Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

My name is Damian Flood, and I’m thrilled to be enrolled in Spanish 101F. My motivation for learning Spanish stems from my goal to major in exercise science and a desire to broaden my horizons both personally and professionally. In today’s globalized world, proficiency in Spanish serves as a bridge to understanding different cultures and communities. Beyond language proficiency, I believe that learning Spanish will enhance my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and navigate intercultural interactions with confidence. This will allow us to understand and deepen connections with patients and clients in the medical world. I’m excited to embark on this journey of language learning and cultural exploration, with the goal of becoming a more culturally proficient and globally-minded individual.

Experience:

Currently, my experience in applying Spanish outside the classroom is limited, but I’m eager for future opportunities to utilize my language skills in real-world settings. I believe that true proficiency in Spanish comes from real-world application, and I’m excited about bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical use.

Discipline:

In my Spanish studies, I’ve found connections to themes in other courses, such as globalization and diversity. Understanding Spanish enhances my global communication skills and supports principles of diversity and inclusion. Concepts from Spanish 101F align with themes in Spanish, reinforcing the importance of language and cultural understanding in different disciplines. For example, the medical culture in America is not just English-speaking patients and clients, allowing myself to communicate with a larger population will aid in a greater success.

Transfer:

My decision to enroll in Spanish 101F aligns with my Major in Exercise Science and the importance of cultural diversity. I’m eager to apply my Spanish skills in practical contexts relevant to my future career goals. Through job listings that prioritize Spanish fluency, I’ve recognized the strategic value of bilingualism in the medical and training fields. 

Integrated Communication:

Exploring Culture:

In my exploration of the culture, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Analyzing cultural practices such as the cheek kiss greeting has highlighted the importance of context and sensitivity in communication. This course has deepened my appreciation for cultural nuances and will inform my interactions within the Spanish-speaking world.

Speaking and Pronunciation:

Throughout the course, I’ve worked on improving my Spanish pronunciation, which has boosted my confidence in spoken communication. For example, when completing the project where we had to film yourself speaking and describing places on campus.

Interpretive Listening:

The use of resources like Lingrolearning has greatly enhanced my Spanish language learning journey. For example, all of the videos teaching us how to complete the tasks for each section..

Writing in Spanish:

Written assignments have been instrumental in developing my Spanish writing skills. For example, the assignment in class where we had to write sentences describing the pros and cons of a famous person:

Reading assignments have significantly contributed to my comprehension of written Spanish. For example, the vocabulary lists in general helped with reading.

Interpersonal Communication:

Engaging in various forms of Spanish communication during this semester has been pivotal in my language development. For example, all of the group work in class allowed me to try and speak the information I was writing and learning.

Engaging in Communities:

Participating in various activities has helped me create a sense of community within the Spanish-speaking world. For example, the world assignment where we had to study and learn specific dialogue from a specific region.

Self-Assessment and Reflection:

Throughout the course, I’ve engaged in self-assessment and reflection to track my progress and identify areas for improvement. I have so much to learn and improve with. I will continue to try and improve my Spanish speaking and writing.  This process has been invaluable in guiding my language learning journey and shaping my goals for future proficiency.