{"id":175,"date":"2021-04-01T00:08:18","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T00:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/worldlangdraft\/?page_id=175"},"modified":"2021-04-27T17:49:02","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T17:49:02","slug":"311-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/tstone-eportfolio\/311-2\/","title":{"rendered":"SPAN 311 – Speaking & Listening"},"content":{"rendered":"

I took SPAN 311 in order to fulfill the language requirement for my International Studies PhD program.  While I feel confident reading and writing in Spanish, I have always been shy to speak in Spanish and I have struggled to keep up when listening as well.  This course represented an opportunity for me to practice these important skills.<\/p>\n

Exploring Culture<\/h3>\n

During this course, I really enjoyed the short films that provided a window into the cultures of Spain and Latin America.  These short films were excellent at highlighting not just the differences between cultures but also the many similarities that are shared by all people regardless of race, ethnicity, and nationality.<\/p>\n

Hispanic culture is full of passion and the language uses metaphors and poetic symbolism liberally.  This makes Spanish a very visual language that is much different than the literal language of English.  Because of this, beautiful films like “Por Siempre Jamon”<\/em> were especially powerful and the close connection between the characters was evident through their passionate language and emotional interactions.<\/p>\n

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Engaging In Communities<\/h3>\n

The opportunity to explore another culture also helped emphasize the importance of engaging in communities that are different both at the local level and globally.  Here in the U.S., all cities have Spanish-speaking communities within them.  Reaching across language and cultural boundaries provides an opportunity to engage with others right here at home.  Whether simply ordering food at a local restaurant or dancing the night away at Latin dance halls, speaking Spanish is an essential skill to engage in local communities and create bridges between cultures right here in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Globally, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.  Competence with Spanish opens many doors for global travel and connection in an increasingly globalized world.  I myself have spent time in Spanish-speaking countries like Cuba, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.  These interactions abroad have enriched my perspective of  Spanish communities as places filled with music and a sense of family and togetherness.<\/p>\n

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Interpersonal Communication<\/h3>\n

There were unmatched opportunities to practice interpersonal communication with Spanish speakers in the class.  From our weekly class interactions with classmates to our Boomalang sessions with native speakers, interpersonal communication using Spanish was essential for course success.<\/p>\n

In particular, Boomalang was a truly useful tool for connecting with a new stranger.  This activity simulated real-life interactions that one could expect to have when traveling within a Spanish-speaking community.  During my first Boomalang session, I was a bit nervous since I am shy at speaking Spanish.  Despite this, the interaction was really enjoyable and by the end of my second session, I felt far more confident and relaxed.  I found the different accents between my Boomalang speakers to be very interesting and it was a good exercise to overcome those differences and still manage to communicate.  I also enjoyed the “window” this activity created that allowed me to see into another culture and share an experience with someone new.<\/p>\n

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View a Boomalang Conversation Here<\/a><\/p>\n

Presentational Speaking<\/h3>\n

There were two opportunities to practice presentational speaking during this course.  These assignments were completed using the Flipgrid platform and I really enjoyed watching what others shared and engaging with them in this way.  This format of presentation really challenged me to perfect my Spanish pronunciation and because it was pre-recorded it allowed me to relax and not be so nervous about speaking Spanish in public.<\/p>\n

For the first presentation, the topic was about interpreting the impact of technology on our lives today.  I focused on the ways that modern technology can both separate us from the natural world while also bringing us closer to it.  This contradicting dynamic makes technology both helpful and harmful.<\/p>\n

For the second presentation, we were asked to discuss things that we were fed up with or frustrated with.  I spoke about the challenges of working and being a student while living a nomadic lifestyle and also about all of the trash that is left behind in the beautiful outdoors that I call my home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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