What: In IPA 1 Part A we watched an ad for Aeromexico Airlines. After watching the ad 3 times, we were tasked with answering several questions. For instance, identifying the main idea, guessing the meaning of words from the context of the ad, identifying supporting details within the ad, making inferences, and reflecting on the cultural practices and perspectives.

Here of some of my responses. I concluded that the main idea was to advertise Aeromexico airlines to new flyers by demonstrating trust through showing nuns play soccer and that God is with them. For supporting details, I said that the ad was probably aired before a world cu championship because the nuns were playing soccer, and the announcer mentioned futbol at the end of the ad. I inferred that one of the taglines meant “with the best in the world, and in the air”.

So What: This activity demonstrates competence at a mid level of learning outcome #3, i.e. my ability to perform Spanish. I scored meets expectations (strong) for most of my responses. This is important because IPA’s focus on what you can do with Spanish, rather than what you know. Anyone can memorize vocab; however, not everyone can comprehend the meaning of a commercial or written text. Even though my understanding of Spanish is still at the mid level, I demonstrated that I have some understanding of the language and even the culture of Mexico.

Now What: In order to move to the next level of competence, you must practice comprehending Spanish documents. Whether that means watching commercials or reading articles in Spanish, either way it will help broaden your ability to understand the meaning of things in Spanish.