Addresses the question of how constraints are established by which Hispanicity is determined vis-a-vis language. It argues that, if Spanish-English bilingualism comes to prevail among American Hispanics, they will lose the Spanish language as a mother tongue and their distinct culture, becoming an Anglophone subculture similar to Irish or Italian…

Argues that Hispanic-Americans can find reason for pride and positive self-images in their cultural heritage and contributions to California agriculture. Traces history of foods and plant propagation in Mesoamerica. Discusses corn, vanilla, chocolate, chiles, tomatoes, and other foods significant for their culinary legacy. (CH)

Discusses choices that Hispanic women must struggle with in light of new educational and professional opportunities and the influence of Hispanic culture, which defines a woman by her family relationships. Discusses how Hispanic professional women sustain a shaky balance of career, marriage, and motherhood. (LP)

Questions the precise impact of family experiences on Hispanic adolescent delinquency. Notes a correlation between time spent with family members on the weekends and evenings and a reduction in delinquent behavior. (Author/GCP)

Presents an interview with award-winning author Rudolfo Anaya, a prolific and renowned author of Chicano literature for adults and award-winning author of children's books featuring Mexican and American protagonists. Discusses his decision to become a writer, his work as mentor and advocate for Chicano writers, his writing for children, and the…

Discusses verbal performances of East Austin (Texas) Chicano children; how their attitudes about language influence their choice of English-Spanish codes, the verbal code favored being Spanish-English code-switching; their ability to maintain code separation; and how their two major cultural heritages are fully exploited to create a resolutely…

During a 3-year project, a Colorado graduate teacher education program used Latino children's literature in field experience seminars to help 70 preservice teachers gain background knowledge of Hispanic cultures, language, and issues. The teacher candidates then used the same literature in their field experience classrooms, tapping into students'…

Elderly Mexican Americans (n=25) participated in ethnographic interviews about folk healing and its influence on health care behaviors. Participants relied on modern medicine to treat serious injuries but still considered folk healing a viable alternative when modern health care was unsatisfactory or ineffective. (JBJ)

Discusses issues faced by Hispanic women choosing alternatives to motherhood. Dedication to career is the primary reason for choosing childlessness. Spouse's support is crucial to overcoming family criticism and the cultural devaluation of women who are not mothers, especially for Hispanic Americans. Suggests separation of motherhood from female…

Describes Latino communities within the United States along with Chicano culture. Discusses the problems encountered when the history of U.S. law intersects with Chicano history. Suggests that education problems might be remedies by allowing some degree of political participation to resident aliens at the local and school board level. (DK)

Applies palimpsest as model for recognizing Chicano cultural diversity. Promotes interdisciplinary approach to Chicano studies. Examines Aztlan (Aztec homeland) as historical place and nationalist symbol obscuring Chicano identity and Mesoamerican diversity. Encourages use of palimpsest as conceptual tool for Chicano studies, cultural identity,…

Because of the increasing Hispanic population, more colleges and universities are offering programs in Chicano studies. Reasons for the slow evolution of such programs include lack of university commitment to ethnic studies, lack of qualified faculty, and racism. However, students have the power to demand the offering of more Chicano studies…

Describes how, through parent-student interactions in written homework assignments, the author (in her predominantly Hispanic American sixth-grade classroom) has successfully engaged parents in the literacy development of their children, brought parent voices into the classroom, and affirmed and appreciated the experiences, culture, and language…

Synthesizes available literature that addresses: (1) utilization patterns of alcohol-related services by Mexican Americans; (2) existing therapeutic approaches which take into account cultural factors; and (3) existing approaches to alcohol abuse education and prevention for this population. Discusses research needs and the need for…

Recommends a three-part writing process of prewriting, writing, and postwriting activities that uses the cultural world students bring with them to the classroom to stimulate writing improvement. (JL)