SU_A_28

[i] Good day [name].
[r] Good day.
[i] My name is [name]. And I will interview you today for the project “Specially Unknown” and the Red Star Line Museum. Can you tell me a bit about yourself please? What is your name? Which country do you come from? How old are you?
[r] Okay. I am [name]. I am from Syria. And I am 22 years old.
[i] And what did you do in Syria? Have you already studied there?
[r] Yes. I have there Information technology studied in Syria. And now that I study at Linguapolis Dutch. I study Dutch.
[i] and how was it at school? Can you describe your childhood? How was it?
[r] Okay. Eh … I studied information technology from the start. And my school was really beautiful. And I had a lot of friends. We have a really good time together. And…
[i] and was it difficult or easy for you to study?
[r] No. It is always easy to study with your native language. Yes…
[i] and what kind of child have you been?
[r] Oh … I was a very quiet child. And… Without noise and quarrels … Yes… I think kindly.
[i] and can you describe your family? Do you have sisters or brothers? I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. We lived together. In Syria. But now I live with my family. But my biggest sister, She only lives in Deurne.
[i] and from which city are you in Syria?
[r] I come from Homs. Al Hawash.
[i] And can you describe your life for the war? How was it?
[r] Life was very easy. And everything was beautiful. And you had everything with you and close to you. You can always go to another place. And you can … visit your family. And go on holiday to the sea. Syria has a very beautiful sea. And it is always warm and calm. And clean. Yes.
[i] And what did you usually do with your family?
[r] with my family? Ah… Eh … We were to Al-Qamsiyah go like that. And… So I had my grandparents there. And we had our vacation there.
[i] and did you have your own house in Syria?
[r] Yes, we had a very big house. And… In a quiet place. And we had many trees in front of the house.
[i] your own …?
[r] Yes. And… And next to our house there was a river. And it was very beautiful. Nature.
[i] And can you describe the environment more? There your neighborhood.
[r] in Al Hawash I didn’t have too much neighborhood, Because around our house there was a …
[i] You can say in English.
[r] yes but … There was many trees around our house and …
[i] forest?
[r] Yes. Bunch. Yes. But… We can go to our city in 5 minutes. And always have … … have everything close.
[i] And what did you enjoy doing? What did you do with your friends?
[r] in Syria is very easy to see your friends. We have all the time and leisure for each other. Eh … We can always go to a cafe … and drink shisha or … Or … drink shisha?
[i] smoking.
[r] Shisha smoking .. Smoking. Yes. Okay. Smoking.
[i] Shisha smoking.
[r] Yes. In Syria … in Syria can always have free time for your friends to do something together. And you can always go to a cafe, smoke shisha and maybe to do a bar or something. And the people there … love parties. And you can always go to a party. And it’s very beautiful.
[i] And what was the political situation before the war? What were the social relationships or political atmosphere?
[r] before the war and after the war The social relationships was good. But the communication after the war was bad.
[i] and before the war how was it?
[r] Before the war everything was easy. Yes. Everything easy like … You could always go to your family members [family members]. But now is not that easy.
[i] Yes. I know there are many different religions in Syria, how was it the communication between people before the war?
[r] Yes … it was … eh … It was normal. And now it is also normal … Not the same as before. Yes.
[i] And how has the situation changed with the war?
[r] i do not want to talk about this. Because it is very hard. [I don’t want to talk about this, because it’s very difficult]
[i] OK. Then we can talk about your flight? Have you just fled or with your parents?
[r] I am with my family, my parents and my sisters and brothers came to Belgium. By plane. First we went to … Went? Yes. First we went to Lebanon and then by plane to Egypt and then to Belgium. But in the same day.
[i] and do you remember how did you make a decision to flee?
[r] It was my parents decision. Not my.
[i] and what was the original plan? Did you want to come to Belgium?
[r] We have … we had. We had a visa to Belgium. So we came here.
[i] and why Belgium?
[r] Therefore.
[i] and what was your image of Europe? When you were in Syria. What image or image did you have about Europe?
[r] AH … I did not go to a comparative place in Europe. But … the buildings … The same buildings, every place. And the people here in Belgium are friendly. And always laugh. You can always talk to them. Yes, but … I don’t know about another country.
[i] I mean when you were in Syria did you have such an idea about what it would be like here?
