The Many Faces of America
"There has been no greater demographic change in the past 10 years in the demographic composition of older adults than the number of persons reaching 85 years of age. Closely following this has been change in the cultural and racial diversity of younger older adults, from age 60 to 74. Increased life expectancy among African-Americans and Native Americans and increased immigration of families from Latin America and Southeast Asia have increased demand for access and supportive services reflective of cultural traditions and values of these regions.

— C.E. Barbor, Ph.D., Professor and Head, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University

Glossary of Diversity Terms
Culture. The learned and shared knowledge, beliefs and rules that people use
to interpret experience and to generate social behavior. The guiding force
behind the behaviors and material products associated with a group of people.
University of Michigan Health System Program for Multicultural Health

Cultural and linguistic competence. A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes,
and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals
that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations. U.S. Office of Minority
Health

Cultural self-awareness. Understanding the assumptions and values upon
which one's own behavior and worldview rests. The appreciation and
acceptance of differences. University of Michigan Health System Program for
Multicultural Health

Diversity. Although the term is often used to refer to differences based on
ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual
orientation, diversity encompasses an infinite range of individuals' unique
characteristics and experiences. Society for Human Resource Management

Ethnicity. The cultural practices, language, cuisine, and traditions - not
biological or physical differences - used to distinguish groups of people.
Population Reference Bureau

Ethnocentrism. The interpretation of the beliefs and behavior of others in
terms of one's own cultural values and traditions with the assumption that
one's own culture is superior. University of Michigan Health System Program
for Multicultural Health

Limited-English proficiency. Individuals who do not speak English as their
primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or
understand English can be limited English proficient, or "LEP." These
individuals may be entitled language assistance with respect to a particular
type or service, benefit, or encounter. Interagency Working Group on Limited
English Proficiency

Linguistic competence. The capacity of an organization and its personnel to
communicate effectively and convey information in a manner that is easily
understood by diverse audiences, including persons of limited English
proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, and
individuals with disabilities. National Center for Cultural Competence

Stereotyping. A process whereby people make generalizations about
categories of objects, experiences and feelings based on the need to organize
information efficiently. When stereotypes are held onto despite contradicting
evidence, due to (often negative) value judgments, these stereotypes result in
misperceptions and misunderstandings of others. Public Broadcasting
Service, "A Test of Courage"

Tolerance. Respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our
world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance
is harmony in difference. United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization