Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational Modes of Communication

Exploring Culture

Throughout the semester, we used a program known as Lingrolearning which allowed me to research different cultures by using Google or other search engines. Also, we were able to engage with other cultures using a program known as TalkAbroad. With this program, we were able to video chat with others and interact with them of understanding their culture and the difference between me and theirs.

Using these types of interactions allowed me to better understand the value of Mexican culture and Spain. I was able to reflect upon the difference and similarities between both my own and the cultures I researched and spoke with. It challenged me to become aware of my tone and questions I asked when engaging with others.

Engaging in Communities

The value of engaging with the global community allowed me to expand my knowledge and to understand the values of other cultures. As being an African American woman, I enjoyed learning how some of the food, language, or even people may have influenced my own culture and way of living.

My experience within these communities were amazing. It was truly an honor to be able to explore.

Interpersonal Communication

In this semester, we used a program known as TalkAbroad. Using this program allowed for me and my classmates to speak with other cultures in regards to the modules we had learned. Also used in the class was a program known as Lingrolearning. In this program with our different modules we learned, we were able to practice writing and communicating in Spanish. There were also discussion boards given by our Professor where I engaged with other classmates to discuss the topics at hand; most of which was an inside look at our own culture in regards to the Spanish/Hispanic world.

These activities allowed me to grow as a student as well as a person. I was able to use the communication used in TalkAbroad to motivate me to continue on this journey of learning a second language and ensuring I know of any areas I am needed to focus on in regards to understanding and communicating. Each assignment allowed me to grow with expanding knowledge and understanding the love of the language. I excelled mostly with using the context clues of words I knew and could engage with to master the conversations I had, but know to always continue to study the building of a sentence and vocabulary.

Presentational Speaking

Within this course, I was able to present my knowledge of Spanish by ways of Flipgrid or an uploaded video or document to Canvas. This allowed me to show my growth of my Spanish knowledge by engaging in activities that were not totally a video or written document.

Each presentation that was completed allowed me to challenge myself academically as well as socially. I was able to address information in another language which can be quite difficult, but the challenge was worth it. I continued to overcome my barriers of speaking another language, but I know to always take my time and not try to move too fast.

Presentational Writing

In representing presentational writing, I was able to show this through ways of discussion boards provided by the Professor. Within multiple discussion boards, I was allowed to show my expanded knowledge of the Spanish language by completing the discussion board in Spanish.

The discussion boards allowed me to prove my knowledge without speaking. Writing in Spanish can be a challenge which was not entirely new to me, but could create barriers in ensuring that I am presenting the sentences correctly. I continued to use my known vocabulary provided to ensure that I understood what I was presenting.

Interpretive Listening

The activities that were completed to show my comprehension was within tests and quizzes. These activities were provided solely in Spanish.

I would say that these activities were challenging, but rewarding at the same time. I took Spanish within the previous semester here at Old Dominion University and also within High School, but was glad to have a more in depth learning experience with the Spanish language. I was able tp listen for words that I understood within the activities to assist in completing the work provided.

Interpretive Reading

The interpretive reading skill was done within the course as well as outside of the course. It allowed me to better interpret information. I strived to become better by looking over YouTube videos or even reading books within the Spanish language.

These activities allowed for me to be able to openly challenge myself for words that I did not know. I was allowed to overcome those challenges by using my Spanish dictionary or context of words that I was familiar with. I found it interesting of how the English and Spanish languages can be different in the structure.