Exploring Culture

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This semester has made me aware that the Spanish language and Hispanic culture are deeply intertwined. Sentence formation — with its emphasis on gender, plurality, articles, verb tenses, and the use of the subjunctive — can change the meaning of a conversation in slightly but important ways. The course has deepened my understanding that context cannot be interpreted word for word but must be understood through the combination of several expressions. This enhanced awareness will be invaluable for future interactions in Spanish-speaking communities, reminding me to approach conversations with sensitivity and respect.

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Speaking and Pronunciation

 

Classroom debates and presentations were my first steps in developing communication skills. Speaking slowly and pronouncing each syllable clearly was essential for my classmates to understand the context of my ideas. One assignment was my presentation on Por siempre jamón, which challenged me to maintain accurate pronunciation while explaining short film. Although it was difficult, my classmates understood my pronunciation and discussion, which gave me confidence to continue practicing. These experiences taught me that pronunciation is not only about accuracy but also about building comfort and confidence in expressing myself in Spanish.

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Interpretive Listening:

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Interpretive listening has been one of the most beneficial parts of my Spanish learning journey. News in Slow Spanish provided a wide variety of topics from Spain and Latin America, including politics, science and technology, arts and culture, and even grammar lessons. Listening at the intermediate level, with some words translated, kept me engaged and allowed me to follow complex discussions without becoming overwhelmed. These sessions updated me on current events while strengthening my listening comprehension.

For example, listening to dialogues about everyday activities or cultural traditions helped me recognize tone, rhythm, and context beyond individual words. These activities taught me to focus on meaning rather than translating word by word, which has improved both my confidence and accuracy in understanding spoken Spanish.

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