Consider own reactions when engaging with Spanish speakers and resources and how these may reflect aspects of own language and culture
Elaborations
keeping a record such as a journal, log or online posting of critical incidents and observations in the course of intercultural language learning, such as breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, and considering why or how they occurred and were repaired
finding examples of how language reflects cultural concepts and values across the Spanish-speaking world, for example, religious references in sayings such as Al que madruga Diós le ayuda, Bendito sea … Adiós; and changes to language forms that reflect changes in social values, such as the adoption of some feminine forms of professional titles (La doctora/el doctor, la abogada/el abogado, la jefa/el jefe)
recognising differences in the nature and function of some elements of communication in Spanish compared to English, for example, the enjoyment of debate, disagreement and argument as social rather than confrontational activities, or greater directness in exchanges such as making requests using the direct imperative form
discussing how intercultural communication involves being flexible, responsive and open to differences in ways of communicating views or emotions, for example, the less explicit expression of appreciation or thanks in Spanish, variation in attitudes to time
