EXAMPLES

Example of being bilingual

Mariana is a young woman who grew up in a family where her mother tongue is Spanish, but she studied in a school where classes were in English. She can converse with her family in Spanish without a problem and, at the same time, write a text in English for the university, take a call, and communicate in English perfectly. That makes her bilingual.

Example of being bicultural

Mariana has a friend who was born in Colombia, but raised in the United States. At home, her family maintains Colombian traditions such as: celebrating Christmas with custard and fritters, listening to vallenato, and speaking Spanish. However, at school and with his friends, he follows American customs, celebrates Thanksgiving, and practices football. When he's with his American friends, he feels part of their culture, but when he's with his family, he also identifies with his Colombian roots, understands both cultures, adapts to them, and enjoys the best of each. That makes him bicultural.

Example of being both bilingual and bicultural

Sofia was born in Mexico, but at the age of 10 she moved to Canada. At home, he speaks Spanish with his family, eats tacos, and celebrates Día de los Muertos. At school and with his friends, he speaks French, eats poutine, and celebrates Quebec's National Day. Sofia is bilingual because she is fluent in Spanish and French. It is also bicultural because it knows and lives the traditions of both Mexico and Canada. She can participate in both cultures and feel comfortable in both.