If you only had a limited amount of time to meet a person from a different culture, what questions would you ask him (or her)?

I would ask them to tell me about their family and upbringing (marriage, child rearing, relationships with their parents).

I would ask them about specific traditions that exist in their culture and their purpose, for instance what special special holidays, ceremonies, practices or celebrations.

I would ask them about the role and treatment of women in their culture. How do women’s roles differ from men’s roles in their culture?

I would ask them what are the most valuable things in life according to their culture?

@ PhiNotPi Great question. I sincerely hope your time together is informative and delightful for both of you.

I’d shoot for open-ended questions that let them decide what’s important to explain in the time available. For instance, I’d ask them to tell me all about France. I’d ask what they particularly like about living in France, and what irks them. Why should I visit the country? What should I see while there? How can I quickly come to understand the French world view? Why do they think it differs from the American world view, and in what ways do they think it’s the same. I’d ask them to tell me why I might consider moving permanently to their country.

@PhiNotPi I think given the debate about healthcare in your country (you are in the US I think?) it would be interesting to ask her about healthcare in France. They have an amazing healthcare system I believe.

I would ask about the area they live in – is it rural? Is it a city? I would ask what they do for a living. Do they go to work every day? Are they a farmer?

When I talk to people of any age, I always like to ask what their father did for a living, and their mother (depending on which parents they grew up with). To me, what someone’s father and mother did for a living somewhat determines what their home life was like growing up. If the person was the child of a farmer, their life would likely be different then if they were the child of the president of IBM.

I have traveled to eight different cultures during my years in the Navy, and I found that there are not enough questions you can ask that will give you more information than just passively observing for a few days. Cultural differences are too numerous and often subtle to really be captured by a short Q&A.

What language do you speech?
Do you like where you live?
How is your family?
What religion are you?
Does your family have economic problems?
What type of money do you use?

What would you miss the most about your country and culture if you had to leave it?
What foods have the most fond, personal memories for you?
What frustrates you about your culture?
What are you proud of in your culture?
What do you think makes your country different than other places you’ve visited?
How has your country changed since the days of your childhood?