Final Paper

ShaoHua Sun                 

12/16/2012

 

 

Culture value in Advertisements

NIKE in China

 

 

This thesis focuses on advertise the product emphasizing how the aspects of the advertisements are congruent with cultural values. It is given a case to analysis for cultural value in advertisements in NIKE.  The finding is that the product‘s advertisement should hold local culture, which can help open new market in different countries. Advertising seeks and is often given credit for contributing heavily to the economic success of both individual firms and national economies. Many policy makers in developing countries perceive advertising as a necessary component of the communications infrastructure, needed to obtain general economic development. To create the economic impact of selling goods, advertising operates psychologically, changing attitudes, images, cognitions, feelings, and ultimately preferences and values. It has not only psychological, but also sociological and cultural effects. The cultural value can be effect on advertisements (Ciochetto, 2011).

The culture of cultural value has two meanings. Frist, this is especially true for all countries that have their own distinct languages, cultures, norms, regulations and business environment Different countries has different culture, they have different cultural effectson advertisements. Then, each firm has its own culture value effect on advertisements. Build brands loyalty on the customer by using firm cultural value in advertisements, which is the most effectively strategy utilized during the firms. To be successful, an advertisement must be combined enterprise cultural value with national cultural value (Ciochetto, 2011).

This thesis observes a study of cultural value in advertisements. It starts with definition of cultural value and Introducing development of advertisements industry in China. NIKE as a case in the content, the project focuses on how to build its brand status promotion by ads. How it uses different cultural value strategy combines with local culture in different countries. Analyzing two commercials of NIKE will be success and failure cases.

To understand the cultural messages conveyed by advertising, it is necessary to explain culture. Parekh (1997) states that, if defined broadly, culture "refers to the body of beliefs and practices governing the conduct of the relevant area, be it a specific activity, an aspect of human experience, an organization or human life was whole." "It may refer to beliefs and practices regulating all or major areas of human life, and have broadly the same meaning as the older term 'a way of life'". Referring to the cultural values and meaning conveyed in advertising, Dyer (1982) argues that "the meaning of an advertisement is not something there, statistically inside an ad, waiting to be revealed by a 'correct' interpretation. What an ad means depends on how it operates, how signs and its 'ideological' effect are organized internally (within the text) and externally (in relation to its production, circulation and consumption and in relation to technological, economic, legal and social relation). Ads are not invisible conveyors of messages or transparent reflections of reality. They are specific discourses or structures of signs (Dyer, 1982).

Advertising cultural value is unique cultural values; advertising constitutes one of the elements. Different ads reflect their own unique cultural identity. This study is focus on two parts of Advertising culture: modernity and individual culture. “Product itself is a carrier of culture, cultural transmission through the commodity (Alozie, 2003).” The essence of the commodity culture of product design, production, packaging, decoration and its development process of the cultural value shown is the spirit of the times, the national spirit and the enterprise spirit are displayed by products. It is the core of advertising culture value. Marketing culture also refers to cultural values. It includes psychological needs, spiritual temperament, and philosophy; advertising cultural value is the concentrated expression of cultural forms of advertising, marketing, commodity culture to culture through the eventual realization. Certain cultural traditions, beliefs and values to a large extent about the business operators and consumer psychology, behavior and thus affect the corporate advertising campaign. Advertising cultural value faces not only promote the products but also faces language, traditions and customs, regulations, education, natural environment, religion, economic status differences (Alozie, 2003).

Advertising appeals are the specific approaches advertisers use to communicate how their products will satisfy customer needs by embedding a culture’s values. (Pollay & Gallagher, 1990). Appeal is a tool which can be used in the message by advertisers in order to create, in the mind of the receiver, a bound between the value carried by an appeal and the product advertised. Advertisers use cultural values to manipulate and persuade consumers to purchase, while consumers use it as a source of information about goods and services that helps them make informed purchasing decisions. (Vincent, 2004) Researchers have argued that cultural values are the core of advertising messages and typical advertisements endorse, glamorize, and inevitably reinforce cultural values (Pollay and Gallagher, 1990). An appeal is something that makes the product particularly attractive or interesting to the consumer.

