Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication
Exploring Culture
Spanish 201 has increased my awareness of the Spanish culture and history on both continents, especially through the readings/videos in Contraseña and TalkAbroad. Spanish 201 has been challenging, enlightening, fun and sometimes confusing and frustrating…but worth the work.
Spending my time reading about current hot topics such as climate change, immigration, art and history as it relates to Spanish speaking countries helped me become more aware of the challenges, successes, and culture of these countries. Locally, there is much Spanish culture to take advantage of, as well. I enjoy eating at local tiendas such as Jessy’s Tienda which is a short walk from my home, reading the Spanish language signage at local stores and road signs, and eavesdropping, oops, I mean listening, as shoppers are speaking Spanish when I am out and about. I also enjoy Spanish movies or series on Netflix. The videos in Contraseña were a great help in exploring the Spanish lifestyle, grammar and vocabulary.
Engaging in Communities
Since the Spanish community is all around us, it is so beneficial to engage in the opportunities to communicate and participate. I am fortunate to have neighbors who are from Barcelona. They always appreciate my stilted efforts to converse with them in their native language and encourage me, correct me and guide me in improving my conversation and writing skills. I also get to enjoy the occasional paella or glass of Cava at their home. ¡Qué rico! One thing I have observed about them is their joy in family gatherings over a meal and cooking. Quality time! The world is more global so participating and enjoying new cultures and experiences is vital. Being a part of the language studies at ODU is an important component in engaging and understanding the diverse cultures around us. ¡Gracias!
Interpersonal Communication
TalkAbroad, conversations in class, and weekly tutoring sessions at the ODU Language Learning Center are valuable opportunities to practice Spanish conversation. Though I was nervous before each of the two TalkAbroad sessions, my conversation partners really helped to put me at ease and I really enjoyed each experience. Also signing up for Spanish conversation practice each week at the LLC with Michelle has been super helpful.
Presentational Speaking
In addition to TalkAbroad, I also recorded one video on ecotourism for Contraseña. It was a lot of fun revisiting a place I had traveled to in the past and honing my skills using Zoom. To say I had 50 retakes of the video is not an exaggeration.
Presentational Writing
Each Unidad in Contraseña provided many writing opportunities. I definitely think my Spanish improved through my writing assignments. I was able to spend time studying the material and research phrase and learn from my mistakes.
Interpretive Listening
Listening is a skill that I need to practice . At my current level, it is essential to focus on the sentence structure and listen for learned vocabulary. Sometimes I find myself zoning out when I hear a word I don’t recognize. One good thing about Contraseña is that it provides tips and information on how to read, write and listen to text with the idea of understanding main concepts in the presentation in each unidad under Estratgia de producción. Also time spent in the Language Learning Center has also helped me to practice my listening and conversation skills.
Interpretive Reading
I have enjoyed reading children’s books in Spanish as a means to improve my reading and comprehension skills. My two favorites are Óscar y los gatos lunares and Había una vez, a collection of Latin American tales.
