@AnWulf Since you speak spanish, you may look at this: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continente#Modelos_continentales

As you see, there are many continental models. The "traditional" six-continent model is the usual in Latin America. Also, you can see that most models consider "América" as an unique continent (may be because the Panama Canal is an artificial division).

Regarding to the "American" issue, according to english Encarta: America: "a landmass comprising North America, South America, and Central America". "The use of America to mean the United States may cause offense to people from Canada and Central and South America, and should be avoided." I´m argentinian and many people I know think it is offensive. May be the people you talked with are just being polite. :-)

Sorry for my english.

From Encarta: America: "a landmass comprising North America, South America, and Central America". "The use of America to mean the United States may cause offense to people from Canada and Central and South America, and SHOULD BE AVOIDED." (I'm argentinian and I actually think it IS offensive. "Nadie les dijo que se pongan como nombre de país el nombre del continente completo").