Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Address the reflection exercises in each of the following sections. For each section, you will need to embed portions of these assignments and activities as artifacts to substantiate your reflection. Then, at the end of each section, include a link to the document or embed it as a PDF. 

Tutorials are available:

• Embedding a PDF
• Embedding Media (Images, Audio)
• Embedding a Video

Exploring Culture

There are many products that have made me more aware of Spanish culture such as Mexican restaurants, hot sauces and music. I also learned a lot about the Spanish culture when I went on a trip to Cancun, Mexico and saw how a Spanish culture lived. I’ve also learned a lot about different Spanish cultures due to Lingrohub which included activities that listed different facts about different Spanish speaking locations.

These practices showed me how different the world is depending on your location. For example, Cuba has wifi parks for their citizens to use their phones at because they do not have wifi in their homes. Speech is also different depending on location as well. I better understand more about Spanish cultures and than ever before and can’t wait to learn more. I’m amazed at how different every Spanish speaking country. I think as an American Spanish speaking countries aren’t completely understood and looked at differently. I didn’t realize until I went to Mexico and it completely changed my mindset. For example, in Cancun, Mexico there’s a huge market with all types of different things and nothing has a set price and you could bargain for final price. They also have many things similar to America such as McDonalds but they had different menu items. You don’t understand how similar products are until you visit for example, I saw a box of Frosted Flakes named Zucaritas. I feel like you don’t fully understand a culture and rethink stereotypes until you visit and see for yourself.

Engaging in Communities

It is important to give back to your community and there are many ways to get involved in your community. Getting involved in your community helps build self-confidence, makes you feel good and most importantly you can change an individual’s life. There are many ways to get involved such as coaching or getting involved with a local sports team, donating clothes or food or simply trash cleanup’s. Knowing another language also open’s many opportunities such as being a translator or tutor in your community.

Interpersonal Communication

Proyecto 2 was my biggest practice with another individual other than Professor Garcia. I have grown more comfortable with each assessment this semester and continued to add to my knowledge. It was difficult to speak with a fluent Spanish speaker because he had a bigger vocabulary than me and spoke it faster. I just had to listen to what he was saying closely. I learned how to better communicate with a native and it made me more comfortable talking to someone native to the Spanish language.

Presentational Speaking

The only time I had any form of practice with presentational speaking is my interviews with Professor Garcia. At first I was uncomfortable but although I was nervous about my knowledge we could hold a conversation.

It was hard to respond to his questions and think directly off memory but I made it work. Sometimes I just had to take a pause and respond. I was best at speaking about Old Dominion and my classes. I was the worst at describing a famous figure I admired because I felt I just lacked vocabulary to describe the individual.

Presentational Writing

In English, give a very brief 2-3-line description of the presentational communication of compositions, pamphlets, blogs, flyers, stories, articles, and any other written presentation activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a copy of a written presentational activity you produced? (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).

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.