Interpersonal Communication
My experience in this class has slightly increased my confidence when speaking to others in and out of the classroom. I can say that I can better understand basic conjugations and sentences well enough to have a semi-decent conversation. I’m slowly getting better at listening as well. Since this was a summer course and we were present daily I had the opportunity to practice speaking with my classmates and my professor and I feel more proficient when speaking about my family, different types of foods I like to eat and how I prefer them to be prepared, and I even do alright speaking about my health. I still fumble and have to use certain phrases such as “mas despacio” or “repitirlo por favor” when I have trouble understanding.
I know now that I need to work on my nerves a bit as well because I get so nervous I forget my vocabulary and I need to use phrases such as “no se” or “come se dice”. During the TALK ABROAD session I spoke to a woman named Jessica. She was amazing and really patient with me. I didn’t do the best but I don’t beat myself up about it because it’s all in the name of growth. In my previous class I needed to use a paper to read the questions and have a conversation but I didn’t do that this time so I’m proud of that.
This class was a small one and I was able to have plenty of time speaking with my teacher and working through activities. We talked so much I became comfortable using some of the language at home. I speak to my baby although I know he can’t talk back I hope he understands me.
When I write I do my best but I’m going to need to work on my punctuation and articles. That being said. My writing skills are better than my speaking skills. I can think better when it’s written and sometimes I can even correct myself. Despite the challenges I’m happy with my growth.
Artifacts
TalkAbroad Link:
Exploring Culture
There are many differences between the American culture and the Spanish culture but one that stood out to me are the LGBT acceptance practices. LBGT people can get married in all 50 states here but in some Hispanic countries it still isn’t allowed.
Another thing I learned through my teacher is that people, Hispanic countries have a tendency to want to be a little closer to you then they would be here in the United States. Everyone believes in the concept of space over here however, in Spanish people like to get to know, you better hug through the double kiss on the cheek and things of that nature.
Presentational Writing
#AyerComi Writing Quiz
Besides this quiz, my favorite was about a campus excercise club. I was able to use some reflexive verbs and commands. I now know how to encourage someone to do something in a formal or informal way.
Interpretive Listening
We also had an in class presentation from a student who works in the Language Learning Center who explained where the center is and how we can use different mediums from VR Glasses to different native Spanish speakers to get better with our Spanish speaking. It’s so convenient it’s even offered through zoom!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eemz_Rr-GzU5VS9zA1AZtI1MTbztESIg/view?usp=sharing