What's the Difference Between Latino and Hispanic?

Summary

This video explains the distinction between the terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic', which are often used interchangeably but have important differences. 'Hispanic' refers to people with ties to Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, most of Latin America, and Equatorial Guinea, but excludes Portugal and Brazil. On the other hand, 'Latino' describes individuals from Latin America, encompassing countries like Brazil while excluding Spain. The video dives into historical, cultural, and geographical nuances, explaining how language and heritage shape these identities, particularly in the United States. Ultimately, it highlights the fluidity of these terms, with self-identification being key.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Hispanic' refers to people from Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, but not Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil.
• 😀 'Latino' refers to people from Latin America, including Spanish, Portuguese, and French-speaking countries, but excluding Spain.
• 😀 There is a significant overlap between the terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic', with most people who are Latino also being Hispanic, and vice versa.
• 😀 The term 'Hispanic' originates from the Latin word 'Hispanicus', referring to the Roman province Hispania, which is modern-day Spain.
• 😀 People from Portugal or Brazil are generally not considered Hispanic, though some historical and linguistic arguments suggest a connection.
• 😀 Equatorial Guinea in Africa is a Spanish-speaking country, but its people are not typically considered Hispanic due to cultural differences.
• 😀 'Latino' is a simple term meaning someone from Latin America, but the definition of 'Latin America' can vary, leading to confusion.
• 😀 Latin America generally includes Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas and Portuguese-speaking Brazil, but it sometimes excludes French-speaking countries like Haiti.
• 😀 The term 'Latin America' was originally coined in France, and its definition can be broad or narrow depending on the source.
• 😀 The U.S. Census Bureau uses both 'Hispanic' and 'Latino' to categorize ethnicity, with 'Latino' being more common in the West and 'Hispanic' in the East.
• 😀 Ethnicity and identity are self-reported, and the terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic' can vary depending on personal and regional preferences.
• 😀 Cultural diversity within Latin American countries includes a significant indigenous population, which complicates identity definitions, such as the case of Paraguay.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between the terms 'Latino' and 'Hispanic'?

While both terms often overlap, 'Hispanic' refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, while 'Latino' refers to people from Latin America, which includes Spanish, Portuguese, and French-speaking countries. Thus, people from Brazil are Latino but not Hispanic.

Why are people from Brazil not considered 'Hispanic'?

'Hispanic' refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, and Brazil speaks Portuguese, not Spanish. As a result, people from Brazil are not considered Hispanic, although they are considered Latino.

How did the term 'Hispanic' originate?

The term 'Hispanic' comes from the Latin word 'Hispanicus,' meaning 'from Hispania,' which referred to a province of the Roman Empire. 'Hispania' later became the modern-day name for Spain.

Is Equatorial Guinea considered 'Hispanic'?

Although Equatorial Guinea speaks Spanish, it is not typically considered 'Hispanic' due to significant cultural differences and the fact that it was colonized much later than most Latin American countries.

Can people of Portuguese descent be considered 'Hispanic'?

Generally, people of Portuguese descent are not considered 'Hispanic,' even though Portugal was part of the Iberian Peninsula, which was historically known as 'Hispania.' Most definitions of 'Hispanic' exclude Portugal.

What does the term 'Latino' mean?

The term 'Latino' refers to people from Latin America, which includes countries in the Americas where Romance languages are spoken, such as Spanish, Portuguese, or French. It excludes Spain, as it is not part of Latin America.

Why does the definition of 'Latin America' cause confusion?

The definition of 'Latin America' is often debated, as it is sometimes interpreted as including only Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, but it can also include French-speaking regions like Haiti and French Guiana.

What is the difference between the terms 'Hispanic' and 'Latino' in the U.S. Census?

The U.S. Census uses both terms interchangeably for categorization purposes. 'Latino' is more common in the West, while 'Hispanic' is more common in the East. However, both terms generally refer to people of Latin American or Spanish-speaking descent.

How do dictionaries define 'Latin America'?

Dictionaries vary in their definitions of 'Latin America.' Oxford and Merriam-Webster often exclude French-speaking regions, while Dictionary.com includes Spanish, Portuguese, or French-speaking regions south of the United States.

What role does self-identification play in the use of 'Latino' and 'Hispanic'?

Self-identification is crucial in the use of both terms. People choose to identify with the culture or ethnicity they feel connected to, and this can vary significantly. The U.S. Census Bureau relies on self-reporting, so ethnicity is ultimately about personal choice and identification.