Without language there is no culture.

Without culture the body doesn't have a soul," said Arsenio Cordova, educator, lecturer, historian and musician.
We have to celebrate who we are and be proud of our identity. "People without knowledge of their history [are] like a tree without roots," Cordova said. "Speak out for our culture and traditions. We are doing injustices to our children and antepasados," he said, referring to ancestors whose spirits are always present. Cordova added the problem occurs because Hispanics have been swallowed up by a different culture and have forgotten tradition. He also said those who are bilingual are worth two people. Cordova stated that his contributions are to preserve cultural plays in their original format by dedication to researching their native origins. He referred to "Las Posadas," the traditional story told around Christmastime of the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, which was introduced by Mexican missionaries in 1530. "In 23 years more than 500 people have participated in the play, which I direct," Cordova said. "Most often the children don't know how to sing the songs in Spanish, but they are like a sponge, because they absorb everything and they learn what they are singing about," Cordova added. Other such traditions that help to preserve the Hispanic culture are "Los Dias," which gives salutation to the New Year with early morning serenades and "La Llorona," the weeping woman who cries at night after throwing her children into the river out of madness, he said. "We have responsibilities to preserve our Northern New Mexico traditions through music, drama and food. If you haven't experienced traditions, start today and if you don't have traditions in your family, start some," said Cordova. "Nunca, nunca, pararse el aprender. Never, never stop learning," because when you die you'll touch the lives of your children, grandchildren and antepasados, Cordova said. Cordova's talk was sponsored by the Laboratory's Hispanic Diversity Working Group and the Diversity (DVO) Office.

-- Kathryn Ostic