you guys allow me to record it. that should be it now i will transcript and upload it ok thank you.

My Interview Video in two parts:

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA4rNmhab3s

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXaZKsPKrEk  

Final Project Outline

I will be willing to conduct a fourth interview of a student from Saudi Arabia. Instead of asking the same questions i will try to focus on the current situation. e.g like the violence and  the changing face of the country. What are the challenges the country is facing? and how are they dealing with it?

My interview will include:

1) Preparation for my interview

2) country report ( it will include that how saudi arabia face issuses before and how they solved it)

3) personal review

4) Transcript

sources:
Video:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704629104576190500046017940.html

Article:
http://wallstreetpit.com/65699-what-will-saudi-arabia-do

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/01/could-saudi-arabia-be-next/

Book:
culture smart ! saudi arabia by Nicholas Buchele
Publish Date: June 02, 2008

Score card

My top three Winners
1) Hussain, Asif http://en191ahmed.blogspot.com/

2) Nan, YingYing  http://nayien191s11.blogspot.com/

3) Louks, Kyle  http://kyleenglish191.blogspot.com/



https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?authkey=CNbT_poF&hl=en&key=tUlOfPB9OfZuFbvuK4Vx-Cw&hl=en&authkey=CNbT_poF&pli=1#gid=0

Third Interview

Process of Interview:                          
My interviewee was a 25 year old male, Mujtaba Mohammed from Saudi Arabia. as this was my third interview i was really well prepared. as my interviewee is a electrical engineering major ,so he had a very short time to do this kind of activities, but he really help me out. i invite him to my home on a evening tea and took his interview  which was really helpful and he was so happy. I already emailed him the question and it was really helpful for him because he got mentally prepered for it .

Personal Overview:It was easy for me to talk to Mujtaba . he was really friendly nature personality. Also he was very openminded and was giving me honest opinion. Although I lived in saudi arabia but was not really encountered the saudi culture and tradition. I not only conducted a good interview but also knowledge myself by asking these question.                              

Country report

My interviewee was from Saudi Arabia. Following are the some specific detail about Saudi Arabia.

Current King: Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic

 Saudi Arabia is well known for its distribution of oil all around the world. Also due to religious purpose people who believe in Islam often visit holy places Makah and Medina situated in Saudi Arabia. If we look at the Middle East history, we will see that before Saudis, it was a Turkish kingdom. Saud the first king of Saudi Arabia took the land from turkey and implemented the rules of Islam; he declared the country as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and himself as a king. It’s been our 100 years and still the royal family is ruling the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is said that people were digging for the water, but they were lucky and oil comes out from the ground. Saudi economy is very strong because they are the biggest supplier of oil all over the world. Saudi students get scholarship to study abroad; Saudis are vastly growing in technical world. Although women are not allowed to drive-in Saudi Arabia but still kingdom have strong boundaries and limits.

In Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims, so does there are strict rules and regulation. Every woman must wear a veil no matter what. Men are only allowed to own shops and businesses. Women are only allowed to work in some specific places such as hospitals, banks customer service but with rules and regulations. Over past few years Saudi people are very much highlighted, like about 20 years ago a former king Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Late) had did a tremendous work for the Muslim people who visited Saudi Arabia for pilgrim purpose. During the era of King Fahd both the holy mosques Al Harem in Makah and masjib Al-Nabawi were restructured and were implemented with so many facilities.

Also the biggest important thing about the Saudi Arabia that their alcohols free country. There are very harsh punishments if being caught with alcohol. Saudi Arabia is a great country to visit from tourism perspective. It has cities as compared to the cities of united sates with tall buildings and amusement parks. But more often people visit for religious purpose. A lot of foreign people live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East who offers thousands and thousands of jobs every year for the people all around the world. Due to current revolution in Egypt and Tunisia, present king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had declared a raised in a pay for most of the people. Over all Saudi Arabia is the most strong and well man tined country in Middle East.

Work cited: http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx

Transcription:

Moiz: salam alikum, how are you? My name is Moiz Hashmi and i am from Pakistan

Mujtaba: Walikum salam , i am fine. and what about you.

