The terms Latino and Hispanic are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct, though overlapping, groups of people defined by different criteria: language for Hispanic and geography for Latino.
What is the difference between Latino and Hispanic?
The primary difference is that Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, while Latino encompasses people from Latin American countries, regardless of the language they speak.
Understanding "Hispanic"
The term "Hispanic" specifically refers to a person with ancestry from a country whose primary language is Spanish. This definition emphasizes linguistic heritage.
- Key Criterion: Origin from a Spanish-speaking country.
- Includes:
- Individuals from Spain (Europe).
- Individuals from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and all other Central and South American nations where Spanish is the dominant language.
- Excludes:
- People from Latin American countries where Spanish is not the primary language (e.g., Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken; Haiti, where French and Haitian Creole are spoken; Jamaica, where English is spoken).
Understanding "Latino"
"Latino" (or its variations like Latina, Latinx, Latine) refers to a person with origins from anywhere in Latin America and the Caribbean. This definition is geographic.
- Key Criterion: Geographic origin from Latin America (Mexico, Central America, South America) and the Caribbean.
- Includes:
- Individuals from Brazil (Portuguese-speaking).
- Individuals from Haiti (French/Haitian Creole-speaking).
- Individuals from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Argentina).
- Excludes:
- People from Spain, as Spain is in Europe, not Latin America.
Key Distinctions and Overlap
While many individuals are both Hispanic and Latino, it's crucial to understand where these terms diverge.
| Feature | Hispanic | Latino |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Language (Spanish-speaking countries) | Geography (Latin America and the Caribbean) |
| Includes | Spain, Spanish-speaking Latin America | Brazil, Haiti, and all of Spanish-speaking Latin America and Caribbean |
| Excludes | Brazil, Haiti, other non-Spanish speakers | Spain |
Examples of Distinction:
- Someone from Brazil: Is Latino (geographic origin in Latin America) but not Hispanic (primary language is Portuguese, not Spanish).
- Someone from Spain: Is Hispanic (primary language is Spanish) but not Latino (Spain is in Europe, not Latin America).
- Someone from Mexico: Is both Hispanic (Spanish-speaking country) and Latino (geographic origin in Latin America).
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between these terms is important for respectful and accurate communication, as well as for recognizing the rich diversity within these broad cultural groups. Identity is complex, and individuals may prefer one term over the other, or neither, based on their personal background and heritage. For more insights into these terms and identity, you can explore resources from organizations like the Pew Research Center.