         Next it is cultural values in ads, we study is designed to address cultural values in advertisements in China, compare with the United States and cultural values from changes in advertising appeals. In comparison with most Western or developed countries, China is generally regarded as a more traditional and more collectivistic society. Several content analyses have been conducted to understand the social and cultural consequences of advertising in China. During the so-called "Cultural Revolution" from 1966 to 1975, advertising was labeled as evil, deceptive, and reflective of capitalistic decadence. No advertising was allowed or needed, because the Chinese economy was managed through Soviet-style "five-year plans." However, remarkable changes have taken place since 1978 when the "open-door policy" was adopted. China has evolved in economic development and modernization by “Reform and Opening” policy (zhang, 2010). Meanwhile, China has come a long way from having no advertising at all to having a contemporary advertising infrastructure with all modern media in use (Tse, Belk, and Zhou 1989). For example, in terms of print media, about 8,000 different periodicals are currently published in China, many of which carry a variety of consumer advertisements (Lou 1995). From 1985 to 1992 advertising expenditure's proportion of gross domestic product more than tripled from 0.07% to 0.23% (Karp 1994).  As a result, advertising has become one of China's fastest-growing industries (Tefft 1994). With the current annual advertising spending growth rate, China is expected to become one of the world's top 10 advertising markets within a few years (Parton 1994). Many U.S. and Japanese advertising agencies, therefore, have entered the Chinese market either to serve their present clients that have expanded to China or to pursue new opportunities with local firms. Despite its rapid growth, the Chinese advertising industry still much for some distance compare with the most Western countries. “Chinese advertisements only examined consumption or cultural values at one level: the mass market(Zhang, 2010).” Television audience measures and newspaper and magazine readership data are almost nonexistent. Therefore, it is difficult for advertisers to assess consumer media habits, which may be very different from those in other parts of the world. Many advertisements are informational in style. In addition, although a wide variety of media options are available, both consumer and industrial products are advertised through mass media. As mass advertising becomes a reality for many American companies operating in China, understanding cultural differences between the United States and China and the impact of such differences on the effectiveness of advertising appeals will be increasingly important to those companies (Zhang, 2010).

                   Chinese advertisements not only hold traditional culture of their own, but also absorb the advanced western culture, which is the mainstream of Chinese advertising development (Lin, 2001). Cultural values reflected in Chinese advertising at symbolic and emotional levels and described a “melting pot” of cultural values, the notion of Chinese advertising incorporating Western and Eastern and modernity and tradition values (Cheng 1994; Cheng and Schweitzer 1996; Lin 2001). Modernity values usually were considered as the notion of being new, and acception of the Western ideas. Tradition values were operationalized as respecting the past, customs, /time-honored, and legendary (Zhang, 2010).

As one of global enterprises, NIKE has achieved in the Chinese market. Nike is not only selling products, but also cultural values. Nike was the most expensive, not only because it was the preeminent, but also because it is in the minds of consumers "cool (Cool)" brand. Nike is the consumer in mind the "coolest" brands among the young generation. In the minds of consumers, Nike preeminent embodies the individuality, creativity, dynamism and vitality of the basic regard of leisure. These concepts build success of Nike in the Chinese market unique brand. “Nike has a symbol of ordinary culture, as consumers of cultural identity hearts chat points. Nike sold in the Chinese market is a "cool" and "fashion" of cultural values, their brands points of difference and the core competitiveness is a sort of cultural identity and social identity to rely on the consumer experience a sense (Sense) (Zhang, 2010)” There are two commercials in this analysis are NIKE ads. Both of them are took with Chinese cultural aspects and both are very familiar to the Chinese people. One can say that modernity of consumption values and promoting individualistic cultural values, these elements always make NIKE’s commercials stand out; other points out traditional and historical aspects, but did not take all factors into consideration.