Moiz: absolutly fine and thank you for asking.

Mujtaba: good and thank you for invinting me over.its been a while that i enjoyed a cup of tea.

Moiz: my pleasure , i can understand ,after all we have same major (Laugh)

Moiz: well tell me about your self, like which city you are from in saudi arabia.

Mujtaba: well I am from Dammam , Saudi Arabia.

Moiz: intresting to know that ,my first interviewee was from same city to, now let see how much you resesmble to him.

Mujtaba:wow that sounds funny.

Moiz: well lets not waste further time and get started

Mujtaba: sure i am ready and prepared thank you for sending me the questions.

Moiz:lets fine and you are most welcome.

Moiz: before starting the interview, I want your permission to record it.

Mujtaba: alrite i allowed you to record it.

Moiz: thank you so much, so first question. how will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?

Mujtaba: well what can i say, it will be hard but not impossible, beacuse i am planing to go back home and work. the biggest challenged is that my country hired alot of good engineers every year ,mostly from Pakistan and india.so it will be a very hard for me to find a good job.

Moiz:yup,exactly right. second question, what was the culture shock you face in US?

Mujtaba: well i did feel alot becuase i already had my family and friends our here. so, i usually go outside with them. one thing really shocked me that our neighbour were American but i never seen them and never met them

Moiz:  yup, same thing i found with my other interviwees.

Moiz: moving on to our third question. Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?

Mujtaba: well, as i mentioned i have my family over here,so i decided after graduating from high school that i should earn my degree from an American university and also i do have a scholarship  from my goverment . so ,thats why i am attending saint cloud state univeristy.

Moiz: good nice to know that.

Moiz: so as your family is here you dont have to worry about cooking ,right but i wanted your opinion on American diet and why most Americans like it?

Mujtaba: yes, so far i didnt cooked by myself. well what can i say about there diet, i think due to busy schedule of both husband and wife they prefer to eat fast food. but not all familes does that.

Moiz: good to know thtat.

Moiz:  talking  about the climate as compared to here, how will you explain that?

Mujtaba: well, i like the snow first semester but not any more and the climate of my country is hot because mostly its desert so we usually get happy when it rain.

Moiz: good to know that. lets talk about the culture difference?

Mujtaba: We are considered as 100 % Islamic country so we have most of the traditions according to Islamic principles. to be honest i found people with same habits that my religion have. although these people are not muslims but still they have the qualities which a good muslim should have.

Moiz:  interesting to know

Moiz:alright tell me about your financial stuff. Who really takes care of that?

Mujtaba: well we own our own businessso, my grandfather and my father usually take care of our house finanicial  stuff.

Moiz: good nice to know that.

Moiz: well let’s carry on. So at what age do men and women spend private time and at what age do they consider marriage?

Mujtaba: usually we dont allow our women to get loved marriage. we usually arrange their marriages in out own relatives. so, that she dont miss her family. we strickly not allow man and woman to meet each other before gettting married.

Moiz: ahan. good to know that Saudis highly stick with Islamic rules and regulations.

Moiz: so tell me something about your personal experience with racism since coming to US?

Mujtaba: well, i never been a victem of racism, so i dont no about it.

Moiz: well, i think you are my first interviwee who said that.... and i liked it.

Moiz: what was your preconception about the US before coming here and how have they changed?

Mujtaba: I never thought of coming to USA, all i saw the America in movies and when i came over here i vistied every singel place i saw in movies such as disney land, new york city .

Moiz: what is the most important thing you miss in US?

Mujtaba: well i olny miss my  saudi friends i wish they all come here with me.

Moiz: how will you define freedom in America?

Mujtba: well, people have rights over here. like if you dislike some thing or you want to share your opinion than they always listen to you.

Moiz: how are the relationship between your country and US?

Mujtaba: not so bad , as we are considered the most powerful country leading middle east thats why we have a strong realtionship with USA.

Moiz: last but not the least question?

Moiz: so, tell me if you want one thing to be changed about this country what would you have change?

