5 Cultural Differences between

American and Hispanic Cultures

By: Sara Venth
Spanish 101
 Personal Space
In American culture people like a little more personal
space compared to other cultures. A lot of Americans
value their personal space and can feel anxiety or
discomfort when another person gets to close. When
Americans meet someone new or are in groups they
like to be arms length away from the other
person/people they are meeting, it makes them feel a
sense of comfort.
In Hispanic culture people like to be closer than arms
length to each other. They are more open to physical
contact and are less aware of personal space. Hispanics
use effusive handshakes, hugs, kisses on the cheek and
pats on the arm as normal and expected behaviors during
personal interactions, even when the two people have not
known each other for long. Americans are not
comfortable with these behaviors unless dealing with
family or a partner they have been with for years.
 Greeting
Forms of greetings done in American culture can include handshakes which are
usually brief. Making eye contact is important when shaking someone's hand as well
as a firm handshake, it shows confidence unlike a light handshake. Americans also use
smiles as a polite non-verbal way of saying hi and being friendly. Americans like their
personal space so greeting them with a kiss on the cheek or a hug will most likely
make them very uncomfortable if they do not know you or are not close with you.
A common greeting contains a kiss on the cheek,
starting with the left. Men are more likely to kiss
women hello and goodbye than shake their hand like
they do men. Some Spanish men will place their left
hand on the right forearm of another person when
shaking hands to indicate warmth.
 Time
In American culture the saying goes “Time is money” Time is
precious, it goes fast and Americans like to make the most out
of their time. When your time is not treated respectfully,
people feel upset and taken advantage of. People make
schedules and deadlines and they are to be followed through
as well as any plans that are made, responses should also be
quick and to the point.
In Hispanic culture not being on time is sociably
acceptable. Hispanics may have agendas for
meetings but don’t always expect them to be
followed. To them time is relative, there is always
time, human needs are more important and
deadlines always can be changed.
 Learning

In American culture people learn by In Hispanic culture teachers teach

being interactive with each other, students in a more formal way. They have
experimenting things and being hands a high degree of structure. They are more
on. of a kinesthetic learning style.
 Dining
In American culture breakfast is known
as the most important meal of the day.
Lunch is usually the smallest meal of
the day and dinner is big meal and is
usually when all the family gets
together to eat.
In Hispanic cultures a light meal is served for
breakfast and lunch is the biggest meal and
when most of the family gets together to eat.
After lunch they have an early meal (dinner)
that usually includes coffee, hot tea and a
sandwich, something small.