Hispanic Studies   Tags: hispanic, latina, latino  

Much knowledge and understanding can be generated from the experiences of everyday life. In this engaging study, Alvin O. Korte examines how this concept applies to Spanish-speaking peoples adapted to a particular locale, specifically the Hispanos and Hispanas of northern New Mexico. Drawing on social philosopher Alfred Schutz’s theory of typification, Korte looks at how meaning and identity are crafted by quotidian activities. Incorporating phenomenological and ethnomethodological strategies, the author investigates several aspects of local Hispano culture, including the oral tradition, leave-taking, death and remembrances of the dead, spirituality, and the circle of life. Although avoiding a social-problems approach, the book devotes necessary attention tomortificación(the death of the self),desmadre(chaos and disorder), andmancornando(cuckoldry).Nosotrosis a vivid and insightful exploration with applications in numerous fields.

Negron examines how New York City Latinos negotiate between multiple ethnic identifications. She finds no one-to-one relationship between biographical ethnicity and the use of language and other ethnic markers. Through linguistic flexibility, cross-cultural fluency, and negotiating aspects of personal image, individuals deploy ethnicity in creative and unexpected ways. The reasons for switching ethnic categories range from the relatively minor (getting free drinks), to the quotidian (connecting with friends), to the vital (making a sale). Negron¿s work calls into question the validity of ethno-racial categories used in surveys like the Census. She argues that patterns of self-identification are based on a complex interplay among interactional, cognitive, and situational factors as well as personal predispositions and skills.

Crossing Cultures focuses on the creation of literary works and how these works reflect the life experiences of the authors. The purpose of this book is to inspire young Mexican-American, Hispanic, and Latino people by demonstrating that education is the key to life through the example of authors who have become successful in spite of their modest beginnings. Their love for education and their drive to improve themselves has turned them into nationally and internationally known authors recognized by major publishing companies. Their books in English have been translated quickly into other languages. The interviews reveal not only the authors' origins but also how they were able to overcome difficulties and challenges in their lives. The interviewed novelists include Mario Bencastro, Aristeo Brito, Rolando J. D az, Graciela Lim n, and Demetria Mart nez. Interviews conducted in English with Mexican-American writers will be included in their original English version along with a proper Spanish translation. This book comprises a valuable resource for university students who are pursuing a degree in Spanish, Chicano studies, and ethnic studies that facilitates understanding the various dynamics of the Hispanic experience through literature.