Mujtaba: well i dont want any thing to be chaged except the weather (laugh).

Moiz: well I really appreciate your time and effort. Really thankful to you for this.

Mujtaba: my pleasure.

Moiz: thank you so much. Best of luck with the finals

Mujtaba: o thank you yeah you too. Take care

Moiz: thanks I will.

Group Presentation

https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=dhrx6sqs_05vn6tcp&authkey=COro7MMJ

My top three winners

1) Klaphake, Christopher L (http://chrisklaphaken191s11.blogspot.com/)
2) He, Huiyu (http://huiyuhe.blogspot.com/)

3) Asif,hussain (http://huas0901.blogspot.com/)  and  ahmed asif iqbal (http://en191ahmed.blogspot.com/)

score card

https://spreadsheets1.google.com/ccc?authkey=CNbT_poF&hl=en&key=tUlOfPB9OfZuFbvuK4Vx-Cw&hl=en&authkey=CNbT_poF#gid=0

My second Interview

Process of Interview:                             
My interviewee was a 23 year old male, Alaadin Hamad from Saudi Arabia. this time i felt more confident and relax in talking with him. i settle a evening time with him at his place on friday. to company him i bought a Hooka (middle eastern way of smoking tobbaco). which was really helpful and he was so happy. even though it was friday night but Alaa cooperate with me and give his best to make our interview better than the best. I already emailed him the question and it was really helpful for him because he got mentally prepered for it .

Personal Overview:It was easy for me to talk to Alaa . he was really friendly nature personality. Also he was very openminded and was giving me honest opinion. Although I lived in saudi arabia but was not really encountered the saudi culture and tradition. I not only conducted a good interview but also knowledge myself by asking these question.                              

Country report

My interviewee was from Saudi Arabia. Following are the some specific detail about Saudi Arabia.

Current King: Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic

 Saudi Arabia is well known for its distribution of oil all around the world. Also due to religious purpose people who believe in Islam often visit holy places Makah and Medina situated in Saudi Arabia. If we look at the Middle East history, we will see that before Saudis, it was a Turkish kingdom. Saud the first king of Saudi Arabia took the land from turkey and implemented the rules of Islam; he declared the country as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and himself as a king. It’s been our 100 years and still the royal family is ruling the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is said that people were digging for the water, but they were lucky and oil comes out from the ground. Saudi economy is very strong because they are the biggest supplier of oil all over the world. Saudi students get scholarship to study abroad; Saudis are vastly growing in technical world. Although women are not allowed to drive-in Saudi Arabia but still kingdom have strong boundaries and limits.

In Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims, so does there are strict rules and regulation. Every woman must wear a veil no matter what. Men are only allowed to own shops and businesses. Women are only allowed to work in some specific places such as hospitals, banks customer service but with rules and regulations. Over past few years Saudi people are very much highlighted, like about 20 years ago a former king Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Late) had did a tremendous work for the Muslim people who visited Saudi Arabia for pilgrim purpose. During the era of King Fahd both the holy mosques Al Harem in Makah and masjib Al-Nabawi were restructured and were implemented with so many facilities.

Also the biggest important thing about the Saudi Arabia that their alcohols free country. There are very harsh punishments if being caught with alcohol. Saudi Arabia is a great country to visit from tourism perspective. It has cities as compared to the cities of united sates with tall buildings and amusement parks. But more often people visit for religious purpose. A lot of foreign people live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East who offers thousands and thousands of jobs every year for the people all around the world. Due to current revolution in Egypt and Tunisia, present king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had declared a raised in a pay for most of the people. Over all Saudi Arabia is the most strong and well man tined country in Middle East.

