Cultural Considerations / Acculturation

Each person of Hispanic origin may react differently based on his or her own personality and experiences, and on these characteristics:

• Country of Origin: According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, the majority of Hispanic immigrants come from Mexico (64 percent) followed by Puerto Rico (9 percent), Central America (7.6 percent), Cuba (3.4 percent), and the Dominican Republic (2.8 percent).
• Language: Spanish only, English only, or bilingual.
• Acculturation: The degree to which someone acquires American culture (acculturation) varies from person to person, depending partly on access to a Hispanic community and culture, and on the amount of time spent in the United States.

How You Can Respond:

As always, knowing your particular audience is essential. Use this section as guidance on some common characteristics of Hispanic cultures—yet tailor your communications to your audience’s unique characteristics. For example, a rural setting will require a different approach than an urban inner-city one.