Here's a breakdown:
Hispanic:
* Origin: Derived from the word "Hispano," meaning "Spanish."
* Definition: Refers to people who share the Spanish language and culture, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This includes people from Spain and Latin America, as well as people of Spanish descent from other parts of the world.
* Focus: Language and cultural heritage.
* Example: A person born in Argentina, a person born in Spain, or a person born in the United States to parents from Mexico who speaks Spanish.
Latino:
* Origin: Comes from the word "Latin," referring to the Romance languages derived from Latin.
* Definition: Refers to people who are from or have ancestry in Latin America. This includes people from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, regardless of their language.
* Focus: Geographical origin and cultural heritage.
* Example: A person born in Brazil, a person born in Cuba, or a person born in the United States to parents from Guatemala.
Key Differences:
* Language: "Hispanic" emphasizes shared language (Spanish), while "Latino" focuses on geographic origin.
* Scope: "Hispanic" includes people from Spain, while "Latino" generally does not.
* Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Both "Hispanic" and "Latino" encompass a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Which term to use:
* Respectful: Always be mindful of individual preferences. The best way to know is to ask how someone identifies.
* Avoid Generalizations: Remember that "Hispanic" and "Latino" are broad categories that encompass a wide range of identities.
* Context Matters: In some contexts, one term may be more appropriate than the other. For example, in the United States, "Hispanic" is often used in government data and surveys.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to use respectful language and recognize the diversity within these communities.