Work cited: http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx

Transcription:

Moiz: Hi, how are you? My name is Moiz Hashmi
Alaa: O Hey I am good , thank you for asking. I myself Alaadin hammad but you can call me Alaa.
Moiz: Nice to meet you Alaa.
Alaa: Nice to meet you to Moiz.
Moiz: So Alaa where are you from and how old are you?
Alaa: I am from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I am 23old
Moiz: o wow Jeddah, I been there it’s like a 2^nd New York. A city that never sleeps.
Alaa: yeah I know. It’s a great place to live.
Moiz: ahh……it such a great Friday night and I brought a Hookah (Middle Eastern way of smoking tobacco) for you. I hope you like it.
Alaa: are you kidding me, damm man you made my day. I am so happy and appreciated. I really like it thanks tho.
Moiz: No, problem bro, you are most welcome any time.
Alaa: are you bribing me (Laugh)
Moiz: Hell no (laugh)
Moiz: so, you know why are you here for today?
Alaa: yeah, for hooka (laugh) just kidding bro…yup I got your email regarding the question you wana ask me.
Moiz: o great was that helpful at all.
Alaa: yup, it really helped me to know the things you wanted to know from me.
Moiz: before starting the interview, I want your permission to record it.
Alaa: sure ,definitely go head .permission granted (laugh)
Moiz: (smile) thanks man
Moiz: so first question.
Moiz: how will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?
Alaa: well , this question is some what hard to answer right know but any how if I think to work back home it will be kind of easy for me to get a good job, because I am earning a degree in BCIS( bachelor of computer science) which highly demanded in Saudi Arabia. Also I did a certified course in English language which boosts my chances of getting good job. If I think about getting a job in United States it will be hard because I am an international student and also a Middle Eastern guy. So I would rather preferred going back home and work for my country.
Moiz: I like your spirit. Hope everyone should think about the progress for their own country. I wish you a best of luck for your future.
Alaa: thanks for the wish.
Moiz: No problem any time.
Alaa: I am really enjoying the conversation so far, and with this hookah it gets more relaxing and enjoyable
Moiz: ( with pleasure) thanks bro
Moiz: let see . ahan this question really help me to understand you
Moiz: what was the culture shock you face in US?
Alaa: hmmm. It was total different from back home. Although I did felt hazated talking to people around me. But some time I feel so racism while I am in club or any where partying.
Moiz: so how did you come our it
Alaa: in the beginning it was hard but love and good behavior can break this barrier. Instand of feeling depressed I just meet everyone with a smile and try my best to be friendly with them.
Moiz: ahan… I appreciate your effort
Alaa: thanks man.
Moiz: let’s move on to our third question. Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?
Alaa: well, i dont have specific reason to come to SCSU. I been to Canada and also I been to other universities in Minnesota like the st.thomas. But I end up in SCSU because it’s a nice and quiet place. People do party on weekends otherwise it’s a good place to live. As studies are concerned in my country I got scholarship to study over here and I am very happy with that.
Moiz: Nice bro.
Moiz: so I know your food and it’s totally different what we have is USA, but I need you opinion on this American diet and why most Americans like it?
Alaa: well, as you know back home we have a lot of good stuff not just pizza and burgers. I majority of people work over here that’s why they don’t get enough time to cook, so they rather choose pizza’s and burgers. I know some of the families that usually cook at home and avoid fast food because they have time and passion for cooking fresh and healthy food.
Moiz: great. Nice answer
Moiz: let’s talk about the climate as compared to here?
Alaa: you know we all get happy when it rain but over here I just hate snow because it restrict us to do outdoor activities. Specially back home in Jeddah the humidity is so high because we have sea over their and it always keep the Jeddah climate hot in day and little bit cool in night.
Moiz: ahan. Yeah I been to Jeddah several time and I feel like sticky whenever I enter in Jeddah due to its climate.
Alaa: yeah it is.
Moiz: o it’s almost 11 pm and we are not half way done
Alaa: its ok take your time we have whole night and to be honest I am really enjoying the hookah.
Moiz: (laugh) So you don’t want me to go
Alaa:  well somewhat yes (smile)
Moiz: let see what we have know. O yeah the culture difference?
