Hispanic Culture Misunderstandings
In Hispanic culture, arriving late to social events is considered this, unlike in North America where punctuality is emphasized.
What is acceptable?
During the Vietnam War, they fought as guerilla soldiers for the United States against communist rule.
Why did Hmong people had to flee Laos?
In many Congolese cultures, people show respect to elders by doing this, while North Americans may find it unusual or overly formal
What is bowing or kneeling?
This form of communication, involving gestures or body language, may lead to misunderstandings between North Americans and other cultures.
What is non-verbal communication?
In Hispanic and Congolese cultures, when receiving a compliment, people often respond with this, while North Americans usually accept it more openly.
What is showing modesty or downplaying the compliment?
When greeting someone in many Hispanic cultures, it's common to do this, while in North America, a handshake is more typical.
What is a kiss on the cheek or a hug?
This part of the body is considered sacred in Hmong culture, and touching it can be offensive, though it’s common in North America.
What is the head?
This is a common way to show respect to guests in Congolese culture, which North Americans may see as overextending hospitality.
What is food or drink offered repeatedly?
In many cultures, sharing food during mealtimes is common, while in North America, this action may be interpreted as not respecting personal boundaries.
What is communal eating or sharing from the same plate?
In many Hispanic cultures, addressing elders with this form of respect is crucial, while in North America, first names are often used.
What is using formal titles (like Señor, Señora)?
In Hmong culture, this type of interaction is key to gaining trust, while North Americans often prefer direct business
What is building relationships first?
Congolese often believe in the power of this spiritual concept, which contrasts with the secular worldview of many North Americans.
What is traditional ancestral spirits belief?
In many cultures, making this gesture to maintain politeness can be seen as dishonest or evasive by North Americans who value directness.
What is indirect eye contact?
In some Congolese and Hmong cultures, this gesture when communicating with elders is important for showing respect, while North Americans may consider it old-fashioned.
What is speaking softly or lowering one’s head?
In Hispanic culture, maintaining harmony is highly valued, which results in more indirect communication, while North Americans typically prefer a more direct approach.
What is avoiding conflict?
In many Hmong ceremonies, animal sacrifice is used for this, which may be misunderstood or frowned upon by North Americans.
What is spiritual healing or paying respect to ancestors?
In Congolese culture, it’s common to have large, extended families living together, unlike the individualistic culture in North America where this is preferred.
What is independence or smaller family units?
This value, centered around collective identity and family ties, is strong in Hispanic, Hmong, and Congolese cultures, while North Americans emphasize individuality.
What is collectivism or family loyalty?
Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or have ancestry from Spanish-speaking countries, while Latino refers to people who are from or have ancestry from Latin America.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?
Hmong culture often uses this type of traditional healing, which is different from the medical treatments common in North America.
What is shamanism or herbal medicine?
In many Congolese communities, this group-based decision-making style is common, whereas North Americans often emphasize individual choice.
What is communal or consensus-based decision-making?
In North America, this trait, related to achieving personal goals, is prized, but many other cultures focus more on group achievements.
What is individualism or self-reliance?
In many Hispanic, Hmong, and Congolese families, this is expected of children towards their parents, but North American culture often focuses more on independence.
What is caring for aging parents or living with them?