en191s11
Interviewer: Maggie Schwagel
Interviewee: Khusbu Rai
Date of Interview: 3/27/2011
Preparations:
1. Determine objectives
2. Pick a date, time and place to meet and interview
3. Prepare my recording system, (Windows recorder)
4. Meet and interview
5. Transcribe and condense recorded interview
6. Research and add more information to (Nepal's) country report
7. Type it all up
8. Post to Blog
My main objective for this interview was very similar to my first two. Being that my interviewee was again from Nepal, I wanted to get yet another opinion about the government, educational facilities, their transition the states and their family life back home. What was different about this final interview was that my interviewee was a female unlike my last two, so I was hoping to get a different feel of things through her point of view. Because I felt that my last interview went so well, I decided to keep everything the same in my final. My recording device, objectives, preparations and questions all remained the same.
I found Khusbu with the help of a friend of mine who had her in a class. After my friend asked Khusbu if she would consider doing the interview, I got her number and texted her myself. She seemed down for it, even excited, and was not at all hesitant to invite me to a Nepal Night practice before our interview, which we decided to set up Sunday, March 27th at about 7p.m., (
once the practice was over).
As I walked to Ritsche Auditorium where the practice was taking place, I texted Khusbu and offered to buy her Caribou Coffee. She didn't want anything so I headed straight over to the practice, having no idea who exactly I was looking for. As I entered the left side of the auditorium, I heard what sounded like an acoustic band, but the vocals were most certainly not western, they had that slight rounded, high pitched accent to them, it was beautiful. Turns out that beautiful sound I was hearing was my third interviewee. The girl has a voice!! After her practice was over with, we walked to the second floor of Atwood, found some comfy chairs to sit in and began our interview.
Transcription:
M = Me, (Maggie)
K = Khusbu
M: Is it ok if I record this conversation?
K: Yes.
M: Awesome, so what is your name?
K: My name is Khusbu Rai.
M: How old are you?
K: I'm 21.
M: Are you really? I would have never guessed that! So, you are from Nepal, where in Nepal are you from?
K: I am from the capital city, Kathmandu.
M: Most students coming to St. Cloud State come from Kathmandu correct?
K: Yes, because it is the place with the most festivities and restaurants. It has the most of everything in our country so most of us, coming to the U.S let's say, come from the capital city.
M: I see. So from my last two interviewees I heard that a main reason they decided to come here was because of the educational facilities being so poor back in Nepal.
K: No, it's not the best because like, we only have theory education over there. We don't have machines or anything like that that we can see with our eyes, we are only able to imagine with our minds. Like to be honest we only have three universities I believe.
M: In the entire country?
K: Yeah, Tribhuvan, Purbanchal and Kathmandu Universities is all I know of, maybe there are more?
M: Wow. So how would you compare the size of one of those universities to St. Cloud State?
K: Oh, ok. I have actually not entered one, but from just passing it and roaming around the city, I would say... I little less than half of SCSU. Not that big.
M: Really? Wow, so then how are the buildings?
K: Nothing so special, we have big grounds to play like football and golf, (laughs).
M: Golf, seriously??
K: Yeah, that's how the landscape is built, bumps and everything. Watching football can get very dusty though. And I don't know if we have proper basketball courts or not. We do have good medicine studies though, because so many people like... don't get proper medicines like that, so doctors have a chance to practice on those patients.
M: It's almost like there is a bigger need for it then? That would make sense.
K: So, they could study good becuase so many people have disease over there, so I must say we have very good medicine studies.
M: Good, that's awesome. So what are you practicing then?
K: Well before I came here, I decided to study computer science, and then I studied that for two semesters and I realized that that program was.. not my cup of tea, (laughs). Like I used to get depressed and stuff because I just didn't understand half of it. But I had interests in multimedia from before so I decided to change to arts, like I'm doing integrade media.
M: What is that exactly?
K: It pretty much like designing, but you're doing it with like videos and stuff.
M: Oh cool! So do you do things like the film festival at all?
