Exploring Culture
I was stationed in Spain for 3 years, so I learned a lot about the culture while I was there. I worked with many Spaniards and took part in the culture that they presented. Unfortunately, I did not learn how to speak Spanish fluently, but I did learn enough to get through basic interactions. I have also completed Spanish 101 through ODU. That course used the same online learning site as this one did, so it was relatively easy to adjust.
I still believe that being immersed in the language is far better (for me) than being taught it in the classroom. I remember words and phrases that I learned and used while I was stationed in Spain, whereas I do not feel the same with the knowledge that I have learned while taking Spanish classes. That is not meant to be a reflection on the teacher, merely that I prefer learning it naturally. I understand that that is not feasible for a degree. The online course did deepen my understanding about the structure and subtleties of the Spanish language.My in-laws are Cuban, so I have the opportunity to speak and listen to Spanish while I am around them.
Engaging in Communities
I had previously stated in Span101 that I did not value my immediate community and that has not changed. I still am not satisfied with my current community. I did not have a close-knit family growing up so that has not been a priority until recently. I am starting my own family now and as it grows, I see the benefit and value of community and family increase. I think that because I am not living where I prefer, I do not feel the sense of community. I also do not socialize very much, and the majority of my friends live in other states. This makes my sense of community much narrower. I am part of a few hobby groups and veteran groups, but I do not feel invested in these communities, nor do I feel the desire to. I am content with what I have now.
Interpersonal Communication
I completed two separate speaking exercises with Spanish speakers outside of the United States via TalkAbroad. While short, these provided valuable practice in a low-stakes environment. Even though I have learned a lot, I still have trouble keeping up with verbal exchanges. The language is spoken so fast sometimes, it is very difficult for me to translate while also comprehending what the person is speaking about. I usually need to ask the person to slow down and repeat. I can understand most written communication by identifying key words and phrases, but some of the unique spelling changes and modifiers still confuse me. I usually skim the sentences to get an idea of the topic then go over it again a few times to figure out the rest. This does not work with spoken words, so I still need to improve on that. It is easier to understand if I am not required to respond, because then I can focus on the translation and not what my response will be. This does not work with spoken words, so I still need to improve on that. It is easier to understand if I am not required to respond, because then I can focus on the translation and not what my response will be.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1maYm3wgv_0AQq9iszQ8nKbqgk8-FaZPr?usp=sharing
Presentational Speaking
I did not complete any presentational speaking activities related to Spanish this semester.
Presentational Writing
While not considered presentational writing, I did complete several small discussions in Spanish. These were generally 1 to 2 sentences in Spanish.
Interpretive Listening
I did not complete any listening activities related to Spanish this semester.
Interpretive Reading
I did not complete any interpretive reading activities related to Spanish this semester.