[r] No. Nothing.
[i] Maybe from TV or from the internet?
[r] Yes. In TV is … Always with movies [films]. So it’s something else because … With the movie you had a …. What was the stories ?
[i] story?
[r] Yes yes. And the films are with the stories … So … You can’t decide with a movie or .. Even with something with the internet. But are good people.
[i] And do you remember the moment when you have said goodbye in Syria? Say “goodbye”.
[r] Yes.
[i] Can you tell a little about this moment?
[r] Yes. Very difficult and … Many emotions … And … yes very difficult. Really difficult.
[i] Who did you have to say goodbye with?
[r] with all my friends, friends and with my family, My aunts, my uncle. And it was … in the morning say ” bye ” for all the people you know … that you know. Is very difficult. So you don’t know when you will see them.
[i] and how did you do that?
[r] with tears [tears].
[i] I mean you went to everyone their house or how?
[r] No. They had come to our house. To say goodbye.
[i] And was there something you remember? The most special moment of your farewell?
[r] Oh … Yes the most special moment for me … Was the night for us. The whole family there … And we were talking … And have a good time together … Mattha drink … yes.
[i] So you fled with your parents and with your sisters?
[r] Yes.
[i] And did you have to prepare something special for the flight? Or how was the preparation?
[r] I don’t understand what you mean.
[i] Yes. So how was the preparation? preparation
[r] ah … the preparation. In maybe two weeks we were preparing. We prepare [prepare] everything. Our special things with us. Yes…
[i] and did you also have to sell everything or not?
[r] No. Not everything … Yes … always is … Something to buy or sell … No. We have not sold anything there. we still [still] have everything.
[i] and let’s talk about your arrival in Belgium. Do you remember the moment when you arrived in Belgium? What was your feeling?
[r] My feeling was … yes … Something new to do … to start a new one. And most compare [biggest difference] was the day is too long. It was almost 11 o’clock and … And still have light. Light. Yes. It was almost 11 o’clock and we had light.
[i] in Syria?
[r] No. Here in Belgium. But there is almost 7 hours in Syria.
[i] and in which month did you come?
[r] in June.
[i] Therefore.
[r] in June. Yes.
[i] yes that is why there was a lot of light.
[r] Yes. And it was something strange … Or weird for us.
[i] and did you have to follow through special procedures? With the documents.
[r] eh … we had a visa. And then we have applied for asylum [requested]. And it is easy for Syrian to have paper [documents]. So we have … We… During a short … Short time .. We had our papers.
[i] and in which city did you arrive?
[r] eh … in Mechelen.
[i] and what was your first impression about Belgium and about Mechelen? When you arrived.
[r] yes … eh. Calm and … You can do anything. We had a lot of time. So we had no school or something to do at the . But… It was … Something new … A new city to visit or to know. Yes… Am I really bath?
[i] what?
[r] is it really bad?
[i] no no. It’s very good.
[r] I Feel Like My Voice is really …
[i] no no. It’s very good. So when did you start with Learn Dutch?
[r] eh.. on September. I had … I got … I had received? I got it. On September I received a scholarship [stock market] from Linguapolis. And it was really too big. To learn the language in 1 year.
[i] and how did you know about that scholarship that it is possible?
[r] My assistant says you take an exam. And give your diploma and everything … And I did with my sister. And we have the Scholarship.
[i] and your other sister and brother? Did they also have to learn Dutch?
[r] Yes. But they are at school. So my other sister with OKAN [Reception education for foreign -language newcomers] And the others are with the normal school.
[i] and what was it like for you Learn Dutch at Linguapolis?
[r] Yes very interesting. Because with … I am many nationalities people. And really difficult … Yes because it is very fast. And you have to learn the entire language with 1 year.
[i] And what is the most difficult thing about Dutch for you?
[r] the vocabulary. And… The ”g” thing is difficult. But the easiest thing is everything you speak, you write. Yes. That is easier than Arabic. Naturally.
[i] And do you also speak other languages?
[r] Yes. I speak English and Syriac next to my native language and that is Arabic.
[i] And what kind of language is Syriac?
[r] Syriac is the old language of Syria.
[i] Is it a bit similar to Arabic?
[r] No. It is completely different. Is other alphabet. And another word. Everything is different.
