Understanding the Hispanic Culture

Within the next few months, a book will be written covering Culture and Traditions as a working guide to be use in strengthening Culture, Traditions and Religious Values among Hispanics. This will be used in conjunction with a program of the same name taught at all Ayuda centers.

Introduction

July 7, 2004 - The Hispanic population grew at nearly four times the rate of the U.S. population overall over the past two years, cementing Hispanics' position as the nation's largest minority group, the Census Bureau reported.

Hispanics numbered 38.8 million as of July 2002, an increase of nearly 10 percent or 3.5 million since April 2000, census estimates show. The national population rose 2.5 percent during the same period to over 288 million.

Non-Hispanic whites, who make up about 7 of 10 U.S. residents, remain the largest single group at roughly 200 million. That population grew by less than 1 percent between April 2000 and July 2002.

Meanwhile, Hispanics comprise 13.5 percent of the total population, and non-Hispanic blacks were 12.7 percent.

The 2000 head count showed the Hispanic population more than doubling during the 1990s, and analysts said it was spurred in large part by immigrants seeking jobs.

Among findings about Hispanics in the United States:

--Two-thirds are of Mexican descent.

--One-third are younger than 18, compared with about one-fifth of non-Hispanic whites.

--Two in five were born outside the country.

--About two in five Hispanics age 25 and older have not graduated from high school. Those of Puerto Rican and Cuban backgrounds were more likely to have a high school degree than Mexicans.

--Their poverty rate of 21 percent was nearly three times greater than that of non-Hispanic whites.

Family Values

Traditionally, the Hispanic family is a close-knit group and the most important social unit. The term familia usually goes beyond the immediate family. The Hispanic "family unit" includes not only parents and children but also extended family. In most Hispanic families, the father is the head of the family with the mother responsible for the home but the mother is revered for being the teacher of tradition, culture, religion, morals, family values and care of children. Individuals within a family have a moral responsibility to aid other members of the family experiencing financial problems, unemployment, poor health conditions, and other life issues.

Many families sense traditional conservative values decreasing as Hispanics become influenced by American values and morals. Consequently, there is a movement beginning to preserve the traditional role of the family as the center of all activities and guidance. Many native born Hispanics are re-introducing and promoting culture and traditions in small and effective ways.

One way is to set aside one day a week such as Fridays and require family members to sit down and eat with each other sharing, guiding and teaching traditional values and building up family.

Family ties are very strong: when someone travels to another town or city to study or for a short visit (e.g., vacation, business, medical reasons), staying with relatives or even with friends of relatives is a common practice. Families often gather together to celebrate holidays, birthdays, baptisms, first communions, graduations, and weddings. Hispanic families instill in their children the importance of honor, good manners, and respect for authority and the elderly. Preserving the Spanish language within the family is a common practice in most Hispanic homes.

Etiquette

Spanish speakers tend toward formality in their treatment of one another. A firm handshake is a common practice between people as greeting and for leave-taking. A hug and a light kiss on a cheek are also common greeting practices between women who are close friends or family. The Spanish language provides forms of formal and nonformal address (different use of usted vs. tu for the pronoun you, polite and familiar commands, the use of titles of respect before people's first names such as Don or Dona). In nonformal settings, conversations between Spanish speakers are usually loud, fast, and adorned with animated gestures and body language to better convey points.

Hispanics usually give great importance to and place great value on looks and appearance as a sense of honor, dignity, and pride. Formal attire is commonly worn by Hispanics to church, parties, social gatherings, and work. Tennis shoes and jeans, however, are becoming more popular among Hispanic women, particularly in non-formal settings. Hispanics tend to be more relaxed and flexible about time and punctuality than U.S. people. For instance, people who are invited for an 8 a.m. event may not begin to arrive until 8:30 a.m. or later. Within the Hispanic community, not being on time is a socially acceptable behavior.

Rituals and Religions

In the Hispanic world, religion has traditionally played a significant role in daily activity. More than 90% of the Spanish-speaking world is Roman Catholic. In recent years, other faith denominations have experienced growth within the U.S. Hispanic community with Catholics leaving the Church for less of an authoritian church. The church influences family life and community affairs, giving spiritual meaning to the Hispanic culture. Each local community celebrates its patron saint's day with greater importance and ceremony than individuals do for personal birthdays. As in other parts of the world, traces of the religions of the Indians and African-Americans of Latin America are found in the Catholicism that Hispanics practice.

Celebrations and Holidays

Hispanic countries celebrate the more popular international holidays, notably Easter, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Day, and the Three Kings' Day. In addition, each country celebrates its El Dia de Independencia. The term fiesta nacional refers to an official national holiday; las fiestas refer to festivals - local, regional, or national - that may be held only one day or may last several days. Most holidays are centered on or have their origins in religion. Many celebrations of the Catholic Church are officially designated by the government as holidays. National government offices may be closed or have limited hours for local or regional holidays.

Eating Habits

In Hispanic countries, a light meal is served for breakfast. Lunch, referred as el almuerzo, usually is the main meal of the day for Spanish-speakers. In some countries, it is customary for adult family members and children to come home from work or school for about two hours to be together for this meal. La siesta, which is a rest period taken after lunch, is known to be a common practice among adult Hispanics. In the early evening, la merienda, a light snack of coffee and rolls or sandwiches, is served. This meal is often very informal and may be just for children. In the evening, often as late as 9:00 p.m., la cena, a small supper, concludes the day's meals.

With each American born generation, most Hispanics adopt the three-meal system. Midday and evening meals are important family or social events. Especially when guests are present, the meal may be followed by the sobremesa, a time to linger and talk over coffee or perhaps an after-dinner drink. Usually when food or additional servings are offered to Hispanics, they tend to accept only after it is offered a second or third time.

Teaching and Learning Implications

To fully engage Hispanic audiences in the learning process, particular attention should be given to gaining and maintaining trust. Greater acceptance of educational efforts will occur by learners if Hispanic community leaders are involved in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of these educational efforts. Be aware that the physical distance between Hispanics when holding a conversation is much closer than in other cultures.

Exhibiting respect for learners is another important aspect of the Hispanic culture. Teachers need to pay individual attention to learners (e.g., greeting each learner, handing papers to each individual rather than passing them down the row, being sensitive to different cultures among Hispanics, writing educational materials at appropriate reading levels). Differences in educational levels, language skills, income levels, and cultural values among Hispanics need to be considered by Extension educators when planning educational programs. Even though Hispanics share the same language, their cultures may vary considerably.

Churches, local libraries, and recreational centers (with child-care arrangements, if needed) may be appropriate places to hold educational programs with Hispanic audiences. Among Hispanics, information is passed mostly by word of mouth. Grocery stores and churches are the main places people meet, visit, and exchange information.