I start my Spanish classes on Monday.
Two of my family members said I don't need to take spanish classes; one asked why I think I need to. I am perfectly fine having simple conversations and I definitely speak well enough to get by. That others believe in my ability to successfully perform my research with my current skills is flattering. However, I don't want to "get by".
My discipline is an interview and participant observation based field. My project is about talking to people, earning their confidence and placing their (sometimes deeply) personal narratives into a larger social context. Discourse analysis is one of my favorite tools of analysis and it would be detrimental to my project if people feel that they need to change how they speak so that I can better understand what they are trying to say. The words people choose, the tone of voice, the cadence, the manner of speaking- all of these things are important. Also, I want to have the fluidity not only of language, but also confidence, to be able to respond appropriately. My problem really is not understanding; it is responding.
I also want to work on my writing. I would LOVE to be able to publish something in Spanish. How amazing would that be??
My need is great, especially here. In Cuba, I had to speak Spanish all day every day- at meetings, in the house, tv was in Spanish, the radio, almost everything. My Spanish definitely improved. Here in Panama I have to work harder. Many people speak English. Signs are in English. I can watch American tv and listen to English language American music all day if I want to. I need the extra umph!
sooooo I signed up for private lessons so I can maximize my time and money. The classes will take place at their language center rather than in my apartment so I get to learn a busier part of the city and can easily take advantage of the extra perks the center offers (trips, tickets to shows, access to foreigners that I might want to interview for my dissertation lol)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 2 hrs each day I will be dominando espanol!!
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