Alaa: well as you know every country have different tradition and culture so do we have. We are considered as 100 % Islamic country so we have most of the traditions according to Islamic principles. In my country it’s a tradition that we all sit together while having dinner. And also when it is time to pray the male usually go to mosque to pray. Also you will not find a single shop open at the time of pray because at that time we all get together and try our best to worship as much as possible. Also when we do it five times a day it really helps us to get to know each other. But here I don’t know my neighbor at all. Because we never got time to say hi to each other that’s why we don’t know each very well.
Moiz: hmm sounds interesting to know
Alaa: yup and shocking too
Moiz: well, people over here also friendly, we just have to look for them in different places
Alaa: yeah you are right
Moiz: so tell me about your financial stuff. Who really takes care of that?
Alaa: well obviously my father. My mom is a house wife and she takes cares of my siblings. My father work for a government so it’s a hard and stressful job. But at the end of the day he feels happy to see his family all together in the evening.
Moiz: aww. Everyone miss their family a lot. Especially when you have no one over here to spent time with.
Alaa: totally agree.  I Miss my family a lot and just want get done soon and then stay with my family
Moiz: sure bro.i wish you a happy and bright future.Ameen
Alaa: Ameen (emotional)
moiz: well let’s carry on. So at what age do men and women spend private time and at what age do they consider marriage?
Alaa: usually most of the marriages in my culture are arranged. But know due to vast ability of internet people interact with each other a lot. We don’t allow young boys and girls to meet each other before getting married. Even though we don’t have the co-education system either.
Moiz: ahan. So it’s good to know that Saudis highly stick with Islamic rules and regulations.
Moiz: so tell me something about your personal experience with racism since coming to US?
Alaa: well, in the beginning I feel that a lot. I was being a victim of racism in clubs. But know I don’t care I just go out chill and party. I never mind if someone back bite for me.
Moiz: what was your preconception about the US before coming here and how have they changed?
Alaa: I came from a most conservative country. What I heard about USA was that its land of freedom but what I realize is that there is a freedom of speech but not a freedom of action. Nowadays back home we have to much protect going on against the corruption by our government and it is a first time that Saudi male and female are protesting against it on roads and in big groups. This is known as freedom. Here the government of United States keeps the people so busy in their jobs and bills that they don’t get enough chance to say something against it. That why people over here don’t know anything about the world.
Moiz: so true, totally agree. I am from Pakistan and I bet if I had ask about Pakistan before 9/11 incident I garuntee that nobody in USA every heard about that country.
Alaa: so true.
Moiz: what is the most important thing you miss in US?
Alaa: obviously my family, friends and the food.
Moiz: how will you define freedom in America?
Alaa: well as I mention early in my answer that there is only freedom of speech but not freedom of action.
Moiz: how are the relationship between your country and US?
Alaa: it’s great. America is being our friend for a long time. Even we have American army in our country for long time. We also provide patrol to USA, so that why I think we have good relationship with them.
Moiz: last but not the least question?
Alaa: we are on last question man. The conservation was so awesome that didn’t realize that know we are on the last question?
Moiz: (smile) good time always pass so fast.
Alaa: yeah very true
Moiz: so, tell me if you want one thing to be changed about this country what would you have change?
Alaa: well the only thing that I concerned is about the hate and racism. That only thing I wanted to be changed and if we all respect each other and don’t judge on skin color or stereotypes. Than this world is an awesome place to live in.
Moiz:  good nice advise alaa. We all need to be patience and try our best to finish the misunderstanding between us.
Moiz: o well I really appreciate your time and effort. Really thankful to you for this.
Alaa: o no problem. I am glad you came and brought me a hookah. Really you made my night awesome.
Moiz: thanks man see you around the campus. Best of luck with the finals
Alaa: yeah you too. Take care
Moiz: thanks I will.

