Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Exploring Culture

In SPAN102, we delved even deeper into understanding the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Throughout the course, I participated in various discussion boards that involved immersive talks about the culture. The topics include the differences of families in the United States versus Hispanic culture, what food dishes are important to the Spanish culture, and the Healthcare system. That is just to name a few.

Spanish 2 gave an even deeper perspective into the lives and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries. It helped me further my understanding and I grew a better appreciation for the differences of culture. However, seeing how embedded others are with their culture, it made me appreciate mine more. I think once others fully embrace where they came from, it creates a better and more understanding world.

Attached below is a discussion board I participated in about the differences of traditional family roles.

Engaging in Communities

There is so much importance in engaging in the community around you. The surrounding world can give so much perspective into different people, cultures, and places. I find that volunteering and being with others from a different background then you helps me grow as an individual. It offers me the platform to be able to share my experiences while learning about others also.

Interpersonal Communication

SPAN102 provided various ways to learn Interpersonal Communication. As previously stated in Exploring Culture, discussion boards offered a way to talk to others about the Spanish language in a great way. Also, there was the TalkAbroad’s, oral/audio activities in LingroLearning, etc. All these resources were a way to help us students grow as speakers and communicators in a foreign language.

I found that through each activity I became more confident in speaking. While it still takes me awhile to pick up on certain words, I feel as though I am better prepared. Most importantly, I learned that no matter what I should just keep trying as it is very important to be an effective communicator. I hope I can further that as I keep growing.

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). 

Presentational Speaking is nerve-wracking for almost anyone in the process of learning a foreign language. Many questions pop through ones head such as, “What if I pronounce everything wrong?”. However, I was lucky enough to be provided a platform in order to help me.

In Spanish, we completed an assignment by the name of Asignación Pronunciación. This assignment helped by giving me a way to easily pronounce words and try again if I needed to. I would love any constructive criticism in order to push me further towards perfect pronunciation.

Attached below is the Asignación Pronunciación assignment I completed while in the class.

Presentational Writing

There were a few presentational writing assignments I completed throughout the semester most in the form of discussion boards, Discussion boards I found were the most helpful as it gives the student even more resources to be an effective communicator in Spanish and in English.

One discussion board I participated in was called “En el médico”. It focused on the differences in Health Care between the United States of America and Spain. I found this particular discussion board very informative and eye-opening as it discussed a topic I knew virtually nothing about.

Attached below are my responses in discussion board “En el médico”.

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Listening activities were very prevalent throughout the LingroLearning activities I participated in. While completing the activities, one constantly would listen to a speaker ask questions. Then, many of times we would have to select the best response for the question.

I feel as though listening is probably the most effective way one can learn a new language. Listening is used all the time while learning even if it is not realized. While listening is challenging, I think it is a necessary part of learning new concepts.

Interpretive Reading

Throughout the discussion boards, some very great and interesting articles were presented. Anything from family, medicine, and sports. So, throughout the class I learned a great deal from reading. However, I have also encountered informative reading in another class I have taken. I read various Spanish led articles that led me to gain more understanding into each Spanish-speaking country.