Latin AmericaCultural Characteristics

GPS SS6G4a, b, cDescribe the blending of ethnic groups, why

Portuguese & Spanish are the main languages, and how literacy affects the

standard of living

E.Q.

• How did European culture affect Latin America?

Define Vocabulary (p. 3)

• Mulatto

• Mestizo

• Literacy

• Standard of Living

Blending of Ethnic Groups

• 3 main races – Native Americans (original group)– Europeans (arrived 16th & 17th centuries,

forced Native Americans to work as slaves –diseases killed many)

– Africans (brought by Europeans as slaves to replace Native Americans)

• Intermarriage created blending of cultures

Religion

• Mostly Roman Catholic

• Blended with Native American and African beliefs

• Examples– Santeria (Cuba)– Day of the Dead (Mexico)

Problem

• Europeans often get best jobs, education, and health care

• Other groups demand equality

Languages• Spanish &

Portuguese had colonies in the Americas & spread their languages

• Called “Latin America” because mostly “Latin” languages – covers Central & south America + Caribbean

Literacy & Standard of Living• 89% in Latin America & Caribbean are literate• Standard of living is often higher in countries where

literacy rate is high

• Some countries believe it is more important for boys to get an education than girls

• Poor are often illiterate because their communities can’t pay for teachers and schools

• Cycle of poverty – can’t afford education, so only get low paying job. Can’t afford kids’ education…

• What are you doing with your FREE education?

CRCT Test PrepReading maps and graphs

Work with a partner

• P. 35 questions 61-64

• P. 38 questions 69-72

• Due 15 minutes before end of period – checked and corrected!

Summary:Discuss with a partner and answer in paragraph form – ticket out the

door – both partners’ names on one paper

• How did European culture affect Latin America?