Picture of Hokka

Source: http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/20611389.html

My top three winner

1) Luke Walcheski's  (http://lukewalcheskiengl191spring2011.blogspot.com/)
2) Asif Hussain (http://huas0901.blogspot.com/)
3) Ibrahim Alsgoor (http://en191s11ibrahim.blogspot.com/)

score card

https://spreadsheets0.google.com/ccc?hl=en&hl=en&key=tVadAdlin_qhZvDbz3eSG-g&authkey=CNGr5KsL#gid=0

My First Interview.

Process of Interview

As it was my first time, I found little difficulty at first but later figure out easily. I look for the international students and choose student from Saudi Arabia. I settle a time with him. And due to his cooperation with me we recorded the interview. I emailed all the questions that I was going to ask him, just to give him a head start. My interviewee was very nice and gentle person, from his busy schedule he took some time out and helped me to get my assignment done. I record the interview with his permission and then transcribe it on sheet of paper. I try my best to not to choose yes or no question because there were some question if they were answered yes or no , it may offend the interviewee and he/she loose the interest and found guilty them self’s. But my interview went well.

Personal Overview

It was very easy for me to talk to Qasim. He is very open about himself and his experiences. I am happy that he doesn’t mind me asking semi-personal questions about himself. I hope that my other interviews will be as easy as this one. He is very kind, and fun to talk to.

Country Report

My interviewee was from Saudi Arabia. Following are the some specific detail about Saudi Arabia.

Current King: Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic

 Saudi Arabia is well known for its distribution of oil all around the world. Also due to religious purpose people who believe in Islam often visit holy places Makah and Medina situated in Saudi Arabia. If we look at the Middle East history, we will see that before Saudis, it was a Turkish kingdom. Saud the first king of Saudi Arabia took the land from turkey and implemented the rules of Islam; he declared the country as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and himself as a king. It’s been our 100 years and still the royal family is ruling the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is said that people were digging for the water, but they were lucky and oil comes out from the ground. Saudi economy is very strong because they are the biggest supplier of oil all over the world. Saudi students get scholarship to study abroad; Saudis are vastly growing in technical world. Although women are not allowed to drive-in Saudi Arabia but still kingdom have strong boundaries and limits.

In Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims, so does there are strict rules and regulation. Every woman must wear a veil no matter what. Men are only allowed to own shops and businesses. Women are only allowed to work in some specific places such as hospitals, banks customer service but with rules and regulations. Over past few years Saudi people are very much highlighted, like about 20 years ago a former king Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Late) had did a tremendous work for the Muslim people who visited Saudi Arabia for pilgrim purpose. During the era of King Fahd both the holy mosques Al Harem in Makah and masjib Al-Nabawi were restructured and were implemented with so many facilities.

Also the biggest important thing about the Saudi Arabia that their alcohols free country. There are very harsh punishments if being caught with alcohol. Saudi Arabia is a great country to visit from tourism perspective. It has cities as compared to the cities of united sates with tall buildings and amusement parks. But more often people visit for religious purpose. A lot of foreign people live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East who offers thousands and thousands of jobs every year for the people all around the world. Due to current revolution in Egypt and Tunisia, present king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had declared a raised in a pay for most of the people. Over all Saudi Arabia is the most strong and well man tined country in Middle East.

Work cited: http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx

Transcript:

Moiz: salaam alikum, how are you.

Qasim:  walikum Salam I am good thanks. How about you?

Moiz: I am good. Thanks my name is Moiz hashmi from Pakistan.

Qasim: my name is qaim almarhon and I am from Saudi Arabia.

Moiz: where in Saudi Arabia

Qasim:  I live in the east side of Saudi Arabia, city name is Damam.

Moiz: first of all do u allow me to record this interview.

qasim:  sure, I don’t mind. It will really help you.

Moiz:  o thank you so nice of you. How was your day today?

Qasim: it was okay

Moiz: I bring some snackes for you
qasim: o thank you.

Moiz: I have few questions to ask you about the Saudi culture, traditions and students

Qasim: sure go head

Moiz:  how will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?

qasim: well it’s hard to get a good job. It totally depend on the GPA, like back in Saudi Arabia there are many organizations who hired people and there are a lot of students that got scholarship to study aboard some of them are is Australia, Canada and usa. So it total depends on the good GPA and experience.

Moiz: So it is the same as in USA like to get a good job, a perfect GPA is required

Qasim:  yes yes.

Moiz: What was the culture shock you face in U.S?

qasim:  I was not speaking very well. I don’t know how people act and speak over here. I think twice before to do or say any thing

Moiz: like the boys back home kiss each other, huge and shake hand but if you do it over here you look like GAY

qasim:yeah, I started reading the culture of usa and also I got a culture class in English programme.