[i] Is it a difficult language?
[r] I don’t know. Because I know it. Yes. Eh … I was very small … when [then] I learned.
[i] and in Syria there are many people who speak Syriac language?
[r] Yes. In Syria the whole people speak Arabic. Certainly. But you can find people who can speak, they might speak Syriac or Armenian or Kurdish. And it’s normal for Syrian people.
[i] So is Syriac also such a nationality?
[r] No …
[i] Yes. Why don’t some people speak Syriac and others?
[r] AH. Because they are Syriac.
[i] ah okay. So there is such a nationality.
[r] Yes. It’s the same as you are an Armenian someone. When… Not when … It is like where … no matter where he lives
[i] it doesn’t matter where he lives.
[r] Yes. If you have one Armenian people think they go Armenian speak, for sure.
[i] So you are Syriac?
[r] No. No, but … I learned in Al Qamishli.
[i] ah okay. Like this.
[r] Al Qamishli is very interesting. So you can … in the same city Find 4 or 5 languages. They always speak with other language. And you can learn.
[i] Is it like a school or?
[r] No. It’s a special thing, Idea about Al Qamishli. And you can find many languages ​​there. But not in other cities. It is completely Arabic.
[i] And why did you choose to learn Syriac?
[r] I had many friends and girlfriends they could speak Syriac. They can speak Syriac. And I have his talk, always.
[i] And what level of Dutch do you follow at Linguapolis?
[r] Now I passed level 3. And I am very, I am very interested, a lot.
[i] And how long do you have to study?
[r] I think until September. Yes. Until my ITNA. [Interuniversity language test Dutch for foreigners] And then I will study speech therapy.
[i] Speech therapy?
[r] Yes.
[i] And why did you choose speech therapy?
[r] eh … I love helping. And if I study speech therapy I can help the children with their statement. And… To say his emotional. It is not easy, but it is very important for a person.
[i] And can you describe your life in Belgium a bit? What are you doing? What are your hobbies?
[r] Okay. Life in Belgium is very busy. Always you have something to do. In the morning I have the Linguapolis course. And at night I have the integration. I certainly have my free time. But… It is easy to do something. You can always go out. And do something. You can walk to a park. You can go to a park, you can walk there. You can do sports. I will learn a guitar course. And it’s my hobby too. Yes…
[i] and are you satisfied with your life here in Belgium?
[r] Yes … So here you you … Personal life. And you have everything, always something to do. And yes.
[i] and in Syria, how was it?
[r] in Syria … You have to take care of everyone in Syria. You can’t do everything like Belgium.
[i] What are the reasons? Why can’t you do everything?
[r] Yes … the culture. You can’t do everything about the culture.
[i] Do you mean in general? Or by the war?
[r] No. General. Yes. They love his culture. And I respect the culture, but … Not for me.
[i] OK. Can you describe your environment here? And your neighborhood around your house.
[r] around my house … I have everything close. I have a Lidl, an Aldi … Also a fitness club. And my neighbors are calm. We have no noise here. And… We have tram. And it is always easy to go to the city center .
[i] And do you have good contacts with your neighbors?
[r] No. I have no … almost no time to contact with my neighbors.
[i] and are you happy with your home?
[r] Yes. I am very happy. So …
[i] Is it very different or the same like your house in Syria?
[r] You mean the house or the neighbors?
[i] the house.
[r] the house. No. My house, our house in Syria was bigger and … More quiet than here. But here it is … But here is also good.
[i] And do you already have a feeling that you are used to life in Belgium? Are you already Used to?
[r] eh … I can’t say … I hardly have time to … With the Belgian people … Or no no …
[i] I mean in general …
[r] Yes yes. I just know … I had no or almost no free time … do the Belgian traditions. [GSM is ringing] i do not know what to say, really [I don’t know what to say, real] I am Gonna Say, Okay, Yeah I Did. [I’m going to say. Yes, I did.]
[i] Yes. I don’t just mean used to people but in general. The atmosphere. The life.
[r] Yes. I generally have life … and… It is very interesting. And you always have something to do.
[i] and if you compare your life here and your life Syria, what is the biggest difference?
