1. INTRODUCTION

1. Locate the U.S. places with the largest Hispanic population on the map: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Puerto Rico, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

2. Read the sentences below and look up the meanings of the words in the box. Then, watch the video “Se habla USA: Brandon Lanners” on Univision ( https://www.univision.com/local/san-antonio-kwex/se-habla-usa-brandon-lanners ). Complete the activity with the vocabulary and answer the last question. Performed / Anglo-Saxons / Finds it easier / Appreciates / Language / Originally from / Show / Exchange a. Brandon Lanners is __________________ _ Chicago, IL, and his parents are __________________ _.

b. Brandon took a year to do an academic exchange in Quito, Ecuador. He discovered that being bilingual would open many doors for him. At his job, everything was in Spanish.
c. He became the head of the Exchange Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
d. His wife, Azucena , said that he learned Spanish because of his culture and his family.
e. She wants her children to speak Spanish and learn about the culture. It is important for them that they speak both English and Spanish because of the culture and the opportunities.
f. They tell their children about movies, books, friends, Mexico, and job opportunities.

3. Do you consider your story similar to Brandon’s? What do you have in common with his story? What is different?

2. HISPANIC PLACES TO VISIT IN THE U.S.

In the U.S., there is no federally official language, but English and Spanish are the most widely spoken. In North America, besides Mexico, you can visit places with Hispanic heritage such as California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Chicago. The largest Hispanic population is of Mexican origin, with 35 million people according to the 2020 census, and the city with the largest Hispanic population is Los Angeles. Hispanics in the U.S. contributed $3.2 trillion to the American GDP; if they were a country, they would rank 5th in the world economy. The quintessential Hispanic destination is the territory and island of Puerto Rico , where Spanish is the official language. In Puerto Rico, you’ll find El Yunque National Forest ; full of lush vegetation and tropical wildlife, it’s an ideal place for hiking and appreciating the island’s unique natural beauty. In San Juan, you can visit Old San Juan , where you can see Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the original entrance to the city, the basilica, and its colonial streets. In Florida , you must visit St. Augustine , the oldest Spanish city in the United States. The city is steeped in history and has been under the rule of various governments, including Spanish, British, and American. In St. Augustine, you can stroll through its colonial streets and see the Castillo de San Marcos, a prime example of Spanish military architecture. Also in Florida, you can visit Miami and explore Calle Ocho , a vibrant hub of Hispanic heritage with restaurants, shops, and traditions from numerous Latin American countries such as Cuba, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and others. The United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with parades, special events, talks, decorations, and food at schools, universities, and cities across the country. This celebration takes place from September 15 to October 15 (the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and pays tribute to the culture and legacy of influential Hispanics and workers who have contributed to the building of the United States. In New York , the Hispanic Society of America is a must-see for its high-quality museum and its mission to share the art of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. The Hispanic Society offers opportunities to conduct research using its library and museum collections, as well as its prints and photographs. It also offers lectures, concerts, and educational programs.

3. SPANISH AND HISPANICS IN THE U.S.

Listen to the following podcast to learn about Spanish in the U.S. and answer the questions.

Google: Spanish in the United States: Speak Spanish in New York

Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/25-el-español-en-los-estados-unidos-habla-español-en/id1381229799?i=1000437150924

1. What percentage identifies as Latino?
2. Where does the U.S. rank in the list of countries that speak the most Spanish?
3. Where is Spanish present in New York?
4. How has Spain contributed to the strengthening of Spanish in the USA?
5. What are the origins of the Spanish language in the U.S.?
6. What are the reasons for immigration?
7. How many groups of Hispanic origin are mentioned? Which ones are they?
8. YOUR TURN ! Create a podcast about your perception of Spanish in your community and in the U.S. Explain why you decided to learn Spanish and if you have traveled to a Hispanic country, explain what that experience was like or if you would like to visit one.

4. THE VISIT OF DIFFERENT PEOPLES IN NORTH AMERICAN TERRITORY

In its origins, the United States was inhabited by Native Americans who possessed their own distinct cultures, languages, and histories. Today, the percentage of these peoples is very small compared to the past, an unfortunate loss resulting from colonization. Native Americans were dispersed by British and French colonists across much of what is now the United States. Spain also played a role in this colonization, particularly in the southern United States, through the founding of cities, the influence of Spanish, and its historical legacy.

THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS

Spain began the conquest of the Americas with the aim of obtaining gold, precious stones, and territories, and to undertake the vast task of evangelizing the indigenous peoples throughout North and South America. Soon, it encountered fierce rivals, leading to the loss of North American territories. Most of the Spanish territories were established in what is now Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. In these territories, Christian missions were established to teach the native peoples the Christian religion and create settlements of European character. In California, Father Junípero Serra established El Camino Real as a strategy to expand the missions while maintaining proximity and connections between the communities. El Camino Real comprises 21 missions; the northernmost mission is San Francisco Solano, and the southernmost is San Diego de Alcalá. Along the route, all the towns bear Spanish and religious names to reinforce the Spanish presence and religion. Each mission was located approximately one day’s ride from the next. Today, the names are preserved with such famous cities as San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and so on.

IMMIGRATION TODAY

According to the 2020 census, nearly 19% of the population in the United States is of Hispanic origin, totaling 62.1 million. These numbers are significant, especially because this young population will play a crucial role in the future workforce. Other states with a strong Hispanic presence include New York. For example, the Washington Heights neighborhood inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create the musical In the Eights . Chicago also has a strong Hispanic influence, particularly from Mexico, which can be seen in neighborhoods, shops , and cultural activities at museums.

The United States receives thousands of immigrants from around the world every day. Among these countries, China, India, and Mexico are the most prominent. Hispanics from all over the world also arrive from other Hispanic countries, although some groups are more prevalent than others who have come to the United States for political and economic reasons. Mexico is the country with the highest emigration rate due to its shared history with the U.S. and its demographic proximity. El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have also experienced massive emigration due to political reasons and economic and security crises. When a person leaves one country to seek a better life in another, they are considered an immigrant. However, refugees leave their country due to fear, insecurity, and extreme violence, seeking safety and a better life elsewhere. Refugees often travel with family or in groups, but sometimes they also travel alone, and in some cases, they are minors. Cubans cross the Caribbean to reach Florida; they leave their country to oppose the restrictions imposed by the communist dictatorship. Cubans are exiles because they have left their country and do not know if they will ever be able to return. By opposing the current government, there is no guarantee they can return to their country unless something changes within its government. Other highly skilled groups come to the United States to study and to fill labor demands in other sectors. Still other immigrants cross into the U.S. via the train known as La Bestia, by walking through the desert, or by crossing the river, among other methods. Sadly, many of them are killed, injured, maimed, scammed, raped, or trafficked on that journey.

In cities like Los Angeles, the Hispanic influence is evident in the food, architecture, history, the Spanish language, murals, and much more. Although the Hispanic and biracial population has increased in recent years in Los Angeles, this is still not reflected in the Hollywood entertainment industry, which continues to primarily represent Anglo-Saxon actors.

AFTER READING

Select the word that best completes the sentence.

1. A refugee – immigrant – exile leaves his country and for political reasons does not know when he will return to his country.
2. The Spanish – royal – military road connects several cities in the state of California.
3. The route contains 10 – 21 – 30 cities connected by a one-day horseback ride.
4. Most Cuban-Mexican-Chinese exiles do not know when they will be able to return to their country.
5. Native English, French, and American peoples occupied North American territory before colonization.
6. The Spanish-English-Mexican colonization occurred in the southern United States.

5. THE UNWELFARE INDIVIDUALS AND THE MUSICAL BALLADS

Those who attempt to cross the border illegally by swimming across the Rio Grande are called «wetbacks.» It’s a controversial term because it carries a certain connotation of shame and humiliation, but it also represents a unique experience on the journey to the American dream. Unfortunately, many don’t make it across and drown. This term can only be used among themselves, and even then, it remains controversial depending on the generation. Ultimately, it would be inappropriate to refer to someone as a «wetback» without having had that experience or without being Latino.

However, the term exists, and so does the perilous experience of crossing the Rio Grande. There are several songs that address the experience of the «wetbacks.»

MUSICAL CORRIDOS

Musical corridos are a type of Mexican folk music that celebrates the epic deeds of a real or mythical figure. The corrido originated in the early 19th century and became very popular during the Mexican Revolution. It began to evolve, narrating and paying tribute to undocumented immigrants crossing the border. These songs tell the stories of immigrants and their daily struggles on these perilous journeys. They speak of families, legalization, death, hunger, fear, and so on. There is another type of corrido called a «narcocorrido,» which is characterized by telling stories related to drug trafficking. These corridos have been criticized for depicting violent and illegal activities, and they are banned in some places. Even so, they are quite popular, and numerous songs exist. Los Tigres del Norte is a well-known Mexican band famous for their corridos; their songs touch on the deep emotions of those who have crossed the border, left their families, and suffered along the way.

THE STORY OF RODRIGO BAÑUELOS: A HISPANIC MATHEMATICIAN IN THE U.S.

