Page - 153 - in Mobile Culture Studies - The Journal, Volume 2/2016

Mobile Culture Studies.The Journal 2 2o16 Lisa Eidenhammer| Encounters with a Syrian 153 A poem by Omar Khir Alanam in which he describes dream sequences. He tries to convey the message that the suffering of the Syrian people must come to an end and that freedom should be regained. Developing dialogical research After we finished our second interview, Omar remarked that next time I should talk about me. It was obvious to me that this field study was gradually developing in the direction of dialogical research. When I reflect on the research process, I realize that from the beginning there existed a dynamic of mutual interest. However, I had not been aware of this dialogical character from the start.2 For me, Omar had ceased to be a mere interviewee. He was now a research partner.3 It was in our mutual interest to understand each other and to fully embrace the complexity of the issue.4 Our conversations often triggered strong emotions, ranging from anger, incomprehension of the unjust situation, and deep dismay concerning Omar’s memories and the van attack in Graz, to optimism and cheerfulness. Repeatedly, our different approaches to literature, art, music or films sparked new discussions. In the field of arts, I want to mention the works of 2 There had been no preconceived connecting threads leading through the questions for the interviews. Only outlines, for the themes which should be covered, existed. Thus, there was a lot of space for free associations and improvisation (Sauermann 1982, 147). Eventually, I realized that there was no sense in excluding myself from the study in order to take a, seemingly, objective point of view. According to Rolf Lindner, Cultural Analysis requires to think in relations (2003, 179). I was, and still am, part of this research, for it took both of our sides to produce the contradiction of that moment. 3 According to Sauermann (1982, 151), in such a case it is crucial to disclose the dialogical character of the process as transparent as possible, in order to maintain the scientific assessment. 4 As Lindner (2003, 186) proposes, I wanted to involve myself with all my senses into the topic and fully set my mind on it. Or, as Bourdieu (1997, 782) put it, to achieve a relationship between active and methodical listening. Bordieu claims that it combines complete frankness with the subordination of oneself to the uniqueness of the story. Audio file 1: ‘Wir wollen sein‘, (Deutsch): https://soundcloud.com/user-655623594/wir-wollens-sein-deutsch Audio file 2: ‘Wir wollen sein‘, (Arabisch) https://soundcloud.com/user-655623594/wir-wollen-sein-arabisch Icon: CC BY Plainicon, Online unter www.flaticon.com