This delightful presentation plunges us into the fascinating search of what it means to be Puerto Rican. This was the process of self-discovery undergone by Dr. Judith Nine-Curt, arising first from her findings as teacher of English as a second language, and reflecting her own experiences as a Puerto Rican totally immersed in the anglo-saxon culture of North America. Thirty years of profound anthropological learning led her to embrace her own island culture of inclusion, deep family values, a “unique, special, and unrepeatable” culture which was formed in five hundred years of linguistic, ethnic, racial, and sociological integration of all the groups who, passing through Puerto Rico, decided to make the Island of Enchantment their permanent home, their own beloved homeland.

In view of the constant and comprehensive relations of Puerto Ricans with the anglo-saxon culture of the United States and the challenges presented by the growing globalization of every walk of life, Dr. Nine-Curt’s inspiring message takes on an immense importance, not only for Puerto Ricans and North Americans, but also for all the cultures of the world whose mutual understanding and close collaboration is so important to the future of mankind.

Dr. Carmen Judith Nine-Curt is a retired professor of English from the University of Puerto Rico. Her doctorate in Education was obtained at the University of Columbia in New York City, and a doctorate Honoris Causa from LaSalle University for her research and promotion of an ongoing dialogue between the cultures of the United States and Puerto Rico. Her professional career extends over forty years of uninterrupted service to the people of her native land. Currently she is very active giving lectures on Puerto Rican identity and culture and how they contrast with the mainland culture of the United States. She also participates in workshops and retreats promoting interpersonal communication and the strengthening of “connections, links, and intimacies” that not only help build better individuals and families, but also an entire nation with much to contribute by reason of its historical evolution to the global coexistence of the Family of Man.