Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Exploring Culture

The cultural exploration assignments in Contraseña provided key insights into several Spanish-speaking cultures. For example, in unit 10 we learned about gender roles in the workforce in different Latin American countries. Through these modules, I not only gained a deeper understanding of the Hispanic culture but also developed a more empathetic view of cultures and perspectives worldwide.

Engaging in Communities

Engaging in both my immediate community and the global community has proven to be invaluable, contributing to personal growth, cultural understanding, and a broader perspective on the world. Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve learned that active participation in communities, whether local or global, provides a platform for sharing ideas, perspectives, and solutions. I’ve come to appreciate the interconnected nature of our world, recognizing that a sense of responsibility and collaboration is essential for creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious global community.

Interpersonal Communication

This semester I participated in two 15-minute TalkAbroad conversations with a native Spanish speaker. This gave me an opportunity to practice my real-time listening and speaking skills. I partnered twice with Julia, who is a teacher in Merida, Yucatán, Mexico. She was very patient as I frequently found myself stumbling when answering her questions during the first conversation. It can be found here.

Our second conversation went a lot more smoothly since I was not as nervous. I had less frequent pauses or filler words, like “uh” and “um”. Conversing with another person for a grade can place undue stress on an interaction. I much prefer conversing without being recorded! The second conversation can be found here.

Presentational Speaking

For unit 6, I made a video about my family. This activity allowed me to practice my pronunciation skills. I found that structuring and delivering this video in another language posed some challenges. I had to overcome nervousness and maintain a smooth flow. I eventually ended up filming several takes and edited them together. Improving my pronunciation required constant practice, and I found that recording myself and listening to the playback was beneficial. Looking ahead, I aim to incorporate more varied vocabulary. The video can be found here.

Presentational Writing

The project for unit 9 required me to create an infographic about a health ailment and demonstrate my written proficiency. I chose to write about sleep deprivation. Structuring the composition presented a few challenges, especially in terms of organization and grammar. Creating this assignment enhanced my ability to gather information and present it in an engaging format. This activity not only increased my written communication skills in Spanish but also deepened my appreciation for the language.

U9-proyecto-infografia

Interpretive Listening

We had several interpretive listening activities in Contraseña throughout the semester. These activities aimed to improve my comprehension skills and expose me to different accents and speaking styles. During the semester, we also did several classroom exercises where we practiced this skill. Consistent exposure and practice significantly improved my ability to decipher spoken Spanish. As a result, I’ve developed an ear for Spanish, allowing me to understand different conversations with increased confidence.

Interpretive Reading

Contraseña had several interpretive communication activities that involved reading articles and stories, aiming to enhance my comprehension. Initially, complex sentence structures and unfamiliar vocabulary presented challenges. To overcome these difficulties, I employed context clues and dictionary use, gradually building my proficiency. My exposure to diverse content has significantly broadened my understanding of the Spanish language.