National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also reminds us that meaningful communication requires more than speaking the same language.
Hispanic communities are remarkably diverse. Families may trace their roots to Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, Central America or South America. As a result, they may use different words, expressions and communication styles. In addition, not every Hispanic or Latino person speaks Spanish.
For businesses, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, law firms, unions and nonprofits, communicating across cultures begins with understanding the people behind the message.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month Begins in September
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. The celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Then, in 1988, it grew into a 30-day observance.
The starting date carries special significance. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, followed by Chile on September 18.
Today, the observance honors people with roots across Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month facts offer helpful perspective. In 2025, the Hispanic population in the United States reached an estimated 70.1 million.
Those numbers reflect a large and important part of the country—but they do not describe one single culture or experience.
One Language Can Have Many Voices
People speak Spanish across many countries, but its vocabulary changes from one region to another. For example, a word that sounds natural in Mexico may be uncommon in Argentina. It may also carry a different meaning in Puerto Rico or feel overly formal in Spain.
However, the differences go beyond vocabulary. Tone, humor, examples and expectations can also vary. Therefore, an organization should consider the audience before translating a message.
Questions worth asking include:
- Where is the intended audience located?
- Is the message meant for one community or a broad Spanish-speaking audience?
- Should the tone feel formal, conversational or urgent?
- Are there regional expressions that could confuse some readers?
- Does the organization already use preferred terms that should remain consistent?
These answers help a professional translator choose clear, appropriate language for the intended readers.
Clear Words Are Only Part of the Message
A translation can be technically correct and still miss its purpose. Context makes the difference. For instance, a school notice should help parents find the next step. A public-safety message must be clear right away. Likewise, healthcare instructions need precision. A marketing campaign should sound welcoming, not copied from another language.
This is where cultural awareness matters. Professional translation services consider meaning, audience, tone and purpose—not only individual words.
The visual presentation matters, too. Spanish text may take more space than the English source. Still, dates, contact information, headings and calls to action must remain easy to find. Before printing or publishing, review the complete layout. Make sure nothing looks crowded, gets cut off or becomes separated from the information it explains.
Listening Is Part of Communicating
Communication across cultures should not move in only one direction. People also need a comfortable way to ask questions. They need to explain concerns and participate in the conversation.
For example, an organization may translate an invitation, agenda or presentation before an event. It can then arrange professional interpreting services for the event itself. This approach works well for parent meetings, public hearings and medical appointments. It can also support workplace training, community programs and legal matters.
Using a professional interpreter also helps protect accuracy and confidentiality. Friends, relatives or bilingual employees may want to help. However, they may not know specialized terms. They may also feel uncomfortable communicating every part of a sensitive conversation impartially.
When written translation and spoken interpreting work together, people can receive information ahead of time and participate more fully when the conversation begins.
Avoid Treating Every Audience the Same
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month should go beyond changing a few words in an existing campaign. Instead, images, stories and examples should reflect real people. They should not reduce a diverse population to flags, food or familiar stereotypes.
Organizations can make their communication more thoughtful by:
- Learning which languages and regional varieties their audiences use
- Working with professional linguists who understand the subject and intended audience
- Inviting feedback from the communities they serve
- Keeping approved terminology consistent across departments and materials
- Planning translation early enough to allow time for review and formatting
These practices are helpful during Hispanic Heritage Month, but their value continues throughout the year.
Make Cultural Understanding an Everyday Practice
A heritage-month message can open the door. However, consistent communication builds trust. A September message may feel incomplete if important forms, notices or services remain inaccessible during the rest of the year.
The strongest approach makes language access and cultural awareness part of everyday communication. That may mean translating essential documents or providing interpreters for important conversations. It may also mean reviewing public materials to ensure the message is clear.
At Reliable Translations, Inc., professional human translators and interpreters help organizations communicate accurately and respectfully in ANY language. Most importantly, each project receives careful attention to its audience, subject and purpose.
Request a free quote or call 818-484-8673 to discuss your next translation or interpreting project.