Exploring Culture

Learning about different things outside of my country has been integral to my understanding of the Spanish language and the culture in Latin American countries. Using TalkAbroad and Contraseña assisted in educating me further about different cultural traditions.

Because I truly do enjoy communicating with people of a different background, TalkAbroad was certainly an eye opener for me. It was interesting to find commonalities with someone that speaks a different language from you and comes from a country with slightly different customs.

Engaging in Communities

In English, give a brief description of the value of, and importance of, engaging in your immediate community and the global community.

Reflect on your experience and participation in these communities. Include artifacts such as photos, audio/video clips, etc.

Interpersonal Communication

In my experience with using Spanish in interpersonal communication, TalkAbroad really helped me train my ears to interpret Spanish on the spot. One thing I noticed in the beginning of the semester was that while I did not struggle too much with understanding Spanish in an auditory sense or when I am reading it however speaking in the moment proved to be a bit of a struggle for me. Since then, I have approved upon speaking full on sentences and thinking in Spanish.

Participating in TalkAbroad this semester has definitely aided in strengthening my skill in Spanish. My first conversation went fairly well and I was please to have got even better on my second. To further reiterate, beforehand I was better at understanding Spanish than formulating responses sometimes. Where I had trouble communicating is using filler words or phrases in between asking questions or responding to statements. Remaining present in these conversation was extremely important in this process and thinking ahead in Spanish helped me with thinking of my responses.

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

Our final project with was to construct a written infographic or flyer on how to heal or alleviate a physical health issue of our choice. The intent being to use the unit 9 vocabulary and reflexive verbs

Unit-9-Proyecto-

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.