SPA282: BIENVENIDOS

Hola and welcome to the SPA282OW! This semester we will be sitting back, kicking up our feet and enjoying (continuing) a Spanish soap opera!

Destinos

In Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish, lawyer Raquel Rodriguez travels to Spain, Argentina, Puerto Rico and finally to Mexico, all to solve a secret that don Fernando has been hiding from his family.

The episodes are in conversational Spanish, with some narration in Spanish and some in English. We watched episodes 1-26 in SPA281OW, in this class we will continue with episodes 27-52!

I will supplement each episode with grammar notes to help you with your journey.

We will use the discussion board to discuss the episodes, to ask for clarification on anything confusing in the episodes and to practice our Spanish.

The discussion boards will also serve as ATTENDANCE, so please try to stay active. YOU need to comment in the discussion board EVERY WEEK to be considered present, even if you're telling me you're behind because it's too much.

Here's your 1st question/assignment:

1. Introduce yourself to the class and give an idea of how much Spanish you've had.

2. Do you have the ability to record your voice and email me/post spoken assignments? Web cams would be better. I'd love to see videos of your assignments.

3. Can you upload a picture to represent you in class? It doesn't have to be your actual photo, even though it would be nice, but a photo to represent you.

The above is already posted in Moodle. 

YOU all know I don't really stress too much about deadlines, but you may need a little bit of guidance with suggested completion times so that you're not stressed at the end of the semester...

You should be finished with 

• MODULE 1: Mexico part 1 by 6 July 2012
• MODULE 2: Mexico part 2 by 13 July 2012
• MODULE 3: Mexico part 3 by 20 July 2012
• MODULE 4: Mexico part 4 by 27 July 2012
• FINAL ... no flexibility here it's due N.L.T. MIDNIGHT 1 August 2012. GRADES are due 2 August 2012

I would aim to finish the episodes and discussions by the above dates and use the weekend to finish and submit the "quiz."

I'll post episodes, grammar notes (written and audio). I'll also provide links to my webpage and to my pod casts. 

Until I can figure out how you can submit your audio or videos you can submit them to my email: smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu

Check back here weekly for the schedule and additional notes. 

If you need me, you can Facebook me, Tweet me, email me or text me and of course you can always reach me here!

Ciao, 

MLMoore

SPI113: Forum question

One of the discussions that I have a lot is the rationale behind having a "certified or a trained" interpreter.

Yes, a bilingual person can serve as interpreter in everyday situations, and quite honestly do a very, good job.

HOWEVER, are you willing to take that risk, that the one time, the one conversation, the one word that will save your life, or keep you from jail, or buy that house/car... may be misinterpreted and the worse possible scenario that could have been avoided is now a reality. 

Example: 

In 1980, 18 year old Willie Ramirez was admitted into the hospital. Spanish speaking family members trying to explain his symptoms said that they believed Willie was “intoxicado.” The hospital staff’s incorrect interpretation of the word led to one of the most tragic documented cases of medical error involving language differences.

Ramirez reported that he had a headache and felt dizzy. Due in great part to the fact that the word “intoxicado” was misinterpreted as “intoxicated,” Ramirez was diagnosed with an intentional drug overdose. The miscommunication led to a misdiagnosis, the wrong course of treatment, and eventually, to his quadriplegia. It also resulted in a malpractice settlement of $71m. It was later discovered that the symptoms were the result of an intracerebellar hemorrhage. 

http://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2010/09/15/nataly-kelly-the-value-of-a-single-word/

Ok, here's my question. Why are there hospitals still without "certified" or "trained" interpreters on staff? One word, misinterpreted, changed Mr. Ramierz's life forever. WHY risk the malpractice? Why risk someone's life?

25 junio 2012

Hola mis estudiantes!

This is the last week of SPA281, the beginning of SPA282 and the 1/2 point of SPI113!

SPA281 Spanish Lab 3
I posted this on Moodle, this is just a reminder...