[r] The biggest difference … In Syria you have to have your free time for your family or friends, girlfriends. And you have to take care of your family. But here in Belgium you must always have an appointment. And you have to respect the appointment. Certainly. And that is really important.
[i] and in Syria does that not happen?
[r] Yes not always. Yes the Syrian people can say: “Oh. I will come after 1. 5 o’clock. “” And she will come after 3 hours. It’s normal.
[i] and with your friends in Syria do you also have to make such an appointment?
[r] No no. With my girlfriends or My friends … In Syria you can always go with your friends or visit or do something. But … here in Belgium you should definitely make an appointment. And make a plan …
[i] and what do you think, what way find …? [Interviewee runs away for a while]
[i] So what way do you find better for you? The Belgian way or Syrian way?
[r] for me the Belgian way is better. Eh … Because I am a quiet person. And… I like to make an appointment. And you can have your free time for yourself. And to do your hobbies. But in Syria … You can all the time … What is it? how to say [how do you say] You can always visit the visitor …?
[i] you can come when you want?
[r] No. it is like: you can always expect some. ”
[i] You must always expect someone to come.
[r] yes okay. In Syria you always have to expect to come for someone. And you have almost no time for yourself.
[i] And when you were in Syria did you like that or not?
[r] No. When I was in Syria I didn’t like it. And now I have my time.
[i] and you often think about it Syria and at your house? Are you missing at home?
[r] Yes. I certainly miss my home My friends, my life there. And I think about it. But… Not always. Because here is very nice.
[i] and … For example, if you communicate with people here, how does communication go?
[r] Here I have almost no communication with the Belgian people. Because I … Study Dutch. And I should definitely use the language. But I have communication with Syrian people. And we also make an appointment to do something together.
[i] Do you mean that the Syrian people who live here also have to make an appointment?
[r] Yes. They respect the culture of the Belgians.
[i] So they are already different from Syrian people in Syria?
[r] almost. Almost different.
[i] and … Can you handle well with Belgian people?
[r] Yes. Easy with the Belgian people … no… With Belgian people communication is easy. [cough] They are friendly. They always want to help you. And it is really beautiful and really fun. You can ask something on the street and they will be kind or happy to help you with you.
[i] and do you have contact with other communities? Not only Syrian but also other communities?
[r] Yes … I have a lot of friends with me in Linguapolis. And they are … of terrible [different] nationalities.
[i] different.
[r] different. Okay. I have many friends. And they are different nationalities.
[i] Yes. Nationalities.
[r] Yes … and … I have Latin girlfriend, Russian girlfriends yes. It’s going well.
[i] And what do you still do in Linguapolis? Are there any other activities?
[r] Yes … In Linguapolis we have one Language mate friends … friends. And… To us with Help Dutch. And we are going to do something almost every month. And we have good time with each other. And they are very friendly and … They always want to help with us.
[i] and from which country are the language sizes?
[r] different. There you can find Belgian people, Russian people or Latin people. And it’s very interesting.
[i] and this project ” Taalmaat ”. What is the purpose of this project? The intention.
[r] I don’t know.
[i] to improve your Dutch? Why do you speak together with Belgian people in this Taalmaat project?
[r] Yes. To… better Dutch. And maybe … eh … With the culture something … No, not with the culture.
[i] Yes for the culture of Belgian people …
[r] Yes … you can … Know something about the culture of the Belgian people. And… You can visit Museum. Or something …
[i] And what activities have you already done?
[r] Yes … Lunch together. We have a club’s game … Or?
[i] the laser shooting?
[r] Yes … We had gone to Laser shoot together.
[i] yes that’s good.
[r] We went to a laser shooting together. And had a good time.
[i] And do you think this project helps to improve your Dutch?
[r] Yes for sure. You can practice your Dutch. And with … eh … Friends bring something different than your teacher. You can always make mistakes and it’s normal with your friends. But with your teacher you always have to say something.
[i] and do you think the language is important to live in Belgium?
[r] Yes for sure. The language is very important. But you can’t always Use Dutch when you go from Flanders. In Brussels you have to … In Brussels you must certainly some [what] French or you can … You can’t do French you must English. But not Dutch. In Wallonia too.
[i] and do you speak French too?
[r] No. I don’t speak French.
[i] But are you planning to learn a little French?
[r] No. Dutch is enough.
