Chilean Culture & History
November 20, 2008
momofboys
The first thing that I have noticed about the Chilean culture is the Chilean kiss as it has been so aptly described. When you first meet someone, and also when you leave them, you give your greetings along with a kiss on the cheek. In Chile the people like to stand closer when speaking to each other than we are used to in the United States. Every meal includes pan or bread, which seems to be the main staple of their diet. Lunch is taken much later than noon and is the most important meal of the day. Dinner or once is a much lighter meal or snack.
All of the people I have come in contact with are very friendly and accepting of me as an American. Even though I speak & understand only a small bit of Spanish the teachers and my Chilean family are helping me to learn the language. Never am I condemned for trying only gently corrected when I am wrong. The people have tried very hard to make me feel welcome and comfortable in their culture and I must say they have done an excellent job of it.
The area we know as Chile was originally populated by two different groups, the Mapuches (an indigenous people) ruled in the Central and Southern regions, while in the North, the Incans ruled. During the 16th century the Spaniards came and ruled until 1810 when Chile declared its independence. Although a final decisive victory over the Spaniards did not happen until 1818. From 1879-83 the country was involved in the war of the Pacific where they defeated Peru and Bolivia and gained more territory in the countries Northern region. Chile was under a military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet from 1973-1990 this was the beginning of a new era for the people, one that took them from a socialist government. Even though it may seem as if everything began to fall apart the second part of Pinochet’s dictatorship led to great economic growth for Chile. It is currently a very secure country with a flourishing economy.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
One Comment Add your own
Leave a Reply
Trackback this post | Subscribe to comments via RSS Feed
1. Cindy Hart | November 20, 2008 at 12:44 am
A few other cultural things that I have noticed is how Chilean people tend to watch their diet much closer than Americans. There are more vegetable in every meal, and are looked upon as delicious by everyone including children. The meals at school are much more healthy than in the United States. People in Chile are more friendly than in the United States. People have embraced my differences but have pointed out how I do things differently at times.