Topic Discussion
My topic for the audio project is Mexican American culture, specifically food, tradition, and identity. I think it’s important to discuss different cultures with everyone, to learn ways of others, and understand how people navigate life. In this case, I would love to share about Mexican American customs.
Outline, Script, and Recording Plan
Outline
0–20 seconds: Intro music Topic introduction
20–40 seconds: Background on Mexican American culture and why the topic matters
40–60 seconds: Food as cultural memory Ambient sound #1: kitchen sounds
60–80 seconds: Traditions: Día de los Muertos, quinceañeras
80–100 seconds: Community spaces Ambient sound #2: neighborhood ambiance
100–120 seconds: Modern identity Outro music and sign‑off
Script
“Mexican American culture is a blend of heritage, history, and lived experience. Today, I’m exploring how traditions, language, and community shape Mexican American identity in the United States. Food is one of the strongest cultural anchors. Dishes like tamales, pozole, and arroz con leche aren’t just meals, they’re memories passed down through generations, often prepared together as a family. Mexican American traditions blend Indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences. Celebrations like Día de los Muertos honor ancestors with altars, marigolds, and offerings. Quinceañeras mark the transition into adulthood, combining Catholic customs with contemporary style. Community plays a huge role. Mexican American neighborhoods often center around family gatherings, local markets, and cultural festivals. These spaces help preserve language, music, and shared identity. Today, Mexican Americans make up more than 60 percent of the U.S. Latino population. Many navigate life between cultures — speaking Spanglish, celebrating both American and Mexican holidays, and shaping art, politics, and education with their bicultural experiences.”
Recording
Location: Quiet room in my home
Ambient Sound #1: Kitchen (sizzling, chopping)
Ambient Sound #2: Nature (birds chirping)
Equipment Used: Smartphone
Editing Software: Camera App
Music: Copyright-free intro/outro, and ambience sounds from Pixabay Music
Summar of My Recording Process
I recorded a couple takes of my script on Mexican American culture in a quiet room to ensure clarity. I used my smartphone microphone and the camera app for all recordings, then imported the files in my UMW OneDrive. I also included the sound effect, intro/outro sounds, and ambience sounds within my UMW OneDrive file.
My UMW OneDrive file: Recordings