Your Final exam is an oral exam. You will be required to submit a written transcript of your spoken message, but to pass the exam you have to speak in Spanish.  I’ve attached a writing/speaking rubric so that you’ll see what I’m looking for and what I’ll be grading.   Below is the guideline for the final. I will be looking for at least the below mentioned items, feel free to add or adjust as you see fit. The idea is for you to have confidence with your speaking … not to stress you out.

Since this is a speaking exam you have the option of submitting your exam in an audio format or video format. Most computers (and some smart phones) have the ability to record and the newer ones have web cams.

Record your exam in SPANISH and email it to me at smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu by Wednesday, 27 June 2012 midnight.

1. Give a brief recap of the Destinos series. Your mission is to attract the attention of future students. You want them to WANT to watch the series. Lure them into the series, without giving them too much of the story. I’d like for future students to be able to listen to your audio/video at the beginning of class.

2. Predictions: You’re ½ way through the series. What do you think is going to happen next with:

1. Will don Fernando live long enough to meet his grandchildren (Angela and Roberto)?
2. Will Roberto survive the mine accident?
3. How will don Fernando’s family react to Angel’s family? (Arturo, Angela, Roberto)
4. Will Angela marry Jorge?
5. Will Raquel and Arturo become a couple?

SPI113 Intro to Interpreting

Modes of Interpreting
Techniques for Consecutive Interpreting.
Video: A Day in the Life of an Interpreter

Make sure you check Moodle for our next Discussion.

As always... if you need me, Email me, FB me, Tweet me, Text me... I'm here.

Ciao,
MLMoore 

SPA281 Lab 3 Last week!!

HOLA,

I don't know how I got a day behind... but, I did.

I posted all of the episodes for Puerto Rico (19-26), the Forum questions, my grammar notes, and the "quiz". Tomorrow morning I'll update all of the grades and I'll post the final.

MAN, time sure does fly by!!

Ciao,
MLMoore

18 junio 2012

Hola y'all!

It's looking like late afternoon is becoming my steady "BLOG" time, because my early mornings have been packed.

SPA281 Spanish Lab 3
Empiezan Unidad 4: Puerto Rico (episodios 19-26)

Destinos Episode 19

SPI113 Intro to Interpreting
Modes of Interpreting
Techniques for Consecutive Interpreting.
Video: A Day in the Life of an Interpreter

Make sure you check Moodle for our next Discussion.

As always... if you need me, Email me, FB me, Tweet me, Text me... I'm here.

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA281: Grammar for Argentina

I was looking over the Destinos episodes for Argentina. I decided to post my notes from SPA111, SPA112, and SPA211. I think they may help you get through this unit.

If I come across other notes, that I think you may need, I'll post it here and on Moodle. I'll also go through my pod casts to see if there is something there that can help you too. (It looks like I'll be pod casting tomorrow.)

Grammar: Destinos Episodes 12 - 17

• Preterit
• Direct Object Pronouns
• Indirect Object Pronouns
• Pronouns as objects as Prepositions
• Reflexive Verbs
• Verbs like Gustar
• Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns together
• Prepositions

As always... if you need me, Email me, FB me, Tweet me, Text me... I'm here.

Ciao,
MLMoore

11 junio 2012

Hola mis estudiantes,

Man, it's been a LONG day! Can you believe I'm just getting a chance to update this for y'all?

SPA281 Spanish Lab 3

Empiezan Unidad 3: La Argentina (episodios 12-18)
Raquel continúa su investigación en la Argentina. Mientras ella está en Argentina, se encuentra con Arturo. Él es guapo, soltero y un médico.

Destinos Episode 12

SPI113 Intro to Interpreting

Let's talk about Ethics...
You should have read Ethics for Community Interpreters by M. Eta Trabing.

I posted questions in the Moodle Discussion Board, but you're more than welcome to comment here also if you'd like.