K: Oh, no. I am still doing like electives and stuff, so I'm not stepping into that quite yet...
M: Exactly, good idea. So what is your family situation like back home?
K: Well, it's kind of weird. I was born in Hong Kong, and my dad served in the Britsh Army, so he served there. And then we were there, me and my brother. It is just the two of us, my brother and I. So we were all there and my mom is in Nepal, and she comes back and fourth. My brother is actually in China studying his medicines so, we are actually in four different countries right now.
M: Really? Wow! So, now are you full Nepali? Or is your dad asian? **(She looks as if she could have some asian background)
K: Yes, I am full Nepali. My father is too, he just served in Hong Kong and is now a full resident there.
M: Oh! So are your parents together?
K: Yes, actually, (laughs). I get that all the time when I say that. They are still married, it's the culture you know? Divorce is the last thing they would do, even if they don't love eachother or whatever, they will stay together.
M: Well that's good though? So now, what was the hardest thing about coming to the U.S.?
K: Hm, well.. the hardest thing was maybe culture too, yeah I would say emotionally, like the attachment that we don't get here. I'm far from family and here it's just friends. I seek that kind of attention, like from parents. So you actually have to grow up here.
M: Yes, that's what Gamir had mentioned too. How back in Nepal, children will stay with their parents for a long time, longer than most children stay here. Even if they are married?
K: Yeah, exactly.
M: So then how long have you been here?
K: In August 2011, it will be two years.
M: So things have gotten better?
K: Yeah, like with seeing different people and how they act.
M: Exactly. Now, on a more personal note. What are your experiences with rasicm since coming to the States?
K: Oh, yeah! So, in Nepal we have India to the south of us and China to the north of us you know? So half of our population looks Indian while the other half looks Chinese, with some looking mis-matched. A lot of people think I look Chinese, and because of this they think that I don't understand what they are saying. Or I will say something and then they will not understand me, but they will continue the conversation as if they did. Or they will just say "What?" a lot. Like, I don't have a low experience so it's frustrating. Especially when they don't try to understand, or even ask, "Will you say that again?"
M: Well exactly, and honestly that's super shocking to me because of my last three interviewees you have had the clearest accent and pronunciation.
K: (Laughs), that's funny.
M: But that's completely understandable how that would be frustrating. So now, what are some main cultural differences between Nepal and here? Driving is opposite sides there right?
K: Absolutely different! Now I am used to the driving here... we drive on the left side in Nepal I believe?
M: Yes, if they are opposites. And Nepal goes by the Metric System... or whatever it is that's opposite of us correct?
K: Ugh! God yes. Farenheit and pounds and kilos... Oh my God.
M: I could never imagine having to learn all of that!
K: And kilos and pounds, when I came here I weighed 100 something! I was like what?!
M: Ha, exactly! So changing subjects, how is the climate back in Nepal compared to this lovely Minnesota winter?
K: (Laughs) Well we don't have snow falls in the capital city, even though we have mountains, so I was super excited for the first snow. I think it was last years homecoming? But now I'm like, no more please!
M: Right! It just gets very old. So where in the U.S. and in the world have you traveled?
K: I've gone to Iowa, my cousin is there. Then I went to Virginia in the summer, where else.. oh! I went to Wisconsin, Madison and Michigan, Detroit.
M: So then where in the world have you been?
K: Born in Hong Kong, been there and then to India, that's it. I want to go to the UK because my dad wants to move there.
M: Oh! Cool, yeah Europe is such a cool place. Have you ever thought about studying abroad there?
K: No, coming here was already such a big change. I don't want to have to make more changes so soon. My cousins are in Europe, but I think I made a good choice by coming here. They go out and drink all the time and I feel that that is so childish. And all of my uncles are over there in the British Army, it's kind of like tradition to get into that there. Especially like, um... well here you have racism, while in Nepal we have Casteism. If you are Nepali, you have Mongolians and Arians. Mongolians are those who look more Asian, while Arians are those that look more Indian. Mongolian men tend to go to and join the British Army, that's why my cousins are there.
