Get to Know Me: Why I Proudly Embrace Being Croatian-Peruvian Instead of Peruvian-Croatian

To understand why I identify as Croatian-Peruvian instead of Peruvian-Croatian, I must first reflect on where I was born. I was born in Perú, a country rich in history, culture, and beauty. My Peruvian heritage runs deep, and it is an essential part of who I am. Perú, with its ancient traditions, vibrant landscapes, and warm people, has shaped much of my identity.

However, despite being born in Perú, I introduce myself as Croatian-Peruvian. This choice isn’t simply a personal preference, but a decision influenced by something as straightforward as alphabetical order. While both my Croatian and Peruvian heritages are equally significant, the order in which I present them is shaped by this linguistic structure.

Let me explain. In the four languages that I speak—English, Croatian, Spanish, and French—the words for Croatian and Peruvian appear in the same order when listed alphabetically. That is, Croatian comes first, and Peruvian comes second.

In English, the word Croatian comes before Peruvian, simply because the letter “C” comes before the letter “P” in the alphabet. It’s as simple as that. This order feels natural to me when I present myself to others, providing a structure for my identity.

In Croatian, the word for a man from Croatia is Hrvat, while a man from Perú is called Peruanac. In this case, Hrvat (C) comes before Peruanac (P), again reinforcing the alphabetical precedence of Croatian over Peruvian.

In Spanish, the word Croata is used to refer to a man from Croatia, while Peruano refers to a man from Perú. Once more, Croata (C) comes before Peruano (P), following the same alphabetical logic.

In French, the term Croate is used for a man from Croatia, while Péruvien is used for a man from Perú. As in the other languages, Croate (C) precedes Péruvien (P), confirming the same alphabetical order across multiple languages.

The consistency across these four languages—English, Croatian, Spanish, and French—may seem like a minor detail, but to me, it provides a simple and logical way to present my identity. While my Peruvian heritage is just as significant as my Croatian background, the order of these words helps maintain a sense of balance between the two. Croatian comes first in all four languages, and this feels like the most natural way to describe myself.

So, while I was born in Perú, and my Peruvian roots will always be an integral part of who I am, I call myself Croatian-Peruvian. It’s a reflection of the structure and logic I see in the world around me, and it has become part of the way I introduce myself to others.

Finally, let’s talk about the Canada part. I have lived in Canada for almost 35 years now, and this country has become my home. Canada’s multicultural nature and commitment to diversity have made it the perfect place for me to embrace both my Croatian and Peruvian heritages. In Canada, I am proud to be Croatian-Peruvian, blending the influences of both cultures in a country that celebrates diversity.