Dominican and Puerto Rican - Similar Heritage???

[Michael of Baltimore]

In my research on the culture of the Dominican Republic I recalled similarities of ancestry between native inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico -- both cultures deriving, in part, from the Taino (forgive the spelling) Indians who were the first inhabitants on the islands before spanish settlers settled. Is the difference between the two -- Dominicans and Puerto Ricans -- where they live vs ethnicity? I find the origins of both cultures very fascinating; so fascinating that I have decided to learn spanish as a second language to gain a greater appreciation for the customs of both groups.

 

[JEFFREY]

Your right in that there are some similarities in culture and that proximity plays a role...the two countries are obviously near each other. But they are certainly different racially. Knowledgable Dominicans will tell you that the vast majority have a little of the african or negroid race in them. That is, they are, by and large, mullato...a mix of the descendants of the black slaves and the white Europeans, primarily spaniards, who colonized the island of la Espa?ola (in Spanish) after the arrival of Crist?bal Col?n (again, in Spanish). Puertorrique?os, on the other hand, have far less african infuence, as most ON THE ISLAND are primarily white,of Spanish descent, with perhaps a little Taino, as well.

 

[JEFFREY]

Your right in that there are some similarities in culture and that proximity plays a role...the two countries are obviously near each other. But they are certainly different racially. Knowledgable Dominicans will tell you that the vast majority have a little of the african or negroid race in them. That is, they are, by and large, mulato...a mix of descendants of black slaves from Africa and white settlers from Europe, primarily spaniards, who colonized the island of la Espa?ola (in Spanish) after the arrival of Crist?bal Col?n (again, in Spanish). Puertorrique?os, on the other hand, have far less african influence, as most are primarily white, of Spanish descent, with perhaps a little Taino. There are, of course, Puertoricans who are of African descent, i.e., the descendants of slaves, but these represent a minority on "La Isla del Encanto" as they say on the island.

 

[Sarah]

The Dominican Republic is almost a melting pot just like the US. You will find that there are all types of nationalities and races living there. I for one am a mixture of Dominican, Arab, Italian, Mexican and Spanish. DR is a very interesting place. I'm not sure if it's the same in PR. Good luck with your Spanish.