The term Hispanic is used as an ethnic label by the Bureau of the Census; it does not denote a race, because most Hispanics are racially mixed. Some individuals from Spanish language backgrounds prefer the term Latino rather than Hispanic

Because the origin of English is Anglo-Saxon and the origin of Spanish is the Romance language, Hispanic students find writing and translating difficult. When called on in class, they may feel self-conscious about their accents. They often trill (roll) the R sound; therefore, the tongue placement for pronunciation is very different in English. It may also be difficult for them to remember to put the adjective on "the other side" of the noun.

While Hispanics may be encouraged to integrate more into the social melting pot, being with Hispanic friends is more than just a social issue. Those who have difficulty with English seek each other out so they can translate for each other to get through their studies.

Mexicans may be confused by the differences between Mexico and the United States in the way customs and traditions are celebrated. Mexico’s customs are religiously based, whereas Americans celebrate in a variety of ways those traditions brought and inherited from many different cultures. Religion is the whole basis for Mexican celebrations such as Las Posadas, a tradition in which the people of the village reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on the night Jesus was born.

The fifteenth birthday is very special for a Mexican teenager. It is almost like a coming out, or debutante, ball. The family puts on a fiesta complete with band, cake, gifts, and entertainment. The birthday celebrant will wear a white dress similar to a bride’s and will be presented to those in attendance. This includes special escorts who have rehearsed the presentation with her.

Many Hispanic children are raised to value cooperation within the family unit more than individual achievement.

Many standardized tests require young children to name pictures; however, many Spanish-speaking children, because of their training at home, will provide functions for objects rather than names.