Latinos don't always identify themselves as Latino or Hispanic. A Pew Hispanic study shows that more than 50-percent prefer to identify themselves by their country of origin. Language is another way many Hispanics identify themselves. But, over time, acculturation kicks in and identity shifts. There's a disconnect from the traditions and language of the country of origin, and from families. When do people start losing that connection to the ceremonies, traditions and practices that were so much a part of life for parents and grandparents? For Hispanic Heritage Month we'll look at how people are trying to hold on to everything from recipes, to special traditions on holidays to the Spanish language.
Magdalena Martinez, Ph.D., Director, Education Programs, The Lincy Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Maria Raquel Casas, Associate Professor of History at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.