* Spanish refers to the language, spoken by people from Spain and many Latin American countries.
* Hispanic is a cultural term that includes people from Spain and Latin America, as well as other countries with a Spanish cultural influence.
Here's why they're popular in North America:
* Immigration: The US and Canada have significant immigration from Spanish-speaking countries, bringing the language and culture with them.
* Cultural Influence: Spanish-language media, music, food, and art are increasingly popular in North America.
* Economic Importance: Spanish-speaking markets are economically important, making it advantageous for businesses to cater to them.
* Education: Spanish is one of the most popular foreign languages to study in North America, reflecting the growing importance of the language and culture.
So, it's not really "which is more popular" but rather a combination of both:
* Spanish is popular as a language due to immigration and its growing presence in society.
* Hispanic culture is becoming increasingly mainstream due to its influence on media, entertainment, and the economy.
It's worth noting that the terms "Spanish" and "Hispanic" aren't without controversy. Some people prefer more specific terms like "Latinx" or the names of their specific country of origin to avoid generalizations.