Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Exploring Culture

Below are two assignment where I summarized my cultural exploration of a Spanish speaking nation: Spain. The first entry is about explores the question, what do people in Spain value the most, and the latter addresses equity in professional sports in Spain.

“Lo más importante para la gente de España es la salud. La salud es por delante de formar una familia o tener dinero. De nuevo, la salud y el bienestar físoco es lo que hace felices a los españoles. Se puede decir que la salud y el bienestar físico es el aspecto más importante de la vida en España.” -Issac Camberos

“El deporte más popular en España es el fútbol. España tiene una liga profesional de fútbol para mujeres. El jugador mas famoso de España es Xavi. El es un hombre. La mas famoso jugadora de fútbol profesional en España es Alexia Putellas. Ella juega en equipo Barcelona como Xavi pero en equipo de mujer.”-Issac Camberos

Through these two topics of cultural exploration I was able to understand the Spanish people of Madrid hold dear importance over their physical well-being or “bien-estar”. For a majority of the population, maintaining their health was of number one importance over both work and family. Through the exploration of equity in professional sports, I found that the Spanish have developed a level playing field for both genders to thrive in professional sports, specifically in the national pass time fútbol. Both male and females are able to participate in professional soccer in Spain where they receive equal attention from viewers. Spain´s male and female soccer teams are regarded as some of the best in the world.

Engaging in Communities

Engaging in our community is how we grow to better understand the world around us. Through community engagement we realize differences amongst cultures as well as what connects us all as people of the world. We draw value of understanding and compassion as well as understanding ourselves better when we engage communities outside of our own

“La semana pasada yo fui a un restairante Colombiano y yo comi un plato de Bandeja Paisa. La comida era muy rica. 

I enjoy experiencing new foods and cultures. I agree that the food a culture eats can tell you a lot about them. I found that most countries/cultures that live on the coast seem to prefer seafood, and countries with diverse agriculture favor fruits and vegetables.” -Issac Camberos

In the above entry, I mention how visited a Colombian restaurant in my city where I was able to try the national dish of Colombia, “plato de Bandeja Paisa”. I really enjoyed the food and the new atmosphere from a different culture. Experiencing cultures through food is one of the most fun and wonderful ways to explore and discovers cultures.

Interpersonal Communication

In this class I had the opportunity to communicate with a native Spanish speaker through the website TalkAbroad, as well as have discussions with classmates over various topics of Spanish speaking cultures. Through these communications I was able to identify similarities and difference between cultures and discuss them in an open format with others.

“Yo también creo que enseñar cosas buenas a los niños es importante. Los buenos amigos son buenos como la familia. Yo creo que hombre y esposa sera iguales. 

I am Hispanic myself. Although, I did not grow up with my biological parents so I can not speak to the traditional family structure. When I compare my views on family with those of traditional Hispanic cultures I see that lots of values overlap. I believe in the value of strong relationships with extended family to include friends and neighbors. I also related with the emphasis Hispanic cultures place on developing relationships with your children. In line with most people my age, I do not believe in traditional roles in the household. I believe each couple should share and create their own roles that best suits their individual relationship.”

¡Hola Danielle! Es bueno escuchar un poco de tu familia. 

It sounds like your family shared many of the same family structures with those of traditional Hispanic cultures. Your mother must have really valued the importance of your family’s education to take on such a difficult role. 

Did your family’s structure influence your opinion on how a family should determine its roles and the importance of family structures today?”-Issac Camberos

“Hi Issac! Thanks for your thoughtful reply. 

Family was important for sure, and I would way that my mother really valued our education and our ability to learn things a little differently than the norm. I’ve always been so impressed with my moms persistence and determination in this area.

To your question: My family’s structure was a unique one, and having not been exposed to a traditional latin American family (my boyfriend is from Venezuela, and I am currently with him and his parents visiting his elderly grandmother in Mexico), it has shown me the value and importance of caring for those that are older/mentally declining, and how important it is to stay connected to family even from great distances. 

Gracias, Issac! “-Danielle (Classmate)

Above is a discussion between myself and a classmate on the topic of the importance of family and traditional familial roles. In my reply, I was able to identify similarities to traditional family roles in Spanish cultures and had a conversation with a fellow classmate regarding how her experiences shaped her view on the importance family and roles there in.

Presentational Speaking

Below is a link to a brief presentation I delivered on the topic of the Spanish health care system. I was asked to describe some benefits and drawbacks to the system as well as comparing it to the health care system at home.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18-Z10HjQc6pX9g0o-yqvFBKK1uit5iIG/view?usp=sharing

Through this course in Spanish 102 my ability to recall Spanish words was challenged. I have a familiar understanding of the Spanish language but have occasional difficulties with finding the words to express myself. In order to overcome this I practice my presentations in Spanish to my non-Spanish speaking spouse to work through some of the nerves and work on my recall and repetition of Spanish words.

Presentational Writing

Two assignment for Spanish 102 called on me to conduct research utilizing online resources in Spanish. The first assignment was to describe the state of marriage equality in a Latin country. In the second assignment, I was asked to explore typical dishes served in a Latin country. Each is shown below respectively.

“España legalizó el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo en 2005. Las parejas del mismo sexo tienen los mismos derechos que los matrimonios tradicionales. La ley de matrimonio de España es la misma para todas las parejas y sexos”-Issac Camberos

Un plato típico en México es el mole. Una bebida típica en México es la tequila. Muchos fabricantes de tequila están en México. El mole se prepara para ocasiones especiales como bodas y otras clebraciones. Pero, se disfruta en cualquier momento.”-Issac Camberos

I used my analytical skills to conduct the search in Spanish and extract information to describe each situation. Through my research I found that Spain has taken measures to progress marriage equality ahead of most European countries and the United States. When conducting research on typical Mexican cuisine, I found that the Mexican culture is tied deeply to their food. The people of Mexico often celebrate special occasions with traditional dishes like mole. I found conducting research in Spanish difficult. I used context and my foundational knowledge of the language to help with the research.

Interpretive Listening

Below is a recorded conversation between my Spanish instructor and myself. During the conversation, I answer and ask a variety of questions over topics such as family, health, and wellbeing.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sDp1ajYLU64lRe_Gw-DPxRPoUdhhhaOR/view?usp=sharing

Having spent a few years in Spain, I posses a foundational knowledge of the Spanish language that helped immensely in preparation for conversational assignments. I found that listing for context during a conversation can help with understanding when I do not understand every thing a Spanish speaker is saying. Also, I found that observing a person’s facial expression as they speak can help with understanding during conversation.

Interpretive Reading

In preparation for a discussion assignment, I read an article in Spanish that describes the healthcare system in Spain. After reading the article, I recorded a response to questions about when I visit the doctor, what symptoms I have, and what medications I receive from the doctor.

https://www.expatica.com/es/healthcare/healthcare-basics/healthcare-system-101467/ *link to article

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18-Z10HjQc6pX9g0o-yqvFBKK1uit5iIG/view?usp=sharing*link to Issac’s analysis

This assignment was difficult because I required reading in Spanish over medical topics that I do not have a strong familiarization with. I again used context and a dictionary to analyze the article. I found that rereading the article outload was very beneficial. In the article, I found that Spain prioritizes its healthcare system and invests heavily into providing quality care for all of its citizens.