This study was done with a purpose to explore what perception is held by the postsecondary second language learners as well as their instructors, with regards to the physical appearance of native Spanish speakers. It is essential to conduct such studies to know about racial diversity and its awareness recognized by the L2 Spanish speakers. A literature review was also performed, with a purpose to view the various findings in previous research studies, and also to get more insight into the topic. After reviewing the literature, it was time to collect data from the participants to get a real-world perspective. The enrolled students in the University of Southern Mississippi's Spanish programs were sent an email to participate in this study. The positive response came from 241 students to volunteer in this study.

               The majority of these students were those who have never studied abroad. The age of all students was above the age of 18 years old. Moreover, nine Spanish instructors also participated in the study. After their consent to participate in the survey, both instructors and students were provided an online review to give their opinion. The participants were shown different photos to get their answers about each picture so that they can identify the people in the pictures. There was a total of 24 photos, in 12 pictures, there were native Spanish speakers, and in the other 12 photos, there were 12 native English speakers. After collecting the responses, there was an analysis of data, and to find out any relationship between the variables, where there is a usage of ANOVA system. So, results were derived after the analysis to see what kind of physical characteristics were identified by the instructors and learners with regards to native Spanish speakers using those 24 photos.

               The ratings given by the instructors were a bit higher as compared to the ratings assigned by the students. This research has observed that in this area had been minimal and more research is needed. An end conclusion presents that stereotypes were existing about the Spanish speakers if the physical attributes of the learners were narrow. This study was quite significant in the terms of getting the proper perception of students as well as the instructors regarding the importance of having some kind of contact with the Spanish other than the classroom setting so that things can be better in raising awareness about the racial diversity (Abreu, 2016).

References of Awareness of Racial Diversity in the Spanish-Speaking World

Abreu, L. (2016). Awareness of Racial Diversity in the Spanish-Speaking World Among L2 Spanish Speakers. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, 49(1), 180–190.