The Life of Our Language: Kaqchikel Maya Maintenance, Shift, and Revitalization

By Susan Garzon, Julia Becker Richards, R McKenna Brown, et al.

Book Overview

The native Maya peoples of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize have been remarkably successful in maintaining their cultural identity during centuries of contact with and domination by outside groups. Yet change is occurring in all Mayan communities as contact with Spanish-speaking Ladino society increases. This book explores change and continuity in one of the most vital areas of Mayan culture-language use.

The authors look specifically at Kaqchikel, one of the most commonly spoken Mayan languages. Following an examination of language contact situations among indigenous groups in the Americas, the authors proceed to a historical overview of the use of Kaqchikel in the Guatemalan Highlands. They then present case studies of three highland communities in which the balance is shifting between Kaqchikel and Spanish. Wuqu' Ajpub', a native Kaqchikel speaker, gives a personal account of growing up negotiating between the two languages and the different world views they encode. The authors conclude with a look at the Mayan language revitalization movement and offer a scenario in which Kaqchikel and other Mayan languages can continue to thrive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 029272814X
• ISBN13: 9780292728141
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

An inspiring and educational read

I HIGHLY recommend Life of Our Language for anyone interested in Guatemala, language and/or anthropology. The book profiles three Kaqchikel villages in the Highlands of Guatemala, including San Marcos La Laguna, on the shores of lovely Lake Atitlan. Having significant experience in San Marcos, I found the historical background of this captivating village very critical to understanding the Mayan people in this community. The authors discuss the historical background of the three Kaqchikel speaking villages, providing great insight to the culture and make-up of the community members. Well documented and researched, the authors capture the significance of the Mayan language and the importance of maintaining the Mayan languages for the identity of the Mayan people.