Hispanic Literature

History and Background

Latino v. Hispanic v.ChicanoWhat’s the right term?

Latino “Latin” comes from Italy Latin in the base language of Spanish,

Italian, Portuguese, and French

For example, in Spanish the word for cave is “cueva”, in Portuguese “cova”, Italian “cava”

The Latins (aka Romans) invaded the Iberian Peninsula

Founded a province named “Hispania” Lived there 7 centuries “Hispania” evolved into España (Spain)

Latin America Latin America is a

geographic location People from Latin

America are all Latin, but not all Hispanic

For example, Brazilians speak Portuguese, making them Latin not Hispanic

“Latino/a” The term “Latino” (as

we -- Americans-- use it) encompasses all citizens of the United States whose heritage is Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, and South American.

Hispanic

“Hispanic” was later used to refer to all territories conquered by Spain in the New World

This covers almost all of Latin America

“Hispanic” came about in the 1970s as a US Census attempt to quantify Spanish-speaking people

Today Hispanic is used to refer to any people whose culture and heritage have direct ties to Spain

Hispanic is not a RACE but an ETHNIC distinction

Hispanics come from all races and physical traits

Chicano Exclusive term used solely in reference

to people of Mexican descent Conquistadors called Mexican Indians

“Mexicas” Spaniards dropped the “me” and called

them Xicanos (or Chicanos)

“Chicano” Became popular in 1930’s and 40’s as

a derogatory term for Mexicans imported for cheap field labor.

Term went out of style In 1960’s and 70’s the Brown Power

Movement adopted it as term for Mexican-American

Today term still has negative connotations for many Mexican-Americans

History of Latino Literature Roots in legends and myths Began as oral tradition Ties to the Catholic religion of Spain

Latino Literature Common themes:

Familial relationships and Loyalties

PovertyGender roles

Social protest and Exploitation

Why Poverty? Poverty is largely at issue because of

the desperate situations in which many Latin American countries find themselves.

Why Families? Family is considered one's strongest

bond and loyalty, and people in the workforce must often work to support relatives both in the U.S. and in other native countries.

Why gender roles? Traditionally, older customs and

cultural traditions prevail. Women were expected to be obedient and uphold the family honor.

Why social protest and exploitation?

Many Hispanic countries have gone through periods of social unrest.

Cuba = communism Dominican Republic = dictatorship

Conclusion Hispanic literature is rich with culture

and social commentary.– Hispanic literary themes echo American

literature– Themes are based on life experiences

We will use terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” interchangeably.