Reflect on intercultural communication, commenting on perceived similarities and differences in language used and on aspects of culture
Elaborations
reflecting on experiences of authentic or virtual interaction in Spanish, for example, face-to-face interactions with community members through an excursion, or web-chatting, ePal or social networking, identifying moments of enjoyment, discomfort and successful intercultural communication
keeping a journal of experiences (humorous, satisfying or challenging) associated with learning and using Spanish, noting personal reactions and reflections over time
comparing own and others’ experiences of successful intercultural communication, identifying elements that required flexibility and cultural understanding, for example, responding to different ways of expressing feelings, levels of directness or culturally determined perspectives
noticing the impact of own assumptions when engaging with Spanish-language texts and experiences, and considering what assumptions Spanish speakers might hold about Australian people and associated cultural behaviours
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 Dios le ayuda, Bendito sea … Adiós, or 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)
