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’s commitment to this cause is reflected in the General Law of Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes Indigenous languages as having equal validity with Spanish.
In Mexico City, 78 schools will begin offering Náhuatl language classes in the next few weeks. Although Náhuatl is the most widely spoken Indigenous language on the entire American continent, it shows signs of quickly vanishing, especially among younger generations.
“Náhuatl has since time immemorial been the language of the people of the valley of Mexico, but it’s not just a tongue of the past. It must be preserved as a living language into the future as part of our nation’s heritage,” said Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.
Across the country, similar initiatives are underway to promote the use of Indigenous languages like Zapotec and Mixtec, which have been spoken for centuries but now face the threat of extinction.
These classes are designed to teach vocabulary and grammar and immerse students in the cultural context of the languages. Through storytelling, traditional songs, and rituals, students gain a deeper understanding of the worldviews embedded in these ancient tongues.
In Yucatán, adult students can enroll in Mayan language classes at INDEMAYA, the Autonomous University of Yucatán, the Municipal Mayan Language Academy “Itzamná,” as well as at the UNAM’s Cephcis language center.
Growing Enthusiasm for Indigenous languages
While challenges such as limited resources and varying dialects persist, the growing enthusiasm among students and communities signals a promising future for Indigenous languages, ensuring they remain an enduring part of Mexico’s identity.
It is important to keep in mind that indigenous languages in Mexico, are often met with discrimination. This prejudice stems from a complex web of historical, social, and economic factors that continue to marginalize indigenous communities.
The roots of this discrimination trace back to the Spanish colonization of Mexico. Spanish colonizers imposed their language and culture, creating a hierarchy where indigenous languages were deemed inferior. This legacy of cultural erasure persists today, as Spanish remains the dominant language in education, media, and government, while indigenous languages are often excluded from these spaces.
Social and racial prejudices further compound the issue. Indigenous people, who are frequently among the poorest in Mexico, face stereotypes that label their languages and cultures as “backward” or “outdated.” Speaking an indigenous language can lead to discrimination in urban areas, where Spanish is seen as the language of opportunity and modernity.
The fight for indigenous languages in Mexico is not just about preserving words; it’s about reclaiming identity, dignity, and a place in a society that has long marginalized its native peoples. By embracing linguistic diversity, Mexico can move closer to a future where all its voices are heard and valued.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
