Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
CULTURE
Exploring Culture
An example of culture was communicated this semester through the discussion of our favorite Spanish celebrations. Below is an excerpt from my discussion post:
Mi celebración favorita es el Carnaval en febrero. Carnaval (Carnival)which is celebrated in Spain during the month of February or early March drew my attention as one highlighted in the video. Carnaval is celebrated on the 7th Tuesday before Easter Sunday. Carnaval, in Spain, typically begins with a speech and ceremony followed by many days of street parties, parades, contests, theatrical displays, music, dancing and more. Carnaval ends the day before lent and a traditional parody funeral for Sardine symbolizes the end of carnaval. There are many celebrations in the United States that are also surrounded by culture and street parades and parties. One such event is Mardi gras, that is celebrated in New Orleans, LA. Mardi gras also is celebrated in the month of February. The most intriguing aspect of Mardi gras personally are the Mardi gras Indians. The Mardi gras Indians do not announce their parade route or location but make a grand appearance typically surrounded by locals that embody the heart of the city in a spiritual way.
Upon further reflection, gained a greater appreciation and understanding of Spanish culture while exploring the various Spanish holidays and their origins.Exploring the origins of each holiday made me appreciate the excitement and historical element in all of them. I have always had a love for the Spanish speaking world and now after taking Spanish 101, I have a greater appreciation and passion for seeking to understand and speak as best as possible. I understand that it has been challenging but I believe all things that are worth a great reward come with much challenges or will be difficult in the beginning.
Engaging in Communities
Engaging in community was a common aspect of Spanish class this semester. I learned many cultural practices that displayed how people express community engagement socially and through common practices. The excerpt discusses how the Spanish engage in community:
People around the globe and in Latin speaking countries have multitudes of cultural greeting practices. The greeting practice of providing two kisses on each cheek to someone is one that I have participated in as displayed in the video. It is common in my church and family but less common now due to Covid-19. I believe the cultural practice has pros by providing a sense of respect and emotional expression that can be pleasant and enduring. The cons of the practice could be that it may not always respect a person who has spatial and physical touch boundaries. I am personally comfortable with the practice and find it to provide comfort as I am a person who values physical touch and expression. Community engagement and social practices are a great example of how people stay connected and display love and affection in a friendly way to their communities.
Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication was often expressed this semester through discussion board activities. La Universidad below is an excerpt displaying how I would engage with my other classmates. Each activity assisted in my educational growth and inspired me to trading my scope and truly understand the beautiful Spanish culture through engaging interpersonally with my fellow Spanish students.
The University of Granada, Universidad de Granada is a university in Granada, Spain and one of the fourth largest public universities in all of Spain. The college was initially founded in 1526. The university has over 80,000 students in attendance. Old Dominion University is also a public university and currently has over 23,000 students in attendance. Old Dominion University, was once a Norfolk campus for the college of William and Mary in 1930 but later became its own institution in the 1962. Moreover, the University of Granada like Old Dominion University is located close to beautiful coastal waterfronts. The University of Granada, is known for cultural and translation studies along with computer science and research fields of study. Old Dominion University, is known for psychology and public health related majors. I have not studied abroad or plan to but if I did the University of Granada would be intriguing because of the rich architecture and historical elements surrounding the university and city.
Presentational Speaking
During the semester I engaged in FlipGrid assignments. The oral assignments utilized my Spanish listening skills and presentational abilities. The initial assignments were intimidating because I am new to Spanish but became enjoyable and more manageable and exciting as the semester followed. The mode of each FlipGrid assignment was exciting and engaging. I overcame all my challenges creating video speaking assignments by learning to relax and allow a mindset for learning instead of being scared.
Presentational Writing
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (1998, July 20). Cordillera Central. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Cordillera-Central-mountains-Puerto-Rico
I created a PowerPoint presentation that discussed the tropical climate of Puerto Rico. Above is an example and excerpt from that presentation that took a deep dive into geopolitics and overall geography. Learning Spanish has assisted me within many areas of learning and I am growing to interconnect Spanish in other courses and my overall daily life.
Interpretive Listening
Interpretive listening was a major early aspect of Spanish 101. The above example is of an assignment when I listened and learned the Spanish alphabet while recording myself. The most challenging letter was what I captured and that was W, X and Y. I have mastered how to say the alphabet and now enjoy teaching my child the Spanish alphabet. In addition, Spanish conversation was practiced with the instructor throughout the semester where I had to interpret the conversation and speak accordingly in Spanish. I also took part in Spanish speaking lessons with the Spanish department in an informal setting that was beneficial and fun!
Interpretive Reading
On the Lingro learning site, during the semester I had the ability to practice interpretive communication activities. The above images depict examples of the site and the activities that centered around learning to understand Spanish. Many activities that I found most beneficial combined listening to Spanish speakers and completing the assignment with an audio format. My learning style is best suited when activities combined images, audio and video. The activity that discussed campus and university life was intriguing. Over the semester even though it was and is challenging, I have learned to read Spanish and interpret body language better than ever. Each assignment has helped me grow in my language ability and reading paragraphs on campus life or student social media profiles were helpful and impactful.