“So, you can’t speak Spanish, but you claim to be a Latino.”
Growing up, most people around me would get very offended when I told them about my Hispanic heritage but no Spanish-speaking skills.
“You are a No sabo kid. “You don’t seem fully connected to Hispanic culture.”
These insults were hurled my way, every day, for not embracing my heritage and knowing my language.
So, what is the reason you might ask? Do I hate my culture?
The answer is simple; I love being called a Hispanic. However, my parents moved to the US for a better future. They were so busy making ends meet with their full-time job, side gigs, and freelance jobs that they forgot to teach me the language of their ancestors. Moreover, my interaction with my family was limited, as I never visited the country I belonged to.
Fast-forward a few years later, I can speak Spanish fluently, I enjoy Hispanic music, and I know about the Latino culture as well, all thanks to the internet.
If you are raising kids and aren’t sure how to keep them connected to their Hispanic roots, keep reading as we look at some of the simple tips and tricks.
Exploring Spanish Culture via Movies
Exploring Spanish culture is very important for the kids. In most cases, they get to visit the country know the people, explore different places and get to observe different dialects. All these things help kids to learn more about their heritage.
However, when traveling is out of the question, technology comes into play.
Your kids can easily explore Hispanic culture through movies, TV series, and shows. Thanks to the internet, anyone can get to enjoy content online via OTT platforms without paying extra.
Brands like Optimum are already offering both reliable internet as well as TV with a Spanish channel lineup. Apart from this, the brand also has a dedicated Optimum servicio al cliente pago en español where you can pay bills or seek guidance in Spanish.
The best thing is that you can select the region and origin of the content i.e. country and the theme of the show as well.
Participating In the Hispanic Community via Social Media
Hispanic communities are very close-knit. Even as expats, Latinos like to stay in touch with their community via the internet. You can easily join open communities on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, and Twitter.
People within these communities share their experiences, offer advice, and even run businesses. These communities also organize events so the members can easily meet in real life and communicate. People from these communities especially focus on building relationships with other people sharing the values, so they can bond.
Moreover, as expats the culture shock can be huge, so sharing experiences and building a strong community can help in reducing the overall shock.
Enjoying Hispanic Tunes
Hispanic music is loved by everyone regardless of their origin, ethnicity, race, or culture. In the world of social media reels and shorts, Hispanic tunes are generally catchy and trendy.
Most people underestimate the power of Hispanic tunes, thinking Hispanic music is just for events or can be used as a party anthem. In reality, Hispanic music is quite diverse and can be used for exploring culture, language, and places.
Apart from Hispanic tunes, Hispanic podcasts are also a great way to learn all about Latino culture. You can easily find Latino YouTubers and podcasters online. Most of these social media influencers share their stories and habits and even discuss family rituals.
You can easily adapt these family rituals to bring your kids closer to their roots, or just help them explore Latino holidays and important days.
Gaining Proficiency in Language
Language proficiency is one of the biggest challenges for expats.
While most parents spend extensive time training their kids and helping them learn their mother tongue, most parents struggle with bilingual kids and eventually give up. However, with the right use of the internet, anyone can learn a new language and explore new cultures.
As a Latino living in the U.S., I began learning Spanish online during my teenage years. From basic courses on YouTube to language learning apps and online tutorials, the options are endless.
You can also learn language via TV shows, movies, and series. Many people improve their language skills by watching foreign TV shows. However, it is a little time-consuming, and due to a lack of structure, you might need to work a little harder to fully master the language.
Share Hispanic Recipes Online
Food has no borders. It brings people together and helps them stay connected to their heritage. So, regardless of where you go or how much you travel, food brings you back home. Within the US, everyone loves Latino food, especially Mexican food.
There are fast-food Mexican joints and international franchises that satisfy the craving of Latino food lovers.
However, authentic Hispanic meals and dine-out places are still missing from the US food scene. To ensure that your kids get to enjoy the authentic flavors, you can also look for authentic recipes. Video-sharing sites like YouTube are an ideal platform to learn accurate recipes with exact measures and more.
Simply put, the internet is keeping people connected even when they are away from their home country. The above-mentioned tips are a few ways you can help your kids to stay connected to their roots.