Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Exploring Culture
Some products and practices that helped me gain an understanding of cultural perspectives include the Lingrohub book, as well as researching the differences between American universities and other Hispanic countries. These resources aid in the growth of understanding other cultural views and learning environments via research.
These products and practices allowed me the opportunity to research the differences between American culture and practices and Hispanic culture and practices. One example is that in American universities dorms are common and offered to students. Whereas in Hispanic countries student dorms are not provided and students have to rent nearby apartments or stay with nearby families.
Engaging in Communities
There is great importance of engaging in my immediate community and the global community as it reveals a different perspective and allows you to be more open-minded, accepting, and appreciate other cultures.
I do not have artifacts of my experience in these communities.
Interpersonal Communication
In English, give a very brief 3-4-line description of TalkAbroad and other interpersonal oral/audio activities, discussion board and other interpersonal writing/reading activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. (See Modes of Communication link for definition and examples).
Then, in a short paragraph or two, write a reflection that includes each type of the interpersonal (spontaneous, unplanned) communication activities: telecollaborative (TalkAbroad) conversations, discussion board posts, and any other interpersonal exchange. Explain how you’ve grown with each assignment/activity. What was difficult and how did you overcome that difficulty? What did you excel at and why/how? What/how did you learn from it and would you do differently next time?
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
During the course of this semester, I was required to write a small composition showing my level of mastery at simple Spanish expressions and sentences.
In the composition, I was able to learn from my mistakes and improve my writing and understanding of language in relation to a schedule. Writing with correct grammar became easier but it was the most difficult as well. I overcame these difficulties by practicing writing sentences using the correct grammar and verbs. I excelled at creating correct sentences telling the time and day I was to do something. I can do better next time by using the correct verbs and grammar when writing my next composition.
Interpretive Listening
Interpretive listening activities I have participated in include speech in videos online and in the Lingrhub textbook. I have listened to and participated in speech in class. I have also listened to the radio on my own time.
During this semester I have listened to/heard from many different resources. Videos and recordings in the Lingrohub textbook allowed me to better understand face-to-face Spanish. The Language Learning Center’s Radio Garden allowed me to experience some of the Hispanic world’s different cultures through music. Sometimes it was challenging to understand what the radio personalities were saying and what some songs were actually singing about! But the more I learned throughout the semester, the easier it was the comprehend. The most interesting part of learning Spanish is learning the different cultures and histories of each Hispanic country. The key takeaway from my listening experience was how different the Hispanic culture is from Americans. With each activity, I have grown in my ability to be accepting and has helped me alter my perspective and knowledge of other cultures.
Interpretive Reading
During the course of this semester, we had to do research on the difference between American universities and Hispanic universities. I chose to compare ODU with Universidad de Los Andes in Columbia. I had to read and compare their website content and university to ODU’s.
Citation: https://uniandes.edu.co/en
Some of the language used on the Universidad de Los Andes website was challenging to understand since it was more complex than we have learned so far. I found interesting the difference between the number of degrees available between American and the Columbian university. The key takeaway from the readings was that the Hispanic culture has fewer resources and funding toward higher education than in America. I have grown in each assignment more thankful for the opportunities and options I have as an American pursuing a career.