[i] And can you perhaps tell you a bit about the impact of the flight on your life? What do you think is the biggest impact of the flight?
[r] mmm …
[i] I mean something has changed in your personality or in your character after the flight?
[r] Yes … after the flight … I respect my time more. And… I also take care of my family more. And… I have changed my courses … And … a new language is always interesting to say something. And with people communication. And… And other living. Other life.
[i] And do you still have many memories of the flight and of the whole situation? Do you often think of the flight so far?
[r] No. Not too much. But I think It is a positive thing to get here.
[i] Why?
[r] Yes. Another culture, Another language, other people and … Everything is new. And with new ones, you can start with new life. You can start with new life. And … it’s good for me. Because I’m young. And I can start a new life.
[i] and for your parents? Are they too … Do you think they can start a new life?
[r] for my parents is … otherwise. They usually think about us. Not about his personal something.
[i] So their priorities are you?
[r] Yes.
[i] and yes … If you had a choice to go back to Syria, would you do that or not?
[r] Yes for sure. I do. But now that I started a new life. And I can’t let it go. And maybe … About my … Maybe after my graduation I will think. Maybe about something in Syria. Or here in Belgium. But now I don’t know.
[i] and currently what is the situation in Syria now?
[r] i do not want to speak about it.
[i] You don’t know. No? Okay.
[r] No.
[i] But is it possible for you now to come back or not?
[r] No. It’s not possible.
[i] and yes … For example, if you will have children in the future with which values ​​and stories will you raise your children? With Syrian values ​​or with Belgian values? Or which values ​​are the most important for you?
[r] AH. I think the second. In Syria I had my childhood and here I have my … Learning and other way … No. In Syria I had my childhood and here I have my future. So the second is important to me.
[i] But what are these values ​​for you? Things that are important in life.
[r] in life? Respect the person.
[i] respect people? respect
[r] people. Respect and study people. And have a good work , have a good job. And something for your community [community]. Yes. Something positive.
[i] with community do you mean the country or city?
[r] Everything. If you can do a positive thing, then everything is possible. If you have something positive to do: do.
[i] and for example what can be an example of something positive?
[r] What is Volunteering in Dutch?
[i] Volunteering. Volunteer.
[r] Volunteer?
[i] Yes. Volunteer.
[r] Yes. Volunteer… Volunteer. Volunteer. Okay. Volunteer something or … Something for the city. With the old people. Or with children.
[i] and have you already had experience with volunteering?
[r] No. I have no experience.
[i] But if you get a chance then what kind of volunteers would you like to do?
[r] with the children. Or… I usually think with the children.
[i] and why with the children?
[r] Yes. Children… invite?
[i] need.
[r] children need more … worries. They will … In the …
[i] in the future?
[r] They are in the future The most important thing.
[i] and you said that work and career are very important and why do you think career is very important?
[r] Your work and career is important because … it a … difference… no. It is like … It creates your personality.
[i] to build your personality.
[r] to build? Yes. Okay. Working … Not a career.
[i] Yes. The work or career.
[r] The work helps you to build your personality. And… Maybe to be a better person.
[i] and everyone in your family works or not?
[r] not yet. But they will work.
[i] and in your family the value to work is it so important? For example, is it important for your mother to work?
[r] for my mother … Not very important. But for us is very important, yes. For my father and sister. And me.
[i] Which job does your father do?
[r] how can I say that? [How can I say?] in Syria he was something for the city. [In Syria he did something for the city.]
[i] Government? Or civil servant?
[r] Government?
[i] What exactly do you mean?
[r] He was in the municipality.
[i] such a civil servant.
[r] civil servant? Official. Okay. My father worked like an official. And… Yes.
[i] and … What did you take these values ​​are important and have a career is important?
[r] to have a good life.
[i] yes but where does that come?
[r] Where …
[i] Where did you learn that?
[r] from my father and mother too.
[i] and it is normally also in Syria for women to work?
[r] Yes it is normal.
[i] So usually women work in Syria?
[r] not in the past but now the usually they have work.
[i] OK. And can you perhaps tell about your future plans? Here in Belgium.
[r] Okay. In the future I hope after my graduated, after my graduation … I will work with children And maybe with Human Rights or something … Volunteers Things [Volunteering things]
[i] why are human rights [human rights] Important for you?
[r] Because they help people … And… That’s all. That’s good to do.
[i] Yes. And maybe you can tell a little about your passion? Is there something you enjoy doing super and what makes you very happy?
[r] Yes. I listen a lot to music. A lot. Music is very important in life. Music can’t do anything bad. You can … music … Music can give a better feeling. And it can … It can make you happy. Or you can always dance or … Feel good. And I usually listen to Metallica. And I am super fan of Metallica. I love the band and the metal music, the guitar.
[i] and why do you find Metallica so beautiful?
[r] It gives me a good feeling. And I also listen to a Dutch music. No not Dutch …
[i] Dutch -speaking? In Dutch.
[r] Yes. I also listen to music in Dutch. For example Lil’ Kleine. And he makes beautiful kind of music. Yes and … Music can also help you to practice with the language. You can learn from the music. And… With an easy way. No, not easily gone … An easy way. So yes music can help you learn the language with an easy way.
[i] And you can understand the Lil’ Kleine lyrics a little bit?
[r] Yes … not everything. But… Lil ‘Kleine is interesting for me. And I usually listen to the lyrics. And I certainly can’t do all the words. But usually I can. I can understand and I can sing.
[i] and what are his songs about?
[r] AH. About women, usually.
[i] About love?
[r] Yes … awkward [embarrassing]
[i] and … you also said that you like languages. And why are languages ​​so important to you? And can you perhaps tell a little more?
[r] Yes. I think the … I think the language helps you to see the world. Or helps you with the … The kind of idea what you have. It is always super fun if you can with people communication, or communicate. It is always super nice , super fun. It is always super fun if you can communicate with people. And maybe with something to help or … To say to a place. “Go there …” or something.
[i] Show the road.
[r] tell the way. Yes. It is also a great help for people. Or a gentleman will help He doesn’t know his way. Maybe for you is very small But for the others may be very big. And you can … tell or … Helping with his idea to say. And it’s fun.
[i] And what languages ​​do you still want to learn?
[r] I certainly want Russian and Spanish too.
[i] and why these two languages?
[r] Yes I think … They are interesting. And I have Russian friends. And… When I listen to his … I feel very interesting. “What are it saying?
[i] and Spanish?
[r] Yes Spanish is the greatest language in the world. And very interesting. And… Yes. So Spanish is the greatest language in the world.
[i] OK. And I asked you to take a dear object with you, something special for you. What object did you take and can you tell a little why this object is so important to you?
[r] Yes. I took this object with me.
[i] Can you please?
[r] Yes so … So the girl here is my best friend. And I had a good time with her. At school and At my university too, my last 7 years. And she is … the… Like the closest?
[i] best friend? Very dense girlfriend?
[r] Yes. And she is a very dense girlfriend.
[i] and did she make that for you?
[r] Yes. For me come to Belgium.
[r] Souvenir.
[i] Like a farewell gift?
[r] Yes.
[i] and in which places are you in the photos?
[r] Yes … This is at school. And this and this is next to my house. But we also have many other photos together.
[i] and are you best friends so far?
[r] Yes for sure. We talk almost every day. About everything.
[i] And what does she do? Is she still in Syria?
[r] Yes, she is still in Syria and with her family.
[i] And would you like them to come here?
[r] Yes for sure. Yes it is always very nice to be your best friend close to you.
[i] OK. And the last question. Maybe you can tell you what the most important thing In Syrian culture what you would like to take with you? And stay with you? And what is very nice that you find in Belgian culture that you would also learn?
[r] Yes. With the Syrian culture … What I want to take with you for my entire living time. To take care of my family. And free time or … Free time for something fun. Without working or without … like something that you should do [Something you have to do] Okay. A moment.
[i] It’s good.
[r] AH … From the Syrian culture eh … The most?
[i] the most important thing?
[r] of the Belgian …
[i] Syrian. From the Syrian culture the most important thing I will take with me something with or to take care of my family. And have free time to communicate with friends. But it is certainly work of Belgian culture. And respect for time. Or for your agreements. And… It’s all, I think.
[i] Okay [name]. Thank you for the interview. It has been very interesting. And I wish you every success with your studies and with your future and with your career and everything.
[r] Okay. Thank you.
[i] Yes. Thank you.