Event Summary

This workshop, titled "Encounters and Turning Points in Spanish Learning," featured three speakers sharing their personal journeys with the Spanish language. From student enlightenment and the challenges of overseas exchange to doctoral research on historical documents, the event showcased how language learning intertwines with travel, academia, and personal growth.

Speaker Highlights

1. Two Key Journeys in Language Learning

Speaker: Chang Yi-ting (MA Student, Graduate Institute of European Cultures and Tourism, NTNU) Highlights:

• Exchange in Navarra & Backpacking in Peru: Shared how a year of exchange in Navarra, Spain, and a month of solo travel in Peru reshaped her attitude and passion for language learning.
• Mindset Shift: Emphasized that language learning is not just for exams but a key to opening new worlds.

2. From Literary Inspiration to Professional Learning

Speaker: Hsiao Jui-hsin (Department of European Languages and Cultures, NCCU) Highlights:

• Literary Roots: Shared how Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude inspired her to major in Spanish.
• Learning Strategies: Discussed overcoming language plateaus during her exchange in Madrid through study groups, professional courses, and active communication with locals.
• The Essence of Learning: Argued that learning a language doesn't need a "purpose"; the process itself provides sufficient nourishment for life.

3. Research on Spanish-Hokkien Historical Documents

Speaker: Wu Hsin-chuan (PhD Student, Institute of History, NTHU) Highlights:

• Decoding Historical Manuscripts: Shared his journey of learning Spanish through the study of Age of Discovery manuscripts like the Arte de la Lengua Chio Chiu.
• Cross-linguistic Curiosities: Explored how historical documents used Chinese characters or Hokkien romanization to represent Spanish pronunciations, reflecting early cultural exchanges.

Event Information

• Time: March 24, 2023 (Fri) 20:00-21:30
• Location: Online (Zoom)
• Moderators: Prof. Mario Santander, Prof. Li Yu-chung