Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Family Matters
This section is dedicated to talking about
la familia
. Family is the number one priority for
the people of Latin America as I have mentioned. In our culture, we are typically more fo-
cused on individual success and enjoyment. In Spanish speaking countries, family and group
achievement are most important. On a vacation, people are more likely to spend time with
family than to go out with friends indicating their obligation to the family. You also are more
likely to see extended family living with each other, nieces and nephews living with their
aunts and uncles, and grandparents living with their children, etc. It even seems like neigh-
bors and close friends are treated like family. In our culture, independence is valued and in
theirs interdependence. When you are down, I help you up, and when I am down, you help
me up. Observing this virtuous quality in Latin America has made me wish we were a little
more like that. Understanding this family dynamic will help you to further understand their
culture. Below I have provided you with phrases to talk about family.
Vocabulario de la Familia
(Family Vocabulary)
Family values
Los Valores Familiares
Family meal
La Comida Familiar
Brother
Hermano
Sister
Hermana
Mom
Mamá
Dad
Papá
Mother
Madre
Father
Padre
Grandpa/Grandma
Abuelo/Abuela
Grandchildren
Los nietos
Grandson
El nieto
Granddaughter
La nieta
Cousin (female/male)
Primo/Prima
Husband/Wife
Esposo/Esposa
Son/Daughter
Hijo/Hija
Uncle/Aunt
Tío/Tía
Nephew/Niece
Sobrino/Sobrina
Mother-in-law
Suegra
