Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Exploring Culture
In Spanish two we participated in many activities that helped us gain an understanding of the Spanish Culture. We read about their practices and interest. An example of that is shown above. Here they are talking about where people buy things such as clothing and accessories. We were also able to talk to people through Talk Abroad and ask them questions about where they lived. These practices helped me gain a better understanding of hispanic culture re because it showed me what kinds of food they ate and how they live their daily lives. This also helped me grow to understand some of the culture that resides in the United States, since it is a giant melting pot of a country. Participating also challenged my world view by showing me that even though a lot of people speak Spanish, there are many different dialects depending on where you go. I was very nervous at first to talk to someone on the talk abroad appointment but after having my conversation I learned that the people are very nice and they understand that you are still learning.
Engaging in Communities
It is important to help and participate in the community around us. It gives us a sense of nationalism and unity. When helping the community, were not only doing a good service to ourselves, we are also helping our family, friends and the environment. Participating in the community, with the world as it is right now because of COVID, is very difficult because the best thing to do now is to keep your distance, wear a mask, and do your best not to get sick. Through Zoom my class was able to have conversations in break out rooms. We were also able to help each other with technical problems through the use of group me. If anyone had any problems or needed extra help, someone was always willing to put in the extra work.
Interpersonal Communication
Talk Abroad is a website where students sign up to talk to native speakers in the language they are learning. Since I am in Spanish two, I have talked to native Spanish speakers. Another thing I have done is have short conversations with my family friend in Spanish. Mr. Taverez is from the Dominican Republic and speaks fluent Spanish, he has been trying to help me with my Spanish.
With each assignment and activity, I have gotten better. I was able to learn how to talk in the present tense and I was able to talk about what I like to wear and eat. What was difficult for me was speaking to people and being scared of messing up. I realize that I wont speak perfect Spanish, but thats the reason why I would get embarrassed. I never wanted to accidentally say something that I didn’t mean to. I overcame this fear because Mr.Tavarez told me that talking to new speakers is like talking to preschoolers. When we mess up as were learning, no one should take if offensively. Now I am not as scared to talk in Spanish.
Presentational Speaking
The presentational speaking that we accomplished this semester was answering questions in class along with the Talk Abroad Assignments. We would complete partner activities in break out rooms and then we would get called on in the class to answer some of the questions we would work on in the break out rooms. During talk abroad we would speak to a native speaker and ask them some questions that would correspond to the assignment we were working on.
What challenged me was having to get over the fear of being wrong. I grew to overcome them by realizing that everyone makes mistakes and I’m not going to get it right on the first try. I excelled at figuring out what I needed to say by reading, but I struggled with having to answer from just listening. I am a very visual person. I would definitely use flash cards more often next time!!
Presentational Writing
In class this semester we wrote compositions. We wrote about where we would live and what our daily routine would be. Another thing that we wrote about was a hotel than we ran and what sort of places or activities we had.
When we worked on the compositions, I made sure I wrote good rough outlines so that my composition would be good. Of course I had mistakes, but most of them were small grammar or spelling errors. After correcting those errors, I was confident in my work. I could work on spelling rules more to improve my writing.
Interpretive Listening
This semester we were able to complete various activities that helped us understand Spanish through listening and not just reading comprehension. We participated in Talk Abroad, completed assignments on VHL Central, as well as answering questions in Zoom class.
I am a very visual person so to not have sentence to read in-front of me was very difficult. I would normally take a minute before I responded to make sure that what I was saying made sense and that I was using the correct vocabulary. I found Talk Abroad to be the most interesting because it was cool to be able to talk to someone that was from another country. My takeaway from this experience is that learning a language makes you definitely think on your feet.
Interpretive Reading
This semester our text book would give us pamphlets and things to read about. Mainly having to do with Spanish speaking countries. We would have to read through them and then answer questions relating to the articles.
What was challenging for me was having to find some of the information on the page. I found the pamphlet to be the most interesting because I love to travel. My take away was definitely that I want to visit Spanish speaking countries to see all the amazing things they have to offer. I have grown by understanding the culture the more I read about it.