Do you have a Latinx friend, neighbor, or colleague who is from another country? Did you just meet someone new?

Make a point to know where they are from! Be respectful by recognizing that some Latinx people might identify as being from California and part of a culture from another country.

It means a lot to someone when you take a curiosity in their culture.

You don’t need Spanish to do this. Connecting with the Latino community in English is a wonderful way to build relationships and learn!

Here are some questions to start the conversation:

Did you grow up here [in California]?
Where is your family from? / Where is your Spanish from?
What’s it like in [that country]?
What’s something you love about [that country’s] culture?

Be curious about learning the geography and culture of Spanish-speaking countries:

Ask “Where are you from in [El Salvador]? Are you from near the capital? Are you from the coast?”
If they are from Mexico, ask where they are from in Mexico. It’s like saying “I’m from the U.S.'' There are so many places you can be from in Mexico!
Look at a map together! Ask them to show you where their family is from.
Make a point to know if they have an indigenous heritage—you might be surprised to learn that they speak an indigenous language too!
Research facts about this place and explore the culture on your own, or ask your teacher to incorporate it into your class material!