Think about this... you have to adhere to the Code of Ethics of

1. Your Job... the hospital, the school, the court room...

2. Your Profession...as an interpreter

3. YourSELF... we all have our own personal views

After you read the list of Professional Conduct. I want you to honestly, tell me what you think. How many of the things on the list do you agree with or disagree with?  In other words, there are some things on this list that I find can not be followed in the "real world"... Or, at least are very, very difficult to follow. 

I'm interested to see if you notice them also..

SIDENOTE:

I'll be posting grammar pod casts this summer also. I thought I was getting myself a head start for SPA211 this fall, but it seems that a few of the pod casts may help this summer too. I'll keep you posted as I post them.

As always... if you need me, Email me, FB me, Tweet me, Text me... I'm here.

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA281 Schedule

Hola again,

I've been thinking. YOU know I don't really stress over due dates, but I think for the summer session I need to give you a little bit of extra guidance...

We have 5 weeks to watch 26 episodes... (4 modules, plus a final)

I suggest

1. MODULE 2 by 9 June 12 (episodes 3-11)
2. MODULE 3 by 16 June 12 (episodes 12-18)
3. MODULE 4 by 23 June 12 (episodes 19 - 26)
4. Final due 27 June 12

I think this should help...

Ciao,
MLMoore

Hola junio!! La semana de 4 junio 2012

Man, I'm so happy that it's finally JUNE! I'm hoping you're enjoying your summer.

SPA281 Spanish Lab 3

Goal for this week.
Finish Module2: Destinos España

Episodes 3 - 11, DON'T STRESS episodes 6 and 11 are recaps, consider them freebies... meaning if you're pressed for time, you could theoretically skip them and still keep up with the flow of the series.

Destinos Episode 3

Forums questions are posted. I also posted a hard copy of the "quiz". I suggest you print it and use it as you watch the episodes. REMEMBER the "quiz" and your responses are in SPANISH. I think this will be my last post in English...

SPI113 Intro to Interpreting

Here are some Pre-Interview guidelines to help you understand the proper procedure for setting up your pre-interview for the client and/or the provider. We'll discuss this and Ethics in class this week.

Taken from WR Linguistics

The Pre Interview 

3.1 When a Pre-interview with the Client will be held

Before the appointment there may be an opportunity to be briefed on the history of the case by the client. The client may request this or you can request it. There will not always be a pre-interview.  A pre-interview is more likely in relation to a specialist appointment. For example: cases around technical and international negotiation roles.

3.2 What to Discuss in the Pre-interview with the client 

Information improves meaningful interpreting. The Pre-interview should be used to: 

• Clarify terminology and procedures.
• Discuss contextual factual information about the case. 
• Set the aim of the present consultation.
• Discuss interpreting methods required.
• Discuss any previous incidents when the client has not understood cultural implications.
• Discuss any challenging behavior that may occur and how the interpreter or translator might respond.
•  You should only accept factual information and must not be influenced by the client’s perceptions as they may affect your impartiality.

3.3   Discussing cultural information:

Some clients request ‘cultural information.  This can help by giving factual information to facilitate understanding.  Clients are encouraged to use the interpreter or translators’ knowledge on such issues.
 
3.4   Having a pre-interview with client 

On some occasions the interpreter or translator may also meet the client before the session and have a pre-interview. This tends to take place when the interpreter or translator meets the client in a waiting area before the appointment.

3.5   What to discuss in a pre-interview with client 

Pre-interviews with the client can be useful to establish the client’s expectations and level of interpreting support needed. A pre-Interview with a client can be used to:  

• Formally introduce yourself to the client.
• Assess the client’s knowledge of English.
• Assess as far as possible their familiarity with the particular service area they are using.
• Obtain a brief history of the current service.
• Obtain the background to any problems that the client has encountered prior to contact with the interpreter or translator.

Read Ethics for Community Interpreters by M. Eta Trabing for class next week.

As always... if you need me, Email me, FB me, Tweet me, Text me... I'm here.

Ciao,
MLMoore