Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Exploring Culture
In Spanish 101, my exposure to Hispanic culture was done primarily through vignettes in our textbook, Aventuras. Contained within each chapter are short passages detailing specific cultural practices that differ in some ways from those I practice here in America. Likewise, I used discussion board posts to research Hispanic art and culture.
A screen capture from the Aventuras, 5th Ed.
Cultural articles such as this one–explaining the prevalence of sports in countries such as Spain and Argentina, and the rivalry of their prominent fútbol teams–provided a window into a culture that had previously been unknown to myself. A similar cultural section taught me that unlike in America, where personal space is valued and observed during greetings, kisses on the cheeks and hugs are common forms of greeting in Hispanic cultures–sometimes even regardless of gender. These were one of the many things that taught me to view Hispanic culture as one of compassion and intimacy.
Interpersonal Communication
Three times during Spanish 101 was I given the assignment to prepare an oral conversation between myself and a partner, twice with two of my classmates and once with my professor. This, besides practicing with a language tutor, was the main source of interpersonal practice I received throughout the semester.
Screen capture from Feb 22 2021 Spanish 101 Session
Though I enjoy language learning, conversation skills are something I have always struggled with. Outside of the classroom, I encounter very few opportunities to test out the language I was learning, which is how I knew that I would have to put the practice in this semester if I wanted to improve. This video was from one of our first oral conversations, back in February. One issue I remember having going into this assignment was pronunciation and, by an extent, speaking clearly while remembering to pronounce words correctly. I practiced repeating vocab words in my textbook and reciting the questions we were given until I had memorized them and could read them without having to look at the spelling, and felt confident that I could carry on a conversation clearly. The next thing I have to work on is learning how to make my speech sound more natural.
Presentational Speaking
One presentational speaking activity I participated in this year was the recitation of my research assignment on four Spanish painters.
This somewhat overlaps with that of exploring culture, as though it is not in Spanish, this presentation originated from a discussion board post in which I was tasked with exploring the lives, cultural significance, and artistic impact of four Spanish artists. One challenge I faced going into this presentation was remembering to speak clearly and loudly, though unlike other public speaking experiences, I think I was more comfortable with this presentation.
Presentational Writing
This semester, I completed a number of activities related to presentational writing, two of which being compositions written entirely in Spanish containing over 80 words of learned vocabulary.
Span-101Composition-2-La-familia-SP-21.docxInterpretive Listening
In English, give a very brief 2-3-line description of interpretive listening activities you completed this semester for or related to your Spanish learning. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, write a short reflection paragraph that includes the different things you listened to/heard this semester inside and outside of class or in the Language Learning Center or its website. Find a recording and add to this section; be sure to cite it. What was unclear or challenging for you? How did you overcome this difficulty? What did you find most interesting or compelling? What was your takeaway from the listening experience? How have you grown with each activity?
Interpretive Reading
In English, give a very brief 2-3 line description of interpretive communication activities you read in and out of class this semester, such as articles, stories, websites like the Language Learning Center, etc. that you completed for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a copy of one of these activities; remember to cite it. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, write a short reflection paragraph that includes the activities you described above. What was unclear or challenging for you? How did you overcome this difficulty? What did you find most interesting or compelling? What was your takeaway from the reading? How have you grown with each assignment?
When you have finished adding content to this page, delete all the instructions except the link to the Modes of Communication.
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