Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Exploring Culture
An important and helpful product that we have used to gain understanding of different cultural perspectives is the textbook that we are using this semester. Another beneficial product is our TalkAbroad assignments.
The textbook was an important and helpful product that we have used to gain understanding of different cultural perspectives is the book that we are using this semester. Through our different assignments within the textbook we get to hear about different economic, environmental, and social issues impacting different countries and cultures. We also get to see how different cultures write literature through story examples, and real life applications.
The TalkAbroad sessions allow us to utilize the skills that we are taught in a conversation with a native speaker of Spanish. This requires us to use skills like pronunciation, conjugation, tense, grammar, and sentence structure. These things are best learned with practice. So an opportunity to speak to others and practice these skills are essential.
Engaging in Communities
It is important to engage in your community and the global community for a number of reasons. One being that if you are engaged with different minds than you are bound to be exposed to different perspectives, ideas, and thoughts. This means that you can learn more through others than alone. It also is important in the ability to be empathetic towards one another. Once we engage with different communities, especially globally, we will be able to see how other individuals struggle within their own societies. Once we are no longer ignorant to the suffering of others and know what is affecting them, we then can be able to assist or be compassionate towards one another.
Interpersonal Communication
TalkAbroad is an avenue to speak to native speakers of different languages. We speak on a video call for 15-30 minutes about a specific topic.
I have done 3 TalkAbroads now and they have all been nerve-racking. However, I have learned throughout these experiences to not be too scared to mess up. I will not gain anything from the experience if I let my fear shut down my speech. Most of the speakers that I have worked with were very patient and guiding through out out conversations. Some difficulties that I had to overcome was being able to use the skills that I knew well, and being able to apply them in an actual conversation. It’s a lot different knowing what all the vocabulary and grammar is compared to actually being able to use it properly. I do excel at listening to the speaker. I typically can put together most of what they are saying, and get key details that clue me into the meaning of any words that I may not know.
Presentational Speaking
Most of the speaking practice that I have gained this semester so far has been through peer conversation. Our professor gives us daily prompts that we then discuss for 5-10 minutes in small groups. We also had a video project where we had to do research and speak about a tourist location.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?
During the conversations with classmates I tend to have challenges understanding what everyone is saying due to the fact that sometimes broken spanish is hard to put together if you are not fluent. I excel more when the topic is more specific so that I can practice
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?
When you have finished adding content to this page, delete all the instructions except the link to the Modes of Communication.
When you have finished adding content to this page, delete all the instructions except the link to the Modes of Communication.