Ethnicity refers to the cultural group someone belongs to or identifies with, based on shared characteristics like language, traditions, customs, history, or ancestry. While race traditionally refers to physical characteristics, ethnicity is more about cultural identity and heritage.

For example, two students might both be Asian in race, but one might be of Korean ethnicity (perhaps speaking Korean at home and celebrating Chuseok) while another might be of Vietnamese ethnicity (maybe celebrating Tết and eating phở with their family). Similarly, someone might be Hispanic or Latino in ethnicity, which describes a cultural connection to Spanish-speaking countries, but could be of any race.

Ethnicity shapes many parts of people's lives: the foods they grow up eating, the holidays they celebrate, the stories their grandparents tell, sometimes the religion they practice, and often the languages they speak at home. A person of Irish ethnicity might have family stories about immigration, celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and treasure traditional Irish music. Someone of Jewish ethnicity might observe Hanukkah, learn Hebrew, and feel connected to thousands of years of history and tradition.

People can have more than one ethnicity, especially if their parents come from different ethnic backgrounds. Many Americans describe themselves using multiple ethnicities: Irish-Italian, Mexican-American, Chinese-Filipino, and countless other combinations. Your ethnicity is part of your identity, connecting you to communities and traditions that came before you.