Next, you will learn about Rodrigo Bañuelos’ story through the following article. Follow the instructions below to complete the activities and learn about this remarkable scholar and professor at Purdue University.

1. Visit the following link: https://www.math.purdue.edu/~banuelos/Papers/laopinion.pdf . Read the article carefully and decide whether these statements are true or false. Correct the false statements.

a. There are many Latin American mathematicians in the U.S.
b. He is an expert in logic and physics.
c. Bañuelos received the Blackwell-Tapia Prize at UCLA.
d. Bañuelos came to the U.S. at age 15 and could read in both English and Spanish.
e. He graduated with no difficulty in English.
f. Juan Lara was an essential mentor in his life.
g. Latinos receive many opportunities to excel in the sciences.
h. He is a professor of mathematics at the University of Florida.
i. Pure mathematics deals more with ideas than with applications.

2. If you had the opportunity to help others succeed, what would you do? Think about Bañuelos’ story since arriving in the United States. How can you get involved to meet Hispanics in your community? Brainstorm and discuss original opportunities and initiatives with your classmates.

6. COMPOSITION

After learning about immigration in the United States, write a reflective essay on Andrés Castro’s story and the stories of immigrants and refugees, as well as the culture surrounding immigration. Think of a title and a topic for your essay. Reflect on what circumstances might cause someone to take such a great risk as Andrés did, and what life is like in the United States for a refugee or undocumented immigrant like Rodrigo Bañuelos. Discuss the risks and repercussions of the «American Dream» and the social responsibility of communities, families, and governments to help disadvantaged immigrants and strengthen their skills.

Write approximately 400 words. To make your writing professional:

• Avoid repeating words like «important» and «very.» Use other synonyms.
• Use discourse markers in your sentences to create a more natural flow of your thoughts.
• Organize your ideas following a structure: title, introduction to the topic, development of the ideas and conclusion.

Discourse connectors

Brainstorm before you write; use the space below to help you think.

7. PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is a small island in the Caribbean with a tropical climate, full of color, festivities, and history. Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1493, and for four centuries, the island adapted to a Hispanic culture with distinctive features such as Spanish and Catholicism, still present today in the island’s bilingualism and in the various celebrations related to the Christian religion. Unfortunately, colonization eroded the indigenous Taíno culture, native to Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, leaving a very small but still present Taíno genetic heritage among its inhabitants. In 1898, Spain lost many territories scattered around the world, including Puerto Rico and others such as the Philippines and Cuba. The U.S. embarked on a war against Spain, and as a consequence of this conflict, the island of Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States. During the conflict, American troops entered and invaded Puerto Rico, causing Spain to lose its last territory in the Americas.

Since then, Puerto Rico’s status has been difficult to understand. Unlike Cuba or the Philippines, self-governing countries, Puerto Rico did not become a country but rather a territory of the United States. Thus, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, have the right to vote in U.S. elections (though not from the island), and must pay federal taxes. Nevertheless, some Puerto Ricans believe that Puerto Rico should be its own country and gain the freedom from the U.S. to make its own decisions. Others believe it is better for Puerto Rico’s economy to remain a U.S. territory and thus receive its support and benefits, especially given the vulnerability of being an island (Commonwealth). Still others believe that the U.S. should declare the island a state with all the associated benefits and responsibilities. Puerto Rico, however, has very close cultural ties with Hispanic countries, especially those in the Caribbean. Part of this is due to its Taíno past, its proximity to other islands like Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and the fact that Spanish is more widely spoken than English, even though both are official languages ​​on the island. Puerto Rico enjoys a degree of independence in some areas—for example, by having its own representation in the Olympic Games, among others.

ACTIVITIES

1. Read the text first. Then, correct the following sentences to make them correct.

a. Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1898.
b. Puerto Rico requires a visa for Americans.
c. Cuba is a territory of Spain.
d. The Incas were the indigenous people of Puerto Rico.
e. Puerto Rico is a country in the Caribbean.
f. Puerto Rico has no Hispanic influence.

2. Brainstorm using your classroom whiteboard or notebook; think about the advantages and disadvantages of Puerto Rico becoming a country, remaining a Commonwealth, or becoming an independent state. Consider how each decision would affect the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Discuss different ideas with your classmates.

3. Survey. Do you think Puerto Rico should be a country, a commonwealth, or a state? Explain.

4. Find more information about one of the images below. Present your report to the class or share it with a classmate.

8. NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

The United States is a country formed by groups that arrived from different parts of the world, many of them under unique circumstances, such as those who fled religious persecution like the Jews in Germany and Austria, those who emigrated from the Irish famine, those who were exiled from the Spanish Civil War, those who fled fascism and poverty in Italy, those who fled Chinese or Cuban communism, and exceptional cases like those who arrived enslaved from Africa, among many others. The United States is a country that has embraced many cultures and has been enriched by that diversity. That is why the U.S. Constitution begins with the famous phrase, “We the People of the United States.” As part of that fundamental heritage of the American people, a month is celebrated specifically dedicated to Hispanic Heritage to honor the stories, people, and achievements of Hispanics throughout American history. This is a way to recognize the cultural legacy of Hispanics, and it is a celebration that also applies to other ethnic groups.

It is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th each year, in that order because during that month several Hispanic countries celebrate their independence: Costa Rica (September 15th), El Salvador (September 15th), Guatemala (September 15th), Honduras (September 15th), Nicaragua (September 15th), Mexico (September 16th), and Chile (September 18th). There is a wide variety of options for celebrating Hispanic culture. Readings of books in Spanish are organized, important figures from the Hispanic world are recognized, Hispanic films are screened, and special lessons are created in classrooms at schools and universities. There are also parades in various cities, events organized at museums, food stalls featuring cuisine from different countries, traditional dances, parties, music, and much more.

ACTIVITIES

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day in your Spanish class. Brainstorm ideas for a party to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Divide up the different tasks to:

 

1. Pay homage to a famous character (see the list at the end of this chapter or use a character of your interest).

2. Describe a traditional dish from a Hispanic country (mofongo, tacos, paella, ropa vieja, etc.).

3. Make a craft in class with confetti.

4. Learn a Hispanic dance (salsa, bachata, flamenco, etc.).

5. Think of other ideas!

9. GRAMMAR REVIEW: COMPARISONS

EQUALITY COMPARISONS: To establish equality between two things, people, or actions.

1. As much/as: Here, two elements are equally large, small, numerous, etc. For example, “Juan has as many books as María.”

2. As + adjective/adverb + as: Used to compare equality in terms of qualities or characteristics. For example, “Maria is as intelligent as Juan.”

3. Equal/as + adjective/adverb + as: Similar to the previous structure, this is used to express equality in qualities or characteristics. For example, “Pedro is as tall as Luis.”

INEQUALITY COMPARISONS: These are used when two things, people, or actions are not equal.

1. More/less + adjective/adverb + than: When a person or thing has more or less of a quality compared to another. For example, “Maria is taller than Ana.”

2. More/less + noun + than: When comparing the quantity of a noun between two elements. For example, “Juan has more books than Pedro.”

3. Greater/less than: Used to compare ages or importance. For example, “Carlos is older than Luis.”

4. Better/Worse + than: Compares the quality of two things or people. For example, “My car is better than yours.”

If you wish to learn more in detail, visit the following website: https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Languages/Spanish/Spanish_Grammar_Manual_(Yepes)/10/43_Comparativos .

10. CONTENT REVIEW

Choose the correct option for the following questions or statements about what we learned about Hispanics in the U.S.

1. Which is the largest Hispanic population in the U.S.?
(a) Mexicans
(b) Puerto Ricans
(c) Cubans
(d) Dominicans

2. In which U.S. city is the largest concentration of Hispanics?
(a) New York
(b) San Antonio
(c) Los Angeles
(d) Miami

3. What is the economic contribution of Hispanics to the U.S. GDP?
(a) 1.5 trillion
(b) 2.5 trillion
(c) 3 trillion
(d) 3.2 trillion

4. Which city in Florida is considered the oldest in the United States with a Spanish origin?
(a) Miami
(b) St. Augustine
(c) Tampa
(d) Orlando

5. Which museum and library in New York is known for its collection dedicated to Hispanic art?
(a) MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
(b) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(c) The Hispanic Society of America

6. Which city is known for Calle Ocho, a Hispanic heritage center with restaurants and shops?
(a) Los Angeles
(b) San Juan
(c) Miami
(d) Houston

7. New York is a city:
(a) Hispanic
(b) Multilingual and multicultural
(c) Industrial
(d) Full of nature

8. What was one of the purposes of the Christian missions established by Spain in the southwestern United States?
(a) To create military bases
(b) To preserve native culture
(c) To expand Spanish influence and teach the Christian religion

9. According to the 2020 census, what is the approximate percentage of the U.S. population of Hispanic origin?
(a) 10%
(b) 19%
(c) 30%
(d) 50%

10. Which New York City neighborhood inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda for the musical In the Heights ?
(a) Queens
(b) Bronx
(c) Washington Heights
(d) Harlem