Case 1

In the first scene, a student is late to class, and his teacher points at him with a ferule: “why are you always late?” It is very common in China that teachers use a ferule to blame students, yet it is not common that a student dare to fence with his or her teacher. There are actually two scenarios in this series that are about students’ behavior, by rebelling against the tradition in class. Confucianism revolves around the concept of harmonious relationships, and the sense of belonging and conforming is very important. Respect and honor for teachers is a virtue in the traditional Chinese culture. A “good student” is supposed to obey his or her teacher. Traditional Chinese culture teaches us to respect leadership and tolerant and loving people, which cause to a high level of inequality between teachers and students. There are 10 typical scenarios in this commercial. The commercial also brought back to people their early familiar scenarios. In commercial, the cast is made up of a whole bunch of students. All the scenarios are happened around everyone. Many audiences were moved by those good memories.  Those scenarios aroused echo in students’ hearts. Each of scenario has two Chinese characters -- 随时 , which means, any time. The whole ad conveys a message to Chinese people: “Use your creativity, anytime, if you want, just do it!” 

Nike's “Just do it” campaign seems to be one of the best commercial campaigns ever created. This one is very creative, especially because it uses the idea of taking everyday activities and turning them into something "just (to) do it." Individualism values are completely lacking in Chinese society, advertising will show being independent or following your own way. Actually like in other regions in the world, young people in China tend to be more individualistic.

Case 2

In November of 2004, Nike released its million-dollar, 90-second TV commercial, “Chamber of Fear,” simultaneously in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. The spot features American NBA player LeBron James defeating an elderly Chinese martial arts master, a pair of dragons, and two legendary Chinese goddesses in a simulated videogame. The “Chamber of Fear” spot was produced by Nike's US advertising agency, Wieden & Kennedy. However, it is important to note that Wieden and Kennedy was not Nike China's advertising agency at the time (Lury, 2009).

In China, Nike released the commercial through CCTV, which immediately come to heated discussions on major Chinese Internet sites. On December 3, 2004, China's State Administration for Radio, Film and Television ordered a ban on Nike's commercial in a statement issued that the commercial “violates regulations that mandate that all advertisements in China should uphold national dignity and interest and respect the motherland's culture.” Nike borrowed some important cultural symbols in their ads. Nike introduced dragons, elderly Kung Fu masters, Chinese goddess figures, and Buddhist pagodas in its TV commercial. Dragons are recognized cultural symbols of power throughout Chinese history. Carved dragons are easily encountered in ancient historical sites in China such as Beijing, but the whole commercial is too aggressive. Cultural paradoxes vary according to different cultures, that not means violate the local culture. In the commercial, all scenarios against with the Chinese society are the concept of being harmonious and the need of belonging and conforming to a community. Although Nike is a sport brand that represents passion and energy, and aggression is valued at the basketball court of the NBA and in the U.S., it should follow the Chinese way because value-adding advertising cannot be exported from one culture to another without losing effectiveness. Thus, though the key symbols might be likely to get attention and might be perceived by the foreign user as a quick way to communicate with the local culture, they carry a high degree of risk because they may be unknowingly misused or interpreted in ways unforeseeable to those outside the culture (Lury, 2009).

In conclusion we revealed cultural values impact Advertising; Advertising appeals conduct cultural values. Commercial advertising has become an important part of the cultural region. The relationship between advertising and local cultures becomes of increasing interest to international observers. For the company involved in international marketing, building its unique brand status, it is important that they are aware of the local cultural that they would face when entering a new market, particularly those with strong cultural codes of behavior. China, in particular, is a diverse country with a relatively conservative culture. Marketers must be careful that the content of the images in the advertisement will not offend the local community.

 

 

References

Ciochetto, L. (2011). Advertising and value formation: The power of multinational companies. Current Sociology, 59(2), 173-185. doi: 10.1177/0011392110391150

Dyer, G. (1982). Advertising as communication. London: Methuen.

Parekh, B. (1997). National culture and multiculturalism. In Thompson, K. (Ed.), Media and cultural regulation (pp. 163– 205). London: Sage.

Alozie, E. (2003). Critical analysis of cultural values found in nigerian mass media advertisements. (Master's thesis, Governors State University)Retrieved from http://utpjournals.metapress.com/content/028t617g544w13v6/fulltext.pdf

Pollay, R., & Gallagher, K. (1990). Advertising and cultural values: Reflections in the distorted mirror. International Journal of Advertising, 9, 359–372.

