Cultural Assessment Interview

¶ … populous immigrants in the United States today is that of Hispanics, or immigrants who came from Latin countries and those whose native language is Spanish. Because of their increasing population, Hispanics are gradually influencing American culture, including other societies of different nations all over the world. This study on Hispanic culture used to method of interviewing to obtain primary and first-hand information about the Hispanic culture. The interview was conducted through an online chat with a Puerto Rican women working in the Philippines.

Selma Sanchez, 30 years old, is a native-born Puerto Rican who went to the Philippines ten (10) years ago to study and teach European Languages (Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Italian) in the University of the Philippines. The interview covered certain topics such as the culture and values of Selma (Maita) and her family as Hispanics, and different sociological concerns about their culture (health, religion, education, beliefs, etc.). The following texts are summaries of certain aspects of Selma Sanchez's life as a Hispanic.

DEMOGRAPHICS: Race: Hispanic Nationality: Puerto Rican Age: 30 years old Sex: Female Economic Status: Middle- class Present Occupation: Professor of European Languages, University of the Philippines- Diliman TRADITIONS & VALUES: As a child, Maita was taught to be respectful of her parents and elderly people, be they her friends or not. She was also taught the value of giving importance to her family, most especially her immediate relations. It is important to help out relatives and even close family friends in times of need or trouble.

Puerto Ricans, according to Maita, are collectivist as a community, and that everyone concerns themselves with other people's affairs, whether they are of their own relations or not. Respect is evident by addressing their parents and siblings with names of endearment, and friend are also given respect by calling them 'friend' in their own language. In addition to respect and solidarity, the value of being expressive with their feelings and being sincere while talking with a friend or someone of the same nationality is important.

It is necessary for Puerto Ricans to look straight into someone's eye while talking; this is a sign of sincerity and honesty. Doing otherwise would mean that the person avoiding the other's eyes is a sign of dishonesty or insincerity. PRESENT ATTITUDES: (Religion, Health, Education, etc.) Maita is a devout Catholic.

Her being a Catholic did not become a hindrance when she came into the Philippines because the country was also a Christian nation, making it easier for her to adapt to her environment and to the country's culture and society. As a Catholic, most of Maita's opinion and beliefs are largely influenced by her religion: she opposes abortion, and does believe in the concept of Heaven and Hell, as well as the Purgatory. She also celebrates her favorite saint's day, and attends church regularly every Sunday to attend the Mass.

In education, Maita pursued a course she was most familiar with: European Languages. Her ability and flair to comprehend and speak fluently Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese helped her obtain an immediate job at the university as a professor of the said course. She says that her being a Puerto Rican (Hispanic) helps a lot when she's teaching the subject.

She does not have any difficulty explaining to her students not only the technicality of the structure and grammar composition of the languages, but also the meaning and culture behind each word. Maita is not really after financial gain in life. She says that she enjoys what she's doing right now 9 teaching as a profession), and she is still living with her mother despite her adult age. This is common tradition for Hispanics, whether the child is married or not.

Because of the family's closeness with each other, the children become dependent to their parents and tend to live with them for a long time until it is necessary for them to leave or settle down with a spouse. Social activities include feasts and celebrations with a smorgasbord- type of food presentation, and these celebrations are often called fiestas. During these celebrations, old and new friends are again acquainted and united. Old stories, as well as news from their home country are shared while eating a hearty feast.

Of course, these celebrations are somehow related to their Catholic religion: most fiestas are organized in celebration of a saint's birthday or a.