Náhuatl and Mayan Language Renaissance Occurring in Mexico

Mexico is home to 68 officially recognized Indigenous languages, spoken by nearly 7 million people, including Mayan and Náhuatl. Yet, despite their historical significance, many of these languages are in decline. Urbanization, globalization, and the dominance of Spanish and English are slowly but surely pushing them to the brink. To preserve Mexico’s rich linguistic heritage, Mexican authorities have kick-started an initiative to offer Indigenous language classes, and, in some cases, fully bilingual curriculums. In Yucatán, efforts to teach the Maya language in schools are gaining momentum as 35,000 students from 75 municipalities now have the option to study Yucatec-Maya, beginning as early as grade school. Náhuatl and Mayan Language Renaissance The broader initiative includes efforts to preserve and revitalize Indigenous culture by recognizing the importance of Mexico’s Prehispanic heritage and how it connects with its cultural and historical significance. The Mexican government ... Read full article.