Vincent,, A. (2004). Impact of fear appeals in a cross-cultural context. Journal of Euromarketing,, 14(1/2), 145-167. Retrieved from (http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.stcloudstate.edu/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=9&sid=22ed2973-12d8-405a-85e6-50cf5050e32a@sessionmgr15&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ)

zhang, Y. (2010, August 26). Matching advertising appeals to culture: The influence of products' use conditions. Journal of Advertising, 25(3), 29-46. Retrieved from:

(ftp://ftp.glue.umd.edu/:/home/glue/n/a/nan/pub/475readings/4 Zhang Gelb 1996 match advertising culture.pdf)

Tse, David K., Russell W. Belk, and Nan Zhou (1989), 'Becoming a Consumer Society: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Con-tent Analysis of Print Ads from Hong Kong, the People's Re- public of China, and Taiwan,' Journal of Consumer Research, 15 (March), 457-472. Retrieved from: ftp://ftp.glue.umd.edu/:/home/glue/n/a/nan/pub/475readings/4%20Zhang%20Gelb%201996%20match%20advertising%20culture.pdf

Lou, Zheng (1995), "The Assortment and Quantity of Published Books and Periodicals in China," People's Daily, Overseas Edition, July 24, Section 4, 4. Retrieved from: ftp://ftp.glue.umd.edu/:/home/glue/n/a/nan/pub/475readings/4%20Zhang%20Gelb%201996%20match%20advertising%20culture.pdf

Karp, Jonathan (1994) "The Hard Sell,' Far Eastern Economic Review, 157 (47), 100-101. Retrieved from: ftp://ftp.glue.umd.edu/:/home/glue/n/a/nan/pub/475readings/4%20Zhang%20Gelb%201996%20match%20advertising%20culture.pdf

Lin, C. (2001). Cultural vlues reflected in chinese and american television advertising. Journal of Advertising, 32(4), 43-56. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4189198?uid=3739976&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=56053153473

Lury, C. (2009). Marking time with nike: The illusion of the durable. Public Culture, 11(3), 499-526. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.stcloudstate.edu/ehost/resultsadvanced?sid=20484685-df8e-4aff-ae54-a9c41e6d817b@sessionmgr4&vid=13&hid=19&bquery=nike with cultural&bdata=JmRiPWFwaCZ0eXBlPTEmc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZl

 

 

 

 

First of droft of final paper

Culture value in Advertisements

NIKE in China

This paper observes a study of cultural value in advertisements. It starts with definition of cultural value and Introducing development of advertisements industry in China. NIKE as a case in the content, the project focuses on how to build its brand status promotion by ads. How it uses different cultural value strategy combines with local culture in different countries. Analyzing two commercials of NIKE will be success and failure cases.

To understand the cultural messages conveyed by advertising, it is necessary to explain culture. Parekh (1997) states that, if defined broadly, culture "refers to the body of beliefs and practices governing the conduct of the relevant area, be it a specific activity, an aspect of human experience, an organization or human life was whole." "It may refer to beliefs and practices regulating all or major areas of human life, and have broadly the same meaning as the older term 'a way of life'". Referring to the cultural values and meaning conveyed in advertising, Dyer (1982) argues that "the meaning of an advertisement is not something there, statistically inside an ad, waiting to be revealed by a 'correct' interpretation. What an ad means depends on how it operates, how signs and its 'ideological' effect are organized internally (within the text) and externally (in relation to its production, circulation and consumption and in relation to technological, economic, legal and social relation). Ads are not invisible conveyors of messages or transparent reflections of reality. They are specific discourses or structures of signs (Dyer, 1982).

 

During the so-called "Cultural Revolution" from 1966 to 1975, advertising was labeled as evil, deceptive, and reflective of capitalistic decadence. No advertising was allowed or needed, because the Chinese economy was managed through Soviet-style "five-year plans." However, remarkable changes have taken place since 1978 when the "open-door policy" was adopted. China has evolved in economic development and modernization by “Reform and Opening” policy (zhang, 2010). Meanwhile, China has come a long way from having no advertising at all to having a contemporary advertising infrastructure with all modern media in use (Tse, Belk, and Zhou 1989). For example, in terms of print media, about 8,000 different periodicals are currently published in China, many of which carry a variety of consumer advertisements (Lou 1995). From 1985 to 1992 advertising expenditure's proportion of gross domestic product more than tripled from 0.07% to 0.23% (Karp 1994).

Nike's ads is that As one of global enterprises, NIKE has achieved in the Chinese market. Nike is not only selling products, but also cultural values. Nike was the most expensive, not only because it was the preeminent, but also because it is in the minds of consumers "cool (Cool)" brand. Nike is the consumer in mind the "coolest" brands among the young generation. In the minds of consumers, Nike preeminent embodies the individuality, creativity, dynamism and vitality of the basic regard of leisure. These concepts build success of Nike in the Chinese market unique brand. “Nike has a symbol of ordinary culture, as consumers of cultural identity hearts chat points. Nike sold in the Chinese market is a "cool" and "fashion" of cultural values, their brands points of difference and the core competitiveness is a sort of cultural identity and social identity to rely on the consumer experience a sense (Sense) (Zhang, 2010)” There are two commercials in this analysis are NIKE ads. Both of them are took with Chinese cultural aspects and both are very familiar to the Chinese people. One can say that modernity of consumption values and promoting individualistic cultural values, these elements always make NIKE’s commercials stand out; other points out traditional and historical aspects, but did not take all factors into consideration.

 

 

 

In the first scene, a student is late to class, and his teacher points at him with a ferule: “why are you always late?” It is very common in China that teachers use a ferule to blame students, yet it is not common that a student dare to fence with his or her teacher. There are actually two scenarios in this series that are about students’ behavior, by rebelling against the tradition in class. Confucianism revolves around the concept of harmonious relationships, and the sense of belonging and conforming is very important. Respect and honor for teachers is a virtue in the traditional Chinese culture. A “good student” is supposed to obey his or her teacher. Traditional Chinese culture teaches us to respect leadership and tolerant and loving people, which cause to a high level of inequality between teachers and students.

 

In November of 2004, Nike released its million-dollar, 90-second TV commercial, “Chamber of Fear,” simultaneously in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. The spot features American NBA player LeBron James defeating an elderly Chinese martial arts master, a pair of dragons, and two legendary Chinese goddesses in a simulated videogame. The “Chamber of Fear” spot was produced by Nike's US advertising agency, Wieden & Kennedy. However, it is important to note that Wieden and Kennedy was not Nike China's advertising agency at the time (Lury, 2009). In China, Nike released the commercial through CCTV, which immediately come to heated discussions on major Chinese Internet sites. On December 3, 2004, China's State Administration for Radio, Film and Television ordered a ban on Nike's commercial in a statement issued that the commercial “violates regulations that mandate that all advertisements in China should uphold national dignity and interest and respect the motherland's culture.” Nike borrowed some important cultural symbols in their ads. Nike introduced dragons, elderly Kung Fu masters, Chinese goddess figures, and Buddhist pagodas in its TV commercial. Dragons are recognized cultural symbols of power throughout Chinese history.

In conclusion we revealed cultural values impact Advertising; Advertising appeals conduct cultural values. Commercial advertising has become an important part of the cultural region. The relationship between advertising and local cultures becomes of increasing interest to international observers. For the company involved in international marketing, building its unique brand status, it is important that they are aware of the local cultural that they would face when entering a new market, particularly those with strong cultural codes of behavior. China, in particular, is a diverse country with a relatively conservative culture. Marketers must be careful that the content of the images in the advertisement will not offend the local community.

References

Ciochetto, L. (2011). Advertising and value formation: The power of multinational companies. Current Sociology, 59(2), 173-185. doi: 10.1177/001139211039115

Dyer, G. (1982). Advertising as communication. London: Methuen.

Parekh, B. (1997). National culture and multiculturalism. In Thompson, K. (Ed.), Media and cultural regulation (pp. 163– 205). London: Sage.

Alozie, E. (2003). Critical analysis of cultural values found in nigerian mass media advertisements. (Master's thesis, Governors State University)Retrieved from http://utpjournals.metapress.com/content/028t617g544w13v6/fulltext.pdf

Pollay, R., & Gallagher, K. (1990). Advertising and cultural values: Reflections in the distorted mirror. International Journal of Advertising, 9, 359–372.

 

 

Outline

                                                   Culture value in Advertisements
                                                                  NIKE in China
This paper observes a study of cultural value in advertisements. It starts with definition of cultural value and Introducing development of advertisements industry in China. NIKE as a case in the content, the project focuses on how to build its brand status promotion by ads. How it uses different cultural value strategy combines with local culture in different countries. Analyzing two commercials of NIKE will be success and failure cases.
To understand the cultural messages conveyed by advertising, it is necessary to explain culture. This study is focus on two parts of Advertising culture: modernity and individual culture. Chinese advertisements not only hold traditional culture of their own, but also absorb the advanced western culture, which is the mainstream of Chinese advertising development
Advertisements in china at begin of now. Cultural Revolution was at series of years. Chinese advertisements not only hold traditional culture of their own, but also absorb the advanced western culture, which is the mainstream of Chinese advertising development.
As one of global enterprises, NIKE has achieved in the Chinese market. Nike is not only selling products, but also cultural values.
This study revealed cultural values impact Advertising; Advertising appeals conduct cultural values. Commercial advertising has become an important part of the cultural region. The relationship between advertising and local cultures becomes of increasing interest to international observers.

My topic

My topic is “Culture value in advertisements NIKE in china”



Because I have learning many culture values at classes, also I know the Nike’s advertisements in china. I want to write down any things I have learned about this topic. And I will research books to help me to process this task.



What will the introduction contain?



It contains that the Definition of cultural value and introducing development of advertisements industry in China. NIKE as a case in the content, the project focuses on how to build its brand status promotion by ads.



What is the thematic statement?



Observes a study of cultural value in advertisements



How will you organize the body of text and what will the conclusions say.

 I will follow three main points use on the body, and conclusions i will repet my statment and review some basic key points.

Review three interview

1. Brittany  (20 points) 

    http://eng191f12s28brittanyhof.blogspot.com/

   I learned a lot of Nepal knowledge from her interview reports. She highlighted all titles which made it easier to read. According to her interview, she made her conversation interesting and flow.

2.Mohamed - 20 points
     http://en191fl12s28mohamedto.blogspot.com/
    he covered all main points at his third interview scored is high, especially  the beginning of
his interview are perfect . He used different questions very well and his questions were clear and flow. it has good construction.


3.Jonathan - 19 points
      http://en191f12s28jonaou.blogspot.com/
      His third interview scored is high because he has good outline with good construction and covered all main points .Also,  the Interview has good key questions which make the conversation flow to the main idea of the interview.


Here is scorecard

Review Second interview

1. Galkina, Elena V (20 points)
    http://elenaen191f12s28.blogspot.com/

a     A wonderful interview, Galkina was completed very good task with his interviewee, they showed good example for students who are learning how to interview. also, they give a lot of detail information about the country, and made good country report.

 

     2. Mohamed (19 points)

       http://en191fl12s28mohamedto.blogspot.com/

      It has a clear construction and feedback. some sentences connected his key points about country with different aspects. also, his conversation was very expressive.

 

     3. Hofstater, Brittany M (19 points)

         http://eng191f12s28brittanyhof.blogspot.com/

d      A excellent interview with many details about his interview such as preparing, what did she do, and the good country report about different questions.

   

 

HERE is my Scorecard

 

  

My third of interview

Interviewer: ShaoHua Sun

Interviewee: Lie, kolol,doe

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2012

Class: English 191

Assignment: Interview 3

Preparations for the interview

            My third interview was going to about the Japan. According to last two experiences I have had improving my interview and adjusted different ways to made good interview.  Frist, a person I have to select for a good interviewee, second pick up different aspects of questions in order to different topics, during the interview I have to communicate with him about different points which are personal and regular. For this interview, my objective for the interview is that I am going to ask questions about his country. Before I am going to interview I researched some information about the Japan will trying to use this information to close him. Furthermore, I made two copies of questions for each other is order to us what process is. To record the interview, I will write down important data from interviewee. After it, I summarized his points used on the interview.

How Did I Approach People?

            First I used the Facebook to chat with my Japanese friends, and trying to tell them about this interview. However, I asked them who would like to help me to process this assignment. At result, I asked some friends who didn’t have good time for my purpose, but some friends would like to help me for this interview. I used formal behavior to invite one of my Japanese friend was enjoy my assignment, and during the interview, I was trying to follow his points and most of points were closed ours topic. Some time I used different gesture to describe my points.

When, where, and how did I Conduct the Interview?

            The library of study room is where I was interviewed with Mie. Before I checked the room I had to tell them we were meeting at study room. I made two hours of study time for interview.  I interviewed began at 5:00 pm, fished at 6:00 pm it about 1 hour time. I gave him a copy of questions let him know that. At begin, we introduced each other, and then we were going to focus the conversations. During interview we shared different information opinions, sometime made jokes and drink water. Also, we used different action to descript ours points, and eyes contract. Finally, I showed my gratitude and asked his plans at this university.

                                                Whom did you Interview?

            Interviewee’s name is Lie, kolol,doe from japan is one of my Japanese friends. He was my classmate when we were studied at IEC from Level2 to Level 4. Also, we defiantly know both the countries for different aspect. We learn English at IEC class was talk about different opinions and shared different culture shocks. He can speak a little of Chinese which are from his Chinese friends. He likes play basketball and watching NBA, NFL, and the Saint Cloud University of Hockey. He is a regular student at this university which major is international business.

                                    Describe the Interview

My last interview is very useful for me. I have learned how make a good interview. Most of important for things are that preparing, process, record, write down main points.  However, I realized a lot more about Japan on different aspects that culture, food, festive, and so on. We made successful job for this assignment, it was good experience.

                                                Country report

Japan is an island nation in East Asia .Located in the west Pacific Ocean. There is an archipelago of 6,852 islands and four largest islands named: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. This is four largest together comprising about 97% of Japan’s land area. Japan has the world’s tenth-largest population. There are over 127 million people live in Japan. The capital of Japan is Tokyo. Tokyo is in main island Honshu. Japanese Culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware, swords and dolls. And in modern Japanese culture cartoon is very well-known for example: Detective Conan One Piece and Naru to And Hayao Miyazaki is a well-known Japanese manga artist and prominent film director and animator of many popular anime feature films. Masterpiece is Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away. Traditional senses of Japanese food are including sushi, sashimi, and tempura and buckwheat noodles. A characteristic of traditional Japanese food is the sparing use of meat, oils and fats and dirty products. Use of soy sauce, miso, and umeboshi makes them high in salt content, though there are low-sodium versions of these available nowadays.

Geography: Japan has a total of 6,852 islands extending along the Pacific coast of East Asia. The country, including all of the islands it controls, lies between latitudes 24° and 46°N, and longitudes 122° and 146°E. The main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku and Kyūshū. The Ryūkyū Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain to the south of Kyūshū. Together they are often known as the Japanese Archipelago. About 73 percent of Japan is forested, mountainous, and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. As a result, the habitable zones, mainly located in coastal areas, have extremely high population densities. Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Religion: Japan enjoys full religious freedom based on Article 20 of its Constitution. Upper estimates suggest that 84–96 percent of the Japanese population subscribe to Buddhism or Shinto, including a large number of followers of a syncretism of both religions. However, these estimates are based on people affiliated with a temple, rather than the number of true believers. Other studies have suggested that only 30 percent of the population identify themselves as belonging to a religion. According to Edwin Reischauer and Marius Jansen, some 70–80% of the Japanese regularly tell pollsters they do not consider themselves believers in any religion. Nevertheless, the level of participation remains high, especially during festivals and occasions such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. Taoism and Confucianism from China have also influenced Japanese beliefs and customs. Japanese streets are decorated on Tanabata, Obon and Christmas. Less than one percent of Japanese are Christian. Other minority religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism, and since the mid-19th century numerous new religious movements have emerged in Japan (1).

Me: Hills, Lie, how are you today?

Lie: I am good, how are you today?

M: good, thanks for this interviewing you.

M: Could you tell me about yourself? (Your name, home country)

L: My name is Lie from the Japan. I am from the capital city which is Tokyo.

M: some Japanese friends are from different cities. Would like tell me about the Tokyo?
L: Sure, it is a major city and about 9 million people. It is one of the world’s top ten financial and commercial centers. It is the capital of japan.

M: I know a little of information about this this which are most important on different aspects. How long you have been here for studying?

L: I have been here for 2 years.

M: I have been here for 2 year, do you like this city?

L: yes, I really like this city because my friends are at this university for studying. I came to here with them. I like weather and snow. And my favorite sport is ice hockey.
M: I know this university has good team. It’s a famous team at America.

L: really? I would like to watch hockey games. Are you going to watch it has race at this week?

M: Sure, I am a fan. Because I like hockey, I selected this university. How are about you?

L: I am a regular student. I came here for two years was studying from IEC for 1 year.
M: it is interesting. Would like to tell me about your country?
L: it an island national country, located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, china. It has long history and long of culture. It has a total of 6,852 islands.
M: what is the population of your country and cities?

L: It is about 127.3 million of people. It has 46 states and capital city is Tokyo.

M: Can you tell me some major holidays in your country?

L: most of important festival is the spring festive. It is same with Chinese. We celebrate it with family at home and eat traditional cuisine. Most of food is made by family, before this festival my mother will prepare different materials for dinner. Additional, some children would like to watch the TV, and playing the games. At that day I help my mother to do the big dinner.

M: wow, it looks like my country’s culture. What is traditional food in your country?

L: The traditional foods mostly is based on combining staple foods, typically Japanese rice or noodles, with a soup and okazu — dishes made from fish, vegetable, tofu and the like – to add flavor to the staple food. In the early modern era ingredients such as red meats that had previously not been widely used in Japan were introduced. Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on seasonality of food, quality of ingredients and presentation. Japanese cuisine offers a vast array of regional specialties that use traditional recipes and local ingredients. The Michelin Guide has awarded Japanese cities more Michelin stars than the rest of the world combined.

M: there are very good meals, I was been many Japanese restaurant with my friends and taste it was very good, but I don’t know how cook it. Do you know how cook it.

L: yes. It is not complicated. If you have time I will tell you how to do it.

M: thank you, I will make another time with you for it.

L: no problem.

M: does your country have some religions when you are going to celebrate different festivals?

L: not too much people believe some religions. In my country, a half of people they don’t have religion. Some people are on Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism and others. In my family we don’t have. But sometime special festive we have to wear the traditional clothes. Women’s transitional clothes are jacket and long skirt. Men’s clothes are pants, jacket, vest are showing the unique style.

M: oh. I haven’t see that clothes, maybe looks like my country’s clothes. Do you have it now?

L: No, I have it on my home are not in apartment, next time I will show you.

M: Nice, may take a picture when you are going to show me?

L: Sure, I hope your friends will enjoy your pictures.

M: thanks. Let keep doing, how is the political system of your country structured?

L: Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan and other elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people. Japan's legislative organ is the National Diet, a bicameral parliament.

M: what is construction of your government?

L: The Prime Minister of Japan is the head of government and is appointed by the Emperor after being designated by the Diet from among its members.
M: I didn’t know that, but now most of information is valuable, I will keep it to share with my friends. It is different between two countries. Let take about the differences. What do you perceive as differences between your culture and the American culture?

L: it very different. When I came to hear the language was major cause, I didn’t understand all of conversation with my classmates and professors. After 1 semester I have improving the English skills with my American friends. They are so friendly with me, I was surprised by that. My point was that they don’t like Asian because we are different race. It was huge wrong point for me.

M: I agree with you, I got same experience. But now, we are making many friends we are enjoy many parties without any obstacle. So, what are you going to do for your last semester?

L: I just study my major that is international business at this university. After this before go back my country, I will go to cross every state with my friend and collecting every state’s different coins. I will show you later, it is in my apartment.
M: OK. I will wait that day. I am so happy interview you, and your information are useful for me to understand your country. At end of interview, do you have any questions that you would like to ask me at all?

L: No, I don’t have

M: thanks for this interview.

L: welcome

.

Work cited:

(1) Wikipedia contributors. “Japanese”, on 9 Novermber 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

(2) Wikipedia contributors. “Japanese”, on 9 Novermber 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

(3) Wikipedia contributors. “Japanese”, on 9 Novermber 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan