Questions to Ask for Culturally Sensitive Interviews

Want to gather meaningful stories while respecting someone's background? Start by asking open-ended questions and avoiding assumptions. Here's how:

• Reflect on your perspective: Be aware of your cultural biases before starting.
• Ask open-ended questions: Let them share their experiences freely.
• Pay attention: Adjust your approach based on their comfort level.

Example Questions to Get Started:

• "What values have guided your life?"
• "What traditions were important in your family?"
• "How did your community celebrate milestones?"

Use tools like Storii to make recording and sharing these stories easier, even for those less familiar with technology. Their phone-based system captures authentic voices and preserves memories for future generations.

Developing Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

Basic Rules for Respectful Interviews

Conducting interviews with cultural sensitivity requires careful preparation and attention. Here are some key guidelines to ensure respectful and meaningful conversations.

Understand Your Own Perspective

Before starting an interview, take a moment to reflect on your own cultural background and how it might shape your approach. Think about:

• Your cultural experiences and how they influence your worldview
• Personal values or beliefs that could affect your interpretation of responses
• Any assumptions you may have about other cultural practices or traditions

This self-awareness helps you craft questions that respect the interviewee's perspective.

Use Open-Ended Questions

Ask questions that encourage detailed responses without imposing assumptions. For example, instead of asking, "Did you celebrate Christmas?" try asking, "What celebrations were important in your family?"

Avoid Assumptions	Use Open-Ended Questions
"Your parents must have wanted you to become a doctor."	"What hopes did your family have for your future?"
"I bet holidays were difficult being away from family."	"How did you stay connected with loved ones?"
"That must have been challenging in your culture."	"How did you handle that experience?"

Open-ended questions allow the interviewee to share their experiences in their own words.

Listen Closely and Adjust

Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues during the interview, such as:

• Tone and pace: How they speak can reveal comfort or hesitation.
• Body language: Facial expressions or posture can indicate emotions.
• Willingness to elaborate: Their responses may signal if they’re comfortable discussing a topic.

If you notice discomfort, consider rephrasing your question to better align with their cultural context - or skip it altogether. Let the interviewee decide how deeply they want to explore certain topics.

These practices will help you create a respectful and open dialogue as you move through your interview questions.

Interview Topics and Example Questions

These prompts are designed to help you explore cultural experiences with care and respect. Keep in mind the principles from 'Basic Rules for Respectful Interviews' - use open-ended questions, stay self-aware, and listen actively.

Family Life and Community

When discussing family and community, use open-ended questions and avoid making assumptions.

Topic	Questions to Ask Respectfully
Family Structure	"Who were the key people in your household growing up?"
Community Roles	"How did your community support each other during important times?"
Traditions	"What gatherings or traditions brought your family together?"
Daily Life	"What was a typical day like for you at home?"

Personal Identity and Values

Encourage open sharing by listening carefully and allowing individuals to express themselves.

• "What values have been important in guiding your life?"
• "How would you describe your cultural identity?"
• "What beliefs or practices have been especially meaningful to you?"

Dealing with Differences

Approach this topic with self-awareness and respect for personal boundaries.

• "What has helped you understand different perspectives?"
• "How have you balanced maintaining your cultural practices while adjusting to new environments?"
• "What advice would you give about navigating cultural differences?"

Family History and Past Events

Be open to a range of experiences and stories when discussing family history.

• "What stories have your elders shared about your family’s past?"
• "What historical events have had a big impact on your family?"
• "What family traditions have been passed down over the years?"

Languages and Customs

Respect the diversity of languages and customs by acknowledging individual experiences.

• "What languages were commonly spoken in your home?"
• "Are there any customs or celebrations that are especially meaningful to you?"

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Question Checklist by Topic

This checklist offers thoughtful questions organized by theme. Use open-ended phrasing and active listening techniques to encourage meaningful conversations. These prompts align with the interview principles outlined earlier to ensure respectful and insightful discussions.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Topic	Suggested Questions
Personal Background	• "What parts of your cultural heritage hold the most meaning for you?"
	• "How has your cultural identity influenced your life journey?"
	• "Are there specific traditions or customs that resonate deeply with you?"
Family Origins	• "Where does your family originate from?"
	• "What family stories have been passed down about your ancestors' experiences?"
	• "How does your family stay connected to its cultural roots?"

Community and Relationships

Topic	Suggested Questions
Social Connections	• "Who were the key figures in your community during your childhood?"
	• "How did your community mark important milestones or celebrations?"
	• "What role did extended family play in shaping your upbringing?"
Cultural Exchange	• "What moments have helped you build connections with people from other cultures?"
	• "In what ways has your community changed over time?"
	• "What advice would you give about fostering understanding across cultures?"

Life Experiences and Values

Topic	Suggested Questions
Personal Journey	• "What life lessons have had the biggest impact on how you see the world?"
	• "How have your cultural values influenced major choices in your life?"
	• "What experiences have tested or reinforced your beliefs?"
Future Traditions	• "Which traditions do you hope will continue with future generations?"
	• "What parts of your culture are most important for you to see preserved?"
	• "What advice or wisdom would you like to pass down to younger family members?"

"The chance to hear his stories, recorded in his own voice, will be treasured by generations in our family. It's so simple and so easy, yet so powerful. If you have older loved ones, don't wait. Start now so you can record and preserve their stories and memories. Priceless."

• Tom Vander Well

Using Storii for Life Story Interviews

Storii simplifies the process of conducting meaningful, culturally respectful life story interviews with tools designed for thoughtful conversations. These features ensure interviews are engaging and accessible for everyone involved.

Question Library and Customization

Storii offers a rich library of over 1,000 life story questions, carefully curated to encourage meaningful dialogue. Interviewers can:

• Choose from pre-designed, culturally aware prompts
• Add personalized questions to reflect unique traditions or experiences
• Schedule calls at times that suit participants' routines

Phone-Based Recording System

Storii's automated phone call system makes interviews easy, even for those unfamiliar with modern technology. Here's how it works:

Feature	How It Helps
Landline and Mobile Calls	Supports participants who prefer traditional phone communication
Flexible Scheduling	Accommodates time zones and daily schedules
Voice Recording	Captures natural accents and expressions for a genuine touch

Story Storage and Sharing

Storii provides options to preserve and share stories, ensuring cultural heritage is celebrated and remembered:

• Save recordings that capture authentic voices and emotions
• Use transcription services for written records that retain original phrasing
• Share securely through email, SMS, or private links
• Download stories as audiobooks or PDFs for lasting keepsakes

"Our family members can see the different life story questions my mom has answered through the app. It's helped us build up sort of a family legacy. The fact that it calls her directly on her home phone made a big difference as she isn't great at using technology. A great mothers day gift!" – Helen Teegan

Conclusion

These tips and guidelines can help you conduct interviews that are both respectful and engaging. By sticking to the Basic Rules for Respectful Interviews and referring to the Question Checklist by Topic, you can foster meaningful conversations that preserve family stories and connect generations.

With Storii's phone-based recording system and thoughtfully designed question library, you can overcome distance and tech challenges while respecting personal boundaries and cultural nuances. Each recording becomes a part of your family’s story, offering future generations a deeper understanding of their heritage.

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