Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Exploring Culture

One of the practices that has helped me gain a better understanding of the Spanish language is watching TV shows in Spanish with English subtitles. Depending on the show, I can usually follow along without reading the subtitles too much. I started with shows that are familiar to me and eventually progressed to new ones. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of the cultural perspectives in the Hispanic world. For example, I used to think that Hispanic cultures were predominantly traditional and conservative. However, watching Spanish-language shows exposed me to progressive ideas and individuals who advocate for change, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Engaging in Communities

By actively participating in local events and interacting with people from various backgrounds, we can create a sense of belonging and empathy while also developing valuable communication skills. I frequent a Mexican restaurant here in Richmond but I had never tried ordering in Spanish. My experience of ordering in Spanish was both enlightening and rewarding. Initially, I was nervous about making mistakes or not being able to communicate effectively. However, as I started to interact with the staff, I discovered that they appreciated my effort to speak their language, which in turn made me feel more confident and connected to the community.

Interpersonal Communication

The TalkAbroad assignment was a challenging, humbling, and exciting challenge. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and tested my listening and speaking skills. Some of the main difficulties I encountered was understanding her accent and trying to keep up with her pace. At first, she spoke very quickly, making it hard for me to follow the conversation. To overcome this challenge, I politely asked her to slow down and repeat certain phrases. I also learned to rely on non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, to help me understand the conversation. It was a humbling reminder that language learning is a gradual process that requires continuous practice.

Presentational Speaking

One of our first oral assignments was the “Comunicación/Pronunciación” recording. It was one of my first clues that I did not remember as much Spanish from my previous class as I had hoped. Reading Spanish has always been easier for me than speaking. I imagine it is a common problem. Re-watching the recording allowed me to learn from my mistakes and identify areas for improvement. One such area is the distinction between the ‘b’ and ‘v’ sounds. Going forward I will need to spend more time practicing.

Presentational Writing

My main goal in learning Spanish is to talk with locals when I travel. The El Yunque National Forest brochure is a great example of easy-to-understand presentational writing. It shares information about the park’s features and attractions, and even if I don’t know all the words, the pictures make it simple to comprehend. I chose it because El Yunque is a place I have always wanted to visit.

Interpretive Listening

For an exercise in interpretive listening, I listened to some excerpts from the Harry Potter series in Spanish. Being familiar with the books in English allowed me to focus on the language itself, rather than trying to understand the plot. The familiar content, diverse vocabulary, and exposure to various accents have all contributed to a better understanding of the Spanish language.

Interpretive Reading

For an exercise in interpretive reading, I searched for a beginner-friendly book to read in Spanish. The internet recommended El Principito, or The Little Prince. I was apprehensive at first because the book is targeted towards a middle school audience, but it turns out I speak / read Spanish at a 5th grade level anyway. The book is fairly straightforward in language and structure so I believe it is a good starting point. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beginner friendly Spanish book.