Preserving Maya Language: How One Teacher’s Unique Methods Are Making a Difference

International Mother Language Day, celebrated on February 21, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages worldwide. In Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Maya language remains a vital cultural cornerstone, yet it faces challenges from dominant languages and cultural shifts.​

Roger Antonio Och Dzib, an indigenous education teacher, emphasizes the urgency of addressing language displacement. He points to ‘castilianization,’ where Western cultures, particularly Spanish, gradually supplant indigenous tongues, often unnoticed. This issue receives minimal attention in educational curricula, which frequently reduce cultural preservation to superficial acts like donning traditional attire.​

Beyond mere preservation, Och Dzib advocates for active promotion of the Maya language and heightened awareness of its vulnerabilities. At his multi-grade school, despite limited staff, he fosters student engagement in activities celebrating Maya linguistics and heritage.​

Each Monday, the school conducts ceremonies in Maya, followed by physical activities accompanied by traditional jarana music, replacing contemporary English songs. Students participate wearing customary Maya garments, deepening their connection to their roots.​

Och Dzib has also spearheaded initiatives like “U Juum Tsikbalo’ob” (Sound of the Stories), creating Maya audio narratives enriched with sound effects, resonating with both young and adult audiences. Another project, “EETS, Pedagogical Audio Narratives,” compiles educators’ autobiographies and experiences in Maya, preserving invaluable linguistic and cultural knowledge.​

The Yucatán Peninsula, encompassing Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche, is home to approximately 800,000 Maya speakers. In Quintana Roo alone, about 17% of residents aged three and above speak an indigenous language, predominantly Maya. Notably, towns like Valladolid witness Maya spoken as frequently as Spanish, reflecting its enduring presence. ​

Efforts to revitalize the Maya language extend beyond traditional education. Innovative approaches, such as Maya-language rap, have emerged, offering younger generations a contemporary medium to engage with and preserve their linguistic heritage. These creative expressions signify a dynamic fusion of modernity and tradition, ensuring the Maya language remains vibrant and relevant. ​

Preserving the Maya language necessitates a multifaceted strategy, intertwining education, community involvement, