Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Address the reflection exercises in each of the following sections. For each section, you will need to embed portions of these assignments and activities as artifacts to substantiate your reflection. Then, at the end of each section, include a link to the document or embed it as a PDF.
Interpretive Mode: This assignment demonstrates how an individual analyzes, interprets, and seeks understanding of what the author or producer intended for the individual to understand insomething heard, read, or seen. “Reading between thelines”. Cultural perspective and context are kept in mind.
Interpersonal Mode: This assignment demostrates how participants interact and negotiate meaning, and, adjust and clarify meaning and intention when exchanging spontaneous and unrehearsed information, feelings, ideas, opinions, and reactions.
Presentational Mode: This assignment demonstrates how an individual presents, explains, informs, facilitates understanding (does not exchange or negotiate) of information, concepts, or ideas of another culture and adapts to the audiences’ language and culture.
Throughout my Spanish language learning experience, I have faced both successes and obstacles that have molded my development and competence. Mastering the precise pronunciation of Spanish words has been a huge struggle for me. Initially, I struggled to distinguish between sounds specific to the language, such as rolling my “r”s and speaking vowels with the proper emphasis. This issue hindered my ability to communicate effectively and lowered my confidence in speaking Spanish. During class speaking exercises, I sought input from both my professor and peers. Their advice helped me discover specific areas for development and offered helpful tips for improving my pronunciation. My best work is my calendar that i linked above because not only did i enjoy doing it, but i put alot of effort into it.
Working on the language exchange project was a transforming experience that helped me make tremendous progress. Pairing up with a native Spanish speaker provided me with immediate feedback on my pronunciation and speaking skills in a casual setting. Regular conversations and constructive criticism helped me gain confidence in my ability to pronounce Spanish words correctly.
As I reflect on my path, I realize that my strengths are my resilience and willingness to face obstacles front on. Despite the hurdles, I stayed devoted to developing my pronunciation abilities through constant practice and looking for ways to improve. My commitment eventually paid off, demonstrated by my growing confidence and ability to speak Spanish. In showing my greatest work, I include recordings of my spoken Spanish, which illustrate how I’ve progressed from battling with pronunciation to articulating words with better clarity and correctness. These recordings offer physical evidence of my development and demonstrate the transformational steps I’ve taken to overcome my speech issue (these recordings are listed above). Moving ahead, I will focus on pronunciation practice and seek feedback to improve my language abilities.
Exploring Culture
I engaged myself in a variety of products and practices, with food serving as an example, to obtain a greater knowledge of cultural perspectives, in Hispanic culture. In addition to exposing me to a wide range of flavors and ingredients, learning about Hispanic food also gave me insight into the cultural significance and traditions around food. I tried typical meals like paella, mole, and ceviche, which provided an insight into Hispanic culinary traditions. I also took part in gatherings, such friend and family get-togethers, celebrations, and Cinco De Mayo where food was a significant theme for connecting with one another and maintaining traditions. I discovered from these encounters that food in Hispanic culture represents history, identity, and unit.
My knowledge of cultural values and attitudes has been much strengthened by interacting with Hispanic people and eating their traditional dishes. I found that Hispanic societies place a high priority on hospitality, family, gatherings, and food. My preconceptions about Hispanic food being either hot or all the same went away when I saw how varied and intricate the cuisine is. I developed an appreciation for the subtleties and geographical differences seen in Hispanic cooking, which encouraged me to be more educated and thoughtful These realizations have inspired me to approach cultural differences with respect and research, understanding that diversity improves the human experience as a whole.
Engaging in Communities
When I think back on my interactions with both cultures, I’ve discovered a great deal of personal growth and fulfillment. Volunteering at a local shelter or participating in neighborhood clean-up campaigns have both allowed me to see the real results of my efforts. My sense of belonging to my community has grown as a result of these experiences.
Similar to this, giving to organizations that address global concerns like poverty, education, or healthcare has allowed me to become more involved in the international community. The realization that my efforts may have an impact, even while I’m far away, has encouraged me to take the initiative and promote change worldwide.
Interpersonal Communication
In English, give a very brief 3-4-line description of TalkAbroad and other interpersonal oral/audio activities, discussion board and other interpersonal writing/reading activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. (See Modes of Communication link for definition and examples).
Then, in a short paragraph or two, write a reflection that includes each type of the interpersonal (spontaneous, unplanned) communication activities: telecollaborative (TalkAbroad) conversations, discussion board posts, and any other interpersonal exchange. Explain how you’ve grown with each assignment/activity. What was difficult and how did you overcome that difficulty? What did you excel at and why/how? What/how did you learn from it and would you do differently next time?
Presentational Speaking
In English, give a brief 2-3-line description of any presentational speaking activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a recording of one of these speaking activities. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, in a paragraph, write a reflection that includes each presentation you completed in which you explain what challenged you and how you grew and overcame those challenges. What did you excel at? What/how would you do differently next time?
Presentational Writing
In English, give a very brief 2-3-line description of the presentational communication of compositions, pamphlets, blogs, flyers, stories, articles, and any other written presentation activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a copy of a written presentational activity you produced? (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, in a paragraph, write a reflection that includes each of the activities you described above in which you explain how you have grown with each assignment or activity. What became easier and what was difficult? How did you overcome the difficulties? What did you excel at and why? How could you do better next time?
Interpretive 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?