11. Which Hispanic country emigrates to the United States due to its geographical proximity and historical reasons?
(a) Cuba
(b) Colombia
(c) Argentina
(d) Dominican Republic

12. Which is one of the dangerous methods mentioned that immigrants use to cross into the United States?
(a) Airplane
(b) The Beast
(c) Bicycle
(d) Ferry

13. What is the name of the Spanish friar who established El Camino Real and the missions in California?
(a) Hernán Cortés
(b) Fray Junípero Serra
(c) Bartolomé de las Casas
(d) Francisco Pizarro

14. What controversial term is used to refer to those who illegally cross the border by swimming in the Rio Grande?
(a) “Undocumented”
(b) “Migrants”
(c) “Wetbacks”
(d) “Refugees”

15. What is the main purpose of musical corridos?
(a) To celebrate pop music
(b) To promote Latin music
(c) To celebrate the heroic actions of real or mythical figures

16. Which Mexican historical event significantly contributed to the popularity of corridos?
(a) Mexican Independence
(b) The Mexican Revolution
(c) The Conquest of Mexico
(d) Cinco de Mayo

17. What type of corrido is characterized by narrating stories related to drug trafficking?
(a) Traditional corrido
(b) Revolutionary corrido
(c) Social corrido
(d) Narcocorrido

18. What is Puerto Rico’s current political status in relation to the United States?
(a) State of the United States
(b) Independent country
(c) Territory of the United States
(d) City

11. OTHER TOPICS TO EXPAND ON: ALTERNATIVE PROJECTS AND TASKS

To expand your knowledge, you can research these topics further and present or write a composition in class.

TOPICS: Hispanics in construction jobs; the Mexican-American War; Spanish Harlem; Chicanos; Hispanic neighborhoods in Chicago, New York, Miami, San Antonio, Los Angeles, etc.; Telemundo, Univision, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In the Heights

ICONIC PLACES: Spanish Harlem New York, Hispanic New York Project, MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art), Mexican Museum of Art in Chicago

FILMS: In the Heights (2021) by Jon M. Chu, Tigers of the North at Folsom Prison (2019) by Tom Donahue, Sin Nombre ( 2009) by Cary Joji Fukunaga

FESTIVALS: Hispanic Heritage Festival in Miami, Hispanic Day Parade, Quinceañera, El Grito in Los Angeles, Hispanic Day Parade in New York, Little Village Festival in Chicago, Monarch Festival in Chicago

FAMOUS PEOPLE: Sonia Sotomayor, Dolores Huerta, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ana Navarro, Jorge Tetl Argueta, Sabine Reyes Ulibarrí, Ynés Mexía, Luis Walter Álvarez, Baruj Benacerraf, Franklin Ramón Chang Díaz, César Millán, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sofía Vergara, Eva Longoria, Oscar Isaac, Gabriel Iglesias, Carolina Herrera, Jorge Ramos, Antona Novello, Juan Ponce de León

MUSIC: The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Selena, Camila Cabello, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Selena Gomez, Jose Feliciano, Bad Bunny

WRITERS: Sandra Cisneros, Francisco X. Alarcón, Juan Felipe Herrera, Rudolfo Anaya, Pat Mora, Ana Castillo, Lorna Dee Cervantes, Danzy Senna

Atribuciones de los Imagens

1. America Central y Norte © Ángela Pacheco González is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
2. San Juan Puerto Rico © dameetch is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
3. District celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month © USACE Europe District is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
4. Se habla español © Ángela Pacheco González is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
5. Road to LA – El Camino Real Bell in Front of San Gabriel Mission © ramalama_22 is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
6. Los Tigres del Norte en la Sala Apolo © alterna2 is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
7. Justice Sonia Sotomayor © Cknight70 is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
8. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico © breezy421 is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
9. Puerto Rico (El Yunque) © R9 Studios FL (Thanks to all the fans!!!) is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
10. Coqui, Puerto Rico © dejav1988 is licensed under a CC BY-SA (Atribución CompartirIgual) license
11. File:Calle San Sebastián 01 (San Juan).jpg © https://www.flickr.com/people/vxla/ is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
12. Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton © Steve Jurvetson is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
13. We the people ~.jpg © Navyatha123 is licensed under a CC BY-SA (Atribución CompartirIgual) license
14. National Hispanic Heritage Month © US Department of State is licensed under a Dominio público license
15. Papel Picado Banners © StuSeeger is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
16. File:Sonia Sotomayor 7 in robe, 2009.jpg © Stacey Ilyse is licensed under a CC BY (Atribución) license
17. Calle Ocho  © Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view is licensed under a  CC BY (Attribution)  license