Spanish for Heritage Speakers · Latin American And Iberian Cultures
This class taught me a lot about the practical applications of learning Spanish and how it is both a tool for oppression and liberation. I learned tools for conjugating and using my Spanish more easily.
In this course we improved our ability to speak in Spanish, we read Spanish texts, listened to Spanish, and wrote essays in Spanish after learning vocabulary, about grammer structures and learning more about accents.
I learned a lot about the Spanish language from the perspective of a socio-linguist as well as the power dynamics and structures associated with different types of spoken spanish. I also learned about some common spelling errors that I made as well how to read more quickly in Spanish.
I learned how to write and speak better in Spanish. I noticed a lot of improvement in my accentuation.
I learned that there are many different dialects of Spanish. I also learned that there are people who may speak a different dialect who may try to impose a specific way of speaking Spanish because they may think that their way is correct. Despite there being a standardized Spanish that everyone may think of, it is not natural because people who speak Spanish come from different countries and cultures. Professor Romero made sure that her class was a safe space for her students to speak the Spanish they grew up learning.
This course is divided into five different parts: each part follows a certain theme (identidad, tecnología, el bienestar individual y social, la literature latina en los EEUU), and within each theme we study grammar, conjugation, orthography (acentuación), aspectos sociolingüísticos (el spanglish, sus cambios de código...) We do one group project, one final presentation, three essays and quizzes at the end of each theme.
I learned everything the class said I would
I learned how to improve my grammar, accents, and word choice when writing in spanish. I also read latin american literature about several topics, including the Latinx experience in the US. Given the last oral presentation and consistent participation in class, I also improved my fluency speaking.
The most important takeaway for me was learning that there is no incorrect way to speak Spanish. Language should be used to connect and communicate with people rather than put people in a hierarchical position in society.
I learned more about Spanish grammar, getting experience with writing essays in Spanish, and expanded my Spanish vocabulary.