Capítulo 1-Culture Notes

Spanish Names

-Spaniards and Latin Americans commonly use both their first and middle names

-They also generally use two last names first the father’s and then the mother’s maiden name

-Ex. Francisco Xavier López Medina

López is the father’s last name

Medina is the mother’s maiden name

-In a phone book the name would be listed under López Medina

-Since most Spanish speakers are Catholics many are named after the

Catholic saint celebrated on the day they are born

Greetings

-In Spain friends greet with a light kiss on both cheeks

-In Latin America friends greet with a light kiss on one cheek

-Men normally greet each other by shaking one hand while hugging

or giving a pat on the back