Dominican-American writer Julia Alvarez's works demonstrate varying degrees of self-representation. Crucial to the ongoing process of identity construction that takes place in Alvarez's novels is the figure of the mother, who at once facilitates and threatens the daughter's negotiation of an autonomous identity. In both Alvarez's own life and in…

This paper speculates about whether a literary canon exists in contemporary Latin American literature, particularly in the prose genre. The paper points to Carlos Fuentes, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Mario Vargas Llosa as the three authors who might form this traditional and liberal canon with their works "La Muerte de Artemio Cruz"…

Considers contribution of rhetorical training of the Aztecs prior to the European conquest as well as other early philosophers from the Americas. Encourages breaking precedent in order to battle racism by looking to rhetorical training developed in the Americas and Puerto Rico in addition to the European thinkers. (SC)

Contains an interview conducted in Spring 2000 via email with William Luis, an author, professor of Spanish at Vanderbilt University, and leading authority on Latin American, Caribbean, Afro-Hispanic, and Latino literatures. Offers Luis' perspective on topics of literature and ethnic/cultural identity. (EV)

Explains how a teacher, a Belizean of African descent who immigrated to the United States, feels about having grown up reading only Western literature. Explains the costs of such limited reading in psychological and emotional terms. Gives a brief review of a few well-known Caribbean authors, including Julia Alvarez and Jamaica Kincaid. (TB)

A preliminary investigation was conducted to determine the extent of linguistic borrowing in Chicano literature. The findings indicate the use of loanwords, loanblends, and loanshifts, but no examples of hybrid creation and grammatical borrowing. The use of loans correlates with characters marked by negative social qualities, which expresses a…

Notes the importance of noticing details and the precious, weird little details of neighborhoods. Uses poetry by Latin American poets to teach children and adults how to write their own poetry. Starts with basic techniques--talking, reading, discussing, and notetaking. (PA)

As Latin American literature progressively enters into the English curriculum, two writers deserve special commentary for their representative contribution to the literary world. Through their works, the Columbian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and the Peruvian author, Mario Vargas Llosa clearly convey the Latin American writer's desire to be…

Discusses how there is need for more published information about the experiences of Latinos in community colleges. Discusses the term "la tercera frontera" which describes cultural barriers that hold Latinos back. Recommends that more research be done to end marginalization of Latinos. (Contains 26 references.) (MZ)

This publication is a collection of the presentations made at the 1977 National Seminar of the Latin American Studies Association. Each article or presentation can stand alone; together they provide a sweeping view of the complexities of Latin America and suggestions for more effective secondary and college teaching about the area. There are three…

Uses Fanon's concept of the Manichean colonial situation and his Dialectical Theory of Identification to explore images of African heritage in the works of two mulatto Cuban poets, Gabriel de la Concepcion Valdez (1809-1844) and Nicolas Guillen (born 1902). (GC)

The twin emigration sagas of Ferreira de Castro (1898-1974), "Emigrantes" (1928) and "A Selva" (1930) embody what has been described as the primary driving forces of emigration: hunger and injustice. The main protagonists of "Emigrantes" and "A Selva," Manuel and Alberto, illustrate these forces. Manuel, a…

Comments on the Reports of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies, advocating more involvement in the political processes, and promotion of international studies by language departments. Describes efforts in this direction under way at the University of Arizona, including an undergraduate program called Literature…

Explores how poetry can be used in support groups as an adjunctive treatment technique to empower and to raise consciousness of Latina battered women. Offers examples of Latin American women's literary works to demonstrate the connections poetry has to everyday lives, and how Latina spouse-abuse survivors can gain a deeper understanding of…

Geographic displacement as spiritual desolation is a theme that bonds Puerto Rican and Chicano literature. The movement of masses of people to the United States and within the United States itself has had and continues to have severe consequences for the Latino population in this country. Two novels, "Down These Mean Streets" by Piri…