Learning & Performance Strategies

Leave Takings

In this section of the module, we will focus on some of the language strategies you can use to close interactions appropriately. Research has shown that leave takings in Spanish, as compared to English, are more difficult and require negotiation on the part of the interlocutors.

In Spanish, there are many language strategies available for leave taking. It is very common to use more than one strategy and to vary strategy choice across the interaction. A physical expression of closing (e.g., kiss on the check, hug, or handshake) is also very common.

Play each of the conversations below to get an idea of the many different language strategies that native speakers use to close a conversation. Notice the variation that exists even among the same speakers.

As you watch each of them, compile a list at the bottom of each of the strategies. This will give you a list of some of the key phrases you can use. As you experience more leave taking situations in Spanish, you can work on further building this list. Try and only use the transcripts if you need help and to check your answers. In each transcript, the leave taking strategies are color-coded.

Make your list of leave taking strategies here:

Tip:

In addition to the strategies found in the conversations above, some other common strategies used for leave takings are:

1. Including expressions of future contact
2. Modifying the length of the closing sequence depends on the relationship of the interlocutors.

By ensuring future contact, the interlocutors maintain solidarity in the relationship. Modifying the length of the closing sequence is used to express the proper relationship between the interlocutors. The closer two people are, the longer their closing sequence seems to be. More research is needed to confirm these findings, but they are important factors to pay attention to as you develop your own skills.