Moiz:  o yeah I want to that program to it was nice to met other people. Did you want to the winter carnival?

qasim: yeah, I been there it was really nice.

Moiz:  it’s  know a little different question  why did u decide to come to scsu…?

Qasim: I have two answers for this question, my father chose the university for me, also English is the world language it helps you a lot to get a good job, it helps you to understand the American culture. I want to change my thinking. Just want try something else. Also my father had been here for so long. It is cold but looks nice in summer.

Moiz:  there is a joke that in winter people gets clothes tress got naked but in summer trees got clothes and people got naked.

Qasim: hahahahhah………..exactly.

Moiz: what is your opinion about American diet and why most of the people like it?

Qasim: t I think the people our here are so busy with their life’s that they choose first food because it’s quick. Here mostly people get together only at dinner time. But back home we usually get together at lunch and dinner.

Moiz:  if u doesn’t mind can I ask you a question, do you have burger and pizza back home?

Qasim:  o yeas we do have, but the main meal is chicken, goat and rice.

Moiz: I heard that you have sandwich called shahwarma? Is it like a hot dog or something?

Qasim: no it’s not like a hot dog its sandwich. If you go to Arab restaurant you will see it. It’s totally fat free. It’s really delicious.

Moiz: little shocking questions for you how does the climate in your home as compared to here?

Qasim:  wow, it is shocking well actually we are moving to summer.
Moiz: summer already; here we are expecting another snow storm.

Qasim: yeah the weather is mostly hot and dry. Because it is a desert. So we get mostly 10 months of summer.

Moiz: what are some culture differences between country and here?

Qasim: It’s a huge different. Because over in Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims. Where in USA majority is Christian.

Moiz: who take care of the finances in your family?

Qasim:  actually my father does that.my mother is a housewife and she takes care of my younger sister and brother.

Moiz: how many siblings are you?

Qasim: I have 2 younger sister and 1 small brother.

Moiz: what age men and women should spent time together…?

Qasim : Actually due to religious purpose man and women are not allowed to meet privately . Mostly arrange marriage too place.

Moiz: what are your personal experience with racism since coming to usa?

Qasim :  well I been a victim of rascim , like I play soccer for st.cloud state univeristy. When we have a match against black people and refuree is black so no matter how hard they hit us we don’t get foul.

Moiz:  what did you think about USA  before coming over here?

Qasim: Well, I only have seen America in movies. But its total different. the life is so busy over here.

Moiz: what is the main think you miss?

Qasim: first of all food, family and friends. Back in Saudi Arabia we gather everyday like is mosques and outdoor places. Here people don’t know their neighbor

Moiz: how will you define freedom in USA?

Qasim: there is no freedom in everything people just talk about freedom, freedom, do whatever you want but there is a limit.

Moiz:  how did you define the relation between usa and your country?
Qasim: Its really good we supply oil to the usa and also mostly Saudi students get scholarship every year to study in usa.

Moiz:  I have a last question for you if you get a chance to change any thing what will you change?

qasim: first off all I will remove the tax. If you buy anything it has a lot of tax. Also I would like the parking rule on scsu be changed. Students should be allowed free parking.
Moiz: that the end of our interview.
Qasim: I am glad that I help you out.

We both smiled and shook hands.

Library Research Assistance

Citation Style:
                      Following are the few citation styles:
1) APA ( American Psychological Association)
2) MLA ( Modern Language Association)
APA:- 

 Usually use for eassy with including four major sections : the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References

Title should be type it in upper and lowercase letters centered in the upper half of the page .

The references should be type the author  first name, middle initial(s), and last name.

Important thing that you dont use in APA formatt are:" titles (Dr.) or degrees (Ph.D.)."
(Work citated above: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ accessed on 2/22/11)

"Example to type reference formatt: Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., Soderland, L., & Brizee, A. (2010, May 5). "
work citated : http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ accessed on 2/22/11

MLA:-
      Begin clip

• Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

• Double-space the text of your paper, and use a legible font (e.g. Times New Roman). Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks (unless otherwise instructed by your instructor).

• Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar five times.

• Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.Use italics throughout your essay for the titles of longer works and, only when absolutely necessary, providing emphasis.

END Clip
Work citated above: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ accessed on 2/22/11

Other Group Work:
Hussain, Asif
Mingo, Sam A
Vo, Thao T
Louks, Kyle

Procedure of my interview process

1) Find a interviwees to interview them. Ask your freind to let their freinds know about the interview.
2) Once you found your interviwees, convience them to participate with you.
3) explain the purpose of your interview, show personal interest.
4) record your three interviews and if intrested in BONUS points rip it on a CD.
5) Make your interviwee confortable , ignore the questions that might occur conflict e.g. religious discussions, or by asking that are you being the victim of racism.
6) be able to listen and record your interviwee
7) make sure you record your interviw right before truning in to your teacher.
8) Write down the country report
9) Include your country report with interview and transcript as a whole package.

Interview objectives for Moizuddin Hashmi

Following are the objectives for my interview

1) To build a good communication skills.
2) By knowing other people culture, tradition helps me interact with them more friendlily.
3) To know that does everybody feels the same way as I do about the USA.
4) From this interview what I will achieve will be helpful in my practical life

14 Questions

1. How will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?
2. What was the culture shock you face in U.S.? 
3. Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?
4. What is your opinion of the American diet and why most of the americans like it? 
5. How does the  climate in your home country compare to here?
6. What are some cultural differences between your country and here?
7 Who takes care of the finances in your family?
8 At what age do men and women spend private time and at what age do they consider marriage?
9. What are your personal experiences with racism since coming to the US?
10. What were your preconceptions about the US before coming here and how have they changed?
11) What is the most important think you miss in US?
12) How will you Define Freedom in America?
13) How are the relationship between your country and US?
14) If you were given a chance to change one thing about this country what will you change or like to be changed?

Organized Questions

Political

Are you here on visa or are you interested in citizenship?

How you will define freedom in America?

How are the relationship between the USA and your country?

What was the education system like in your native country?

Do you pay tax back home?

How would you define freedom in America?

Experience

Have you found or been a victim of Racism?

What is something unique you and your friends do for fun?

How does the climate where you’re from compare to Minnesota's climate?

Is religion more open where you’re from?

What do you enjoy about living here?

What are popular sports in your native country that aren't as popular in America?

Was life harder before you came to America?

What are some cultural differences you've noticed since you came here?

How have you liked living in St. Cloud and going to the university here?

How is living here similar/different to where you are from?

Does America exceed your expectations or is it different than what you were expecting?

What was the culture shock you faced?

How do like the snow so far?

Is that a fair thing to you that you are being taught by Asian, European, African and other race professors rather than the American professors?

Where there any difficulties that you faced in school where English is the dominant language?

Has it been difficult for you to get along with American students?

What are the different perceptions Americans have about your country?

Which country do you prefer living in and why?

What the most interesting event you like in this school?

Personal

Why did you come to the USA?

 What is something unique to where you are from?

What is your native language?

What kind of foods do you eat where you’re from?

 What do you miss from your native country? What don't you miss?

How long have you been here? How long are you planning on staying?

Does any of your family live in America too?

What is your favorite food/meal that you wouldn't commonly find in America?

Why did you choose Minnesota?

What were your feelings when you came to America?

Do you believe that America is the land of opportunities?

What do you think about the diverse community in the USA?

What do you think about the Hollywood movies?

Name your favorite place that you would like to see or have seen in the USA?

How often do you get to talk to or see your parents?

Why did you decide to come to the United States for education?

How is your life in the United States different from that in your home country?

How would you summarize your stay so far in the United States?

What is your major?

How many languages can you speak?

What do you do on your first date?

What are you afraid of?

Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?

What do you want to do when you graduate?

Do you live on or off campus?

How many people live in your apartment or your room?

Have you ever had an argument with your roommates?

How many people are in your family?

What do you do when you have free time?