Spanish+Heritage+Essay+FB

Everyone may have different backgrounds and cultures, but there's one language that 21 countries share (Spanish Language). Almost 400 million people speak Spanish as their first language (Spanish Language). Language is only one part of a culture. There is much more to a culture that people don't think of. People only see what's on the surface, not what's behind a heritage. People tend to overlook important things in the Spanish culture. Spanish culture is growing in the United States. Many people think, "How does it concern me?" Spanish culture affects everyone, even people without Spanish descent. Many people without Spanish descent don't know much about the culture, so they see no point in keeping it alive. It is up to the next generation of Spanish descendants to educate future generations on why they should keep their background alive.

Many people may not realize how many Spanish speakers are in the world. Nearly 400 million people are native Spanish speakers, and another 80 million speak Spanish as a second language (Spanish Language in the US). Spanish is the second most spoken language in the US, with 45 million speakers (Spanish Language in the US). Language is only one small fraction of a heritage. Inside language is also communication. Communication includes expressions, gestures, body language, tone of voice, and more. You know when your friend asks you to toss them something? In Latin America, it is impolite to toss things to one another (What We Can Learn). Another way communication is expressed in Latin America is by warning people for pickpockets. If a pickpocket is nearby, people place their hand sideways with four fingers extended. They will then move one finger at a time to touch the palm (What We Can Learn). Imagine how helpful this would be in the United States! If we keep simple Spanish communication alive, it could help us to be more aware of our surroundings.

The Spanish heritage is also especially close with their families. When children are younger, they spend a lot of time with their cousins (Attitudes). Parents do this so when they grow up, family importance is already reinforced. Parents are caring towards all children. Since they are loving towards these children, they normally don't have self-discipline. Another part of the Spanish Heritage is eating habits. Spanish people eat slow, so they don't rush a good meal. Most of their cooking is done at home, to stay healthy. After a meal with families, they usually have some kind of social activity after. They also don't complain a lot. They try to look on the bright side of everything. They realize everything will get better. If we kept the Spanish culture alive, we might be better able to understand the value of life. When we are close with our families, we know that there will always be someone to help us back on our feet in hard times. They are loving towards children, so when those children grow up, they will do the same for the next generation. When they eat healthy, they are showing care for their health. They don't complain a lot because they realize that if we spend our entire life complaining, we will regret wasting our time when we go on to the next life. The Spanish Culture is loving all around. They respect human life and make the most out of their time on Earth. If we didn't preserve the Spanish Heritage, all these family and human values would be lost. Imagine how much more hateful the world will be if we lost the values in the Spanish culture.

In the Spanish Culture, they take their manners seriously. In Spain, you must remain standing until you are invited to sit down (Spain). Almost all food is eaten with utensils, even fruit! When giving toasts, the host always gives the first toast (Spain). When eating, you don't get up until the guest of honor does. When you join a business, it is important that you spend time with your colleagues so they get to know you. They also prefer face-to-face interviews versus over the phone. If we keep the Spanish heritage alive, Americans will have better manners. Meals are more formal in Spanish countries, so we aren't just eating dinner in the car. They enjoy life and family values. If we keep the Spanish heritage alive, we will realize how important manners are. When we use manners, we show that we respect one another.

Spanish Culture keeps America together. A huge piece of our giant melting pot will be forgotten if we don't preserve the growing Spanish heritage. Children with Spanish background don't know how to preserve their heritage because many people have stereotypes about Spanish people. The next generation of Spanish descendants need to educate non-Spanish speakers on their culture. If we don't educate future generations, nobody will remember the real Spanish culture, and it will be lost forever. How will you keep the Spanish culture alive?

"Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette." Spain. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

"Spanish Culture and Nonverbal Communication." Spanish Culture and Nonverbal Communication. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

"Spanish Language." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

"Spanish Language in the United States." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

"What We Can Learn from Spanish People." Eye on Spain. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.