Embedded Files
“A Self-Reflective Case Study on the Acquisition of Japanese Through Online Synchronous Instruction”
Presenter: Estefany Sosa | SJSU Spanish Graduate student
This case study explores the complexities of learning a foreign language during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Schmidt’s (1986) diary study of his development of conversational Brazilian Portuguese as a framework, the present case study analyzes a learner’s experience in the acquisition of basic Japanese in an online synchronous modality, while considering various second language acquisition theories. The case study begins by introducing the learner and her environment, followed by an examination of cross-linguistic influences, the impact of interaction and corrective feedback in the virtual classroom, cognition and language learning, and lastly, the role of motivation in learning a foreign language. This self-reflective case study concludes by presenting the learner’s newly gained insights on language learning as it relates to aptitude, learner differences, and language socialization. Furthermore, this case study highlights the significance of language instructors, and the new landscape of online language learning and instruction as a result of mandated distance learning.
“Kill the American, Save the Man”
Presenter: Teotl Hernández |
School is an institution where we celebrate the sacred exchange of education. In academic places, we develop our ideas, theories, pedagogical practices, habits, and friendships. The project in front of you tries to find an answer to the question: Is it possible for students descended from enslaved people to find self-realization in today's educational system? We share the good fortune of living in a historical time. The state's violence against poverty makes it difficult to ignore our next steps. With a little effort and strategy together we can design a civilization where the basic necessities of life are realized. The first step is to trust our colleagues, our neighbors, trust our youth, and trust ourselves. With this theme of trust in mind, I began communicating with people in my communities and identifying participants.
“Why are the patents not released?”
Presenter: Onatta Lecona Tinajero | SJSU Spanish Graduate student
Inspired by the works of the Benedictine nun Teresa Forcades and by Enrique Arnanz’s categorical book, La pobreza en el mundo, I am committed to questioning outright through my conference, on behalf of marginalized communities throughout the world, why the pharmaceutical companies do not release the patents of the vaccines to all the uprooted of the earth, why it takes years, even, to end this pandemic, when the technological developments already exist so that the vaccine reaches every corner of the planet. Additionally, I take as a reference a political scientist invited to a Deutsche Welle program who, with his position, led me to make this same question in a more radical way. Although the question may seem demanding, it is not only guided by an ethical sense, it is also guided by common sense. Not making vaccines available to everyone in order not to harm the economy of pharmaceutical companies, paradoxically, not only does it not preserve their economy, but it hurts everyone’s economy. Thus, in general, my lecture will be inspired by others, by the courage and energy put forth by other people and political actors who fight for the uprooted throughout the world and I set myself up solely as a kind of replicator that seeks to amplify through the forum provided by the Spanish Program at the Department of World Languages and Literatures of San Jose State University, this same question, why are the patents not released? the others asked, on behalf of the unnamed.
“Unaccompanied: de Guatemala a Guatepeor a “Guatemayense”
Presenter: Gerson Morales | SJSU Spanish Graduate student
“De Guatemala a Guatepeor” has become a generalized idiomatic expression in Spanish that often gets reinterpreted to be a negative Guatemalan national identifier. By reevaluating this expression, I bring forth these questions: What does it mean to be Guatemalan? Do Guatemalans have a shared “mala” experience? What is the intersectionality of national identity construct? Building on these questions, I explore the representation of Guatemalan national identity from the perspective of an unaccompanied minor. From a personal journey, I identify the characteristics of national identity representation in “Cumbia Guatemayense” music video by Tiempo Azul and “Buena Vibra” by Ale Mendoza and compare it with the national identity of immigrant children in the US. Furthermore, the discussion juxtaposes the pride in national identity represented in the music videos with the current influx of unaccompanied minors from Central America at the US-Mexico border. The discussion further explores the impact of a forced exodus into the construct of national identity. This paper reinterprets the expression de Guatemala a Guatepeor, to explore the unaccompanied minor experience.
“Pandemic Voices: COVID-19”
Presenters: Brian Chávez Bolaños, Nery González & Iván Rodríguez Sosa | SJSU Spanish Graduate students
The anthology "Pandemic Voices COVID-19" presents the testimonies of individuals affected by the pandemic that has caused the greatest social disparity. In the course of this event, global economic adversity has been appreciated due to the lack of governmental preparedness that has caused millions of infections and thousands of deaths. The testimonial voices are presented collectively to denounce social justice issues that fall under immigration, housing insecurity, labor abuse, environmental destruction, discrimination, access to education, and health care. Despite the hopelessness of difficult times, these testimonies exalt the spirit of perseverance, hope, and solidarity. Research methods include conducting interviews, transcribing recordings, editing drafts of the oral histories, and collecting complementary audiovisual material. The purpose of this testimonial anthology is to denounce the social inequities aggravated after the pandemic and to represent oppressed voices that emphasize the relevance of empathy and a united society capable of overcoming barriers and borders.
"A demonstration of solidarity in pandemic times"
Presenters: Angélica González & Fabiola Saavedra | SJSU Spanish Graduate students
The novel Cegueira (1998) written by José Saramago belongs to the science fiction genre, which deals with a mysterious blindness that ends up becoming a pandemic. This blindness is inexplicable and causes a social imbalance since no one is prepared to live in a world without color. Previous studies have studied themes such as apocalyptic and adaptation. In previous studies, the worst of the human being could be seen reflected under a pandemic. However, in difficult times there are also acts of humanitarian aid and love for others that must be rescued. The doctor's wife is an exceptional example of solidarity because she fights to the end to protect her husband and those she has just met. Now, COVID-19 has brought us negative things but the acts of solidarity in these difficult times were more positive. Therefore, it is necessary to point out the positive things that a pandemic brings because it shows the human side of people. The presentation will focus on showing the solidarity acts of the doctor's wife in Cegueira and the solidarity actions before COVID-19. The first part of this presentation defines solidarity as empathy towards others in difficult times. Starting from this understanding of solidarity, this presentation then explores how the character of the doctor's wife represents solidarity in a partial way without making distinctions. Finally, a comparison of solidarity in Cegueira with the COVID-19 pandemic will be made.
"Discrimination in times of coronavirus: essential workers marginalized by a misinformed society"
Presenters: Florisel Cruz-Cruz & Lizeth Cruz | SJSU Spanish Graduate students
The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light aspects of society in which we still need to evolve and stand in solidarity with those who contribute and help the most in these times: essential workers. During the pandemic, this group was the most helpful and supportive in a time of crisis. However, as a result of fake news and unreliable information deployed by social and media outlets, society took on the role of executioners against these essential workers. Discriminating and marginalizing them at a time when they needed support and solidarity. For these reasons, we decided to take this topic during this conference to give voice and recognition to these essential workers who form a vital part of the struggle against COVID-19.
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