Exploring Culture

One of my favorite topics regarding culture we explored this semester was our module on food. Often many Latin American cuisines get grouped together, but each region incorporates food in its own very unique way. We learned that not all empanadas are created equally and that the ones from Chile are quite superior. Even different regions within the same country have vastly different methods of preparing their cuisine. Such is the case in Mexico, where some regions make tortillas utilizing potato starches while other regions stick with traditional corn tortillas.

-The module on food was by far my favorite because I feel deeply connected with the food in my culture (Italian/Mexican) and enjoy learning about other culture food practices. This specific piece of culture motivates me to want to continue to learn Spanish and pursue becoming fluent in the language in the future. I would like to one day travel to Mexico for an extended period of time and explore the unique regions and different cuisines in each area.

Engaging in Communities

While I did not enjoy completing most of the homework due to the inefficiency of the program offered in LingroLearning. I did enjoy that in every module, we had a position that applied our grammar in a regional situation, and we had to read prompts from individuals from different Latin American cultures.

Additionally, I found the use of Spanish I have learned from this class and my previous Spanish course in my volunteer time at the YWCA. Occasionally, we have had individuals who speak little English, and the more I and other staff members were able to understand and speak Spanish, the easier communicating was.

Interpersonal Communication

This semester I was very nervous to complete my Talk Abroad sessions. However, I really enjoyed completing them and hope they stick around in the syllabus for future classes. I felt challenged and that these assignments required me to put to use all the things I have been learning in class. I would prefer more speaking assignments over written ones.

While I always get nervous for talking activities in class, I tend to be better at them than the written assignments. Outside of the course work for a class, I recently was able to put to use the things I have learned over the past year and applied my Spanish vocabulary abroad. I was in Iceland, and the country has so much tourism many signs are written in up to six languages at a time. When I could not find the English sign, I was able to read and comprehend the majority of what was written on the Spanish sign and translate it o my partner so we knew where we were going. Additionally, while abroad, we were on a tour with a family from Spain, and I was able to have small conversations with them and even get partnered with them on our glacier hike.

Presentational Speaking

In class, we had to complete a presentation on our favorite foods to make. unfortunately, I was sick all week, so I made a video on the foods I usually like to make and then added that the food I ate was take-out pizza because I did not want to cook. We have also had many assignments in class where we had to speak with multiple classmates and practice our vocabulary together. I feel these assignments have been useful in helping me memorize more words and phrases.

Presentational Writing

This semester we have had multiple writing assignments. One required us to describe our family in many details. Another one had us create a campus club flyer and use vocabulary that would tell students the time and place of our events. We even had to be creative and try to use flashy words that would attract people to want to join our club. Further, we had an assignment that required us to write a health-related informational handout.

I think my Spanish knowledge and abilities were challenged with each of these writing assignments. Grammar is something I struggle with at times, even in English. I think to get better, I will need to continue to practice writing prompts in the future.

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 it 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

This semester we completed many useful projects. One was to write detailed descriptions about each of our family members in Spanish; another was to create a flyer for recreational activity. In the example of one below, we were asked to create an infographic related to health. These activities were very useful in applying real-world uses of Spanish speaking. Other interpretative reading assignments we did in the homework. One tested our ability to skim a longer article and pick out words that we knew to get the gist of what was being talked about. I found this to be helpful for real-world practices in the future.

All semester however, I have not felt confident in my Spanish-speaking abilities. I have stumbled multiple times and am continuing to struggle with grammar. I know I will need to continue to practice, or I will likely forget most of what was learned this semester.

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