This book details many aspects of Latin American culture as experienced by millions of people living in Central and South America. The author argues that despite early and considerable European influences on the region, indigenous Latin American traditions still characterize much of the social and artistic heritage of the Latin American countries. Several chapters provide detailed accounts of daily life, including descriptions of contemporary dress, mealtime traditions, transportation, and traditional ways of conducting business. Other chapters focus on the cultural significance of the popular music, art, and literature prevalent in each Latin American country.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Arthur A. Natella, Jr., is the chair of the department of foreign languages at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He lectures widely on Latin American and comparative culture topics.

Arthur A. Natella, Jr.
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 207
Bibliographic Info: notes, index
Copyright Date: 2008
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3511-1
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5148-7
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi

1. Preface      1

I. How Latin Is Latin America?      3

II. A Latin American View of Itself and the World      15

III. Communication      29

IV. Aspects of Daily Life      42

V. Government      55

VI. The Business of Business      67

VII. The Business of Business in Daily Life      77

VIII. Home and Education      85

IX. Religion      97

X. Festivals and Celebrations      108

XI. Popular Music      119

XII. Medicine and Healing      131

XIII. Film      142

XIV. Popular Literature      155

XV. Food      165

XVI. High Culture—Popular Culture      176

XVII. Conclusion      179

Chapter Notes      183

Index      193