Nancy!

Nancy, Marine Biology major, from Richland, WA

Hey there, my name is Nancy! My partner, Healani, and I were both interested in the process of learning a foreign language, so we decided to make something of it. This Webtext showcases our research regarding the effects of film, specifically using subtitling and dubbing, on language learners in various stages of education and fluency. The main objective of our inquiry is to determine whether or not film could be used as a more enjoyable, alternative method to teaching and comprehending these languages, as opposed to traditional teaching methods.

I grew up in the dry, suburban desert that is Richland, Washington. Richland is one of three cities, the other two being Kennewick and Pasco, collectively known as the Tri-Cities. While growing up in the Tri-Cities I was exposed to a culture different than the one I was most familiar with, and it was a culture that predominantly spoke Spanish. As a 4th grader, it wasn’t a huge deal to me that two entire cities linked to Richland had large populations of Spanish speakers. Yet, as I reflect on my reasons for exploring our chosen topic of literacy, I realize it did influence my choices. It was the reason I decided to take Spanish starting middle school through high school. Being aware of other cultures and languages is not only important in the literary sense, but also in the overall picture of the world. Language is how we communicate and express things. Language means something different to every individual person of each nationality. Without language, we are at a loss. I believe it’s something that many people take for granted. I know I did, and still do sometimes.

Similarly, through the course of English 101, I came to the realization that literacy in general is taken for granted. Not once before this class did I consider how valuable reading and writing were. In my mind, if it wasn’t a Harry Potter or fantasy-fiction novel, it was something I was required to do for a grade in school. A grade I could most likely B.S.. One of the first activities we were asked to complete in English 101 involved considering all the everyday activities in our lives that used some form of literacy. Predictably, A LOT of everyday activities involve some form of literacy and it was this fact that brought many things into perspective for me.

My intended major is Marine Biology. One wouldn’t usually associate said field with a lot of English. Perhaps it’s not a major which is completely based on English, but literacy plays a part. Field studies and reports, essays about marine mammals and water conditions, advocacy projects to “Save the sharks”- all forms of literacy and comprehension of the subject follows. If I had to identify my biggest, now resolved, challenge that I faced in taking this course, it would be my lack of respect of the language of literacy. Thankfully, I’ve outgrown this bad habit and have a greater appreciation for reading, writing, language, and comprehension through the many projects of winter quarter, and mediums used to create them. Skills which, like learning Spanish in a world of English, I will carry on throughout my life.

Enjoy exploring the site! 🙂