Kristyn Thielbar

I started learning about languages and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries in elementary school. My Spanish teacher focused on the basic day-to-day conversations and objects we would use in the classroom when we were in grades 1st-5th. Once you were a little older, 6th-10th, you would cover more topics regarding the culture, more complex conversations, and listening activities. I continued the expanding my understanding of the language during my first two years of college to focus on listening, speaking, reading, cultural development pieces, and writing skills. I believe this helped me become more fluent in the language.

 

After these classes, I did not take any more courses, but I still wanted to stay involved with the language and culture. At Minnesota State University, Mankato, I saw a Día De Los Muertos event held in October. This event celebrates those that are no longer with us. At the event, there were countless activities which included a Mariachi band, dancers with painted white faces to look like skeletons, a market with food trucks with many Mexican dishes, and various activities.

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This Mexican holiday expanded my awareness of religion and customs. Some of the components that make Día de Los Muertos unique are the marigolds (also known as cempasúchil) which cover altars that hold pictures of family members that have died. On this holiday, Día de Los Muertos, those who have died can come back and see family members if their photo is on the altar. If their family does not present their picture on the altar, then they cannot come back to see loved ones. During this event, there were so many things to watch and observe. I did not take photos during the event, but the pictures included the bottom were from Old Town Mankato on Facebook. 

 

This experience reminded me about the importance of celebrating other cultures and recognizing the differences and similarities between English and Spanish-speaking countries. I believe that language and culture are significant for young individuals to understand the diversity within our society and world. Understanding our religions, languages, customs, and traditions is crucial to avoiding biases. Having as much knowledge from diverse cultures is significant to respect and acknowledge other cultures different from our own.