Culture Connection

Latin_america
Map Latin America

Sounds

Latin America creates music that’s listened to all over the world:

Reggaeton

This type of music is most popular with Latin American teenagers. It blends reggae, hip hop and dance music with traditional Latin American rhythms like the bomba.

Andean Music

The traditional music of the Incan people has been passed down through centuries. Played mostly on simple wooden wind instruments and drums, you can hear musicians playing Andean songs in the streets in many countries, including Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Art

All three of Latin America’s ancient indigenous groups—Inca, Maya and Aztec—are famous for their weaving. Today, Latin America’s indigenous people carry on this tradition. Their artwork can be found all over the world. From ponchos to wall-hangings, the detail in this work is truly amazing.

Learn the Lingo

Practice these phrases in Quichua, a common Latin American indigenous Language. Click on the words to hear how they are pronounced.

Hello / Imanalla

How are you? / Allillachu cangui?

My name is / Ñuca shutimi can

I love you / Ñuca kuyani

Will you be my friend? / Ñucahuan parlasha niguichu?

How much does this cost? / Mashnatac can?

1.6 billion people live without electricity.