M: That's crazy. So back home is there a lot of rasicm between Mongolians and Arians?
K: Oh, yes. A lot. The most strict caste would be for instance Gamir's people, Newari.
M: So, meaning... is it like, that they are hardcore Indian, or?
K: Yes, exactly. Sometimes they won't even speak Nepali, they will just speak their own language. They won't let their sons or daughters marry outside of their caste either.
M: Wow. But you all get along here though don't you?
K: Yeah, yeah. We could be friends it's just that our parents are so conservative.
M: Right, so then what languages do you speak?
K: I speak Nepali, Hindi, English of course and then I speak a little bit of Korean.
M: Oh that's funny!
K: Yeah, it's just from the movies though. I watch a lot of Korean movies, well used to watch a lot. I dont really like that kind of movie any more, it's like, grow up you know?
M: What exactly are Korean movies?
K: Oh! You've never watched Korean movies?
M: No! Like what would a name of one be?
K: "A Moment to Remember," that's one. It's like "A Walk to Remember," but it's Korean. They are super similar movies. Most of the Korean movies I've watched are love stories, and then at the end the girl will die of some incurable disease or something.
M: OH! God that is so depressing! But changing the subject on you again, what are the main religions practiced in Nepal again?
K: Hindu, Buddhist and a little bit of Christian.
M: So what does your family practice?
K: Hindu, but a lot of Mongolian people are Buddhist.
M: Would you say your family is pretty religious?
K: Yeah, well... I wouldn't say that much, because we worship all kinds of gods.
M: In general? Yeah that's kind of how I am, I like hearing that others are very open minded as well. So getting into some different questions, what is your opinion of the American diet?
K: Well, it doesn't really bother me? I mean I eat everything, I don't mind fast food that much.The thing is the kinds! You know? Pickles, olives, black olives and all of those sauces! Back in Nepal I only knew of Ketchup, Mayo, not even ranch I didn't know what that was. Oh, and mustard, so just those three. And then there are buffalo wings... shit.
M: (Laughs) What do you think of those?
K: Well how does a buffalo get wings? (Laughs)
M: I honestly never understood that either! I still don't get why they call them buffalo wings. But, so are there any tastes tat you just hate?
K: Um... Oh, I really don't like the taste of marinara sauce.
M: Agreed! Somtimes, haha. So the food in Nepal, is it just spicier?
K: Yeah, and there are lots of ingredients in the dishes. Also, the smell is so strong! Like here, the smell will linger on your clothes if you don't wash them.
M: God, I feel liken I would just love Nepali food, rice in general is my favorite. I feel like anywhere in the world rice is just a main dish.
K: Yes, our main things are rice, dahl, which is like a black bean. We also have pickles, which is not like the pickles here, but more of a salsa with tomatos and everything.
M: Oh, yum! Now what are some of your favorite things to do?
K: Well, I enjoy singing like you already saw. I also enjoy swimming even though I am not that good at it, and my body don't show that, (laughs). I don't like watching movies terribly much, but I like photography.
M: Oh cool, so here it's the same kind of interests?
K: Well, here I don't have the time to do everthing I want with classes and all. I also work at public safety, and I'm the performance coordinator for NSA, the Nepali Student Association.
M: So you are putting together the Nepal Night, or helping with that?
K: Yes, I'm currently teaching young american girls a Nepali dance for the show!
M: Oh very cool! I'm so excited to see them perform! So for our final question, what were your preconceptions about the U.S., and how have they changed since you've been here?
K: Well, we have little stores that you can buy internet minutes from over in Nepal, so I would always search St. Cloud, but never found anything about the schools website. So, from the movies and what we've heard, I was imagining New York! (Laughs)
M: That's what Sudip said too!
K: Yeah, it's so silent here, but I like that. In New York time travels so much faster it feels, here everything is a little more slowed down. We have so much time to sit around in Nepal, because most of us in the family won't work.
M: Really?
K: Yeah, but it's like here everyone is taking their way and getting a job.
M: That's super interesting. So do you think you would move back home?
K: No, not yet. I feel like I need to get something accomplished here first. I need to graduate and get a job before I move back.
M: Very cool, that's awesome! It's been amazing talking with you, and thank you so so much for the interview.
K: Of course.
We continued to talk for a little while after the interview about Concert Choir and our interests, my trip to Africa and the upcoming Nepal Night that she was beginning to get extremely nervous about. I then thanked her again for the interview, we said our goodbyes and went on our way.
Country Report:
Nepal is a land-locked country in Southern Asia right between China and Northern India. Nepal is a small country, with only 147,181 sq. km, it is only slightly larger than Arkansas and contains eight of the world's ten tallest mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. Though it is a small country, it has a population of 28,951,852 people. There are eight main languages spoken in Nepal, including Newar, Nepali and Maithali, but over 20 total in the entire country, broken up into various dialects. Currency is the Nepalese Rupee, with the current exchange rate, as of 2/11 being 74.5 NR to 1 USD. The climate in Nepal varies from cool to sub-tropical summers, in certain areas to severe to mild winters in other areas. (1) Nepal's largest metropolitan city is also its capital, Kathmandu. Nepal's history is very closely related to the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, and is very strong with religion and culture. The four main religions in Nepal are Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Kirant, in that order. There is also a small amount of Christian belief in Nepal as well. (1)
Nepal has recently become a federal democratic republic, but claimed it's independance back in 1768. Their two national holidays, Republic Day and Democracy Day land on May 29 and April 24th. Nepal celebrates 160 days of festivals between 21 different holidays. (1) Holidays in Nepal are a "Kaleidascope of color, and should definitely not be missed!" according to the Nepal Channel. (1) Nepal though, is also one of the poorest and underdeveloped in the world. Agriculture is it's main source of income, supporting three-fourths of the population with the growth of pulses, jute, sugarcane and tobacco. Nepal also relies strongly on tourism in the capital city of Kathmandu. The only international airport, Tribhuvan, is located there. One of the country's biggest issues today is illegal trafficking. "Lured by promises of employment in big Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbia and Kolkatta, large numbers of Nepali young girls are smuggled by flesh traders and forced into prostitution." Being a landlocked country also causes problems for the economy of Nepal, including its suseptability for natural disasters including flooding, landslides, drought and famine depending on the timing of the summer monsoons. (1)
Sources:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/np.html 02/28/2011
http://www.nepalgov.gov.np/?option=ngdir&page=countryprofile 02/28/2011
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/festivals.html 02/28/2011
http://www.nepal.com/national-holidays/ 02/28/2011
http://the-voyagers.tripod.com/factsabout.htm 03/29/2011
Personal Review:
I really enjoyed my final interview. Khuspu was wonderful and a blast to talk to because she was so open and friendly. She wasn't nervous to crack a joke and get personal with me, and it was nice to actually have a female interviewee for once! I was so shocked when Khusbu explained to me Nepal's form of rasicm, casteism, and really liked that she gave me examples of castes using Gamir and Sudip. I also enjoyed talking with her about her involvement with NSA, (Nepali Student Association), and all of the "behind the scenes" information on Nepal Night. I ended up going to Nepal night April 2, at 5:00p.m., and it was wonderful. The show was put together perfectly and it gave me yet another opportunity to get an inside look at the Nepal's beautiful culture.
My main objective for this interview had been to simply get a different point of view from a different gender. I feel that Khusbu definitely gave me exactly what I was looking for when it came to her interests and political views. Also her involvement on campus and around the area was astounding to me as well, being that she is an international student, her schedule is so busy as it is I am shocked she is able to fit in as much as she does. Khusbu is an amazing girl and I'm very happy that I was able to interview her, we had a great talk and I learned a lot of new things about Nepal. Best interview to date!
Proof of Interview (recording):
File was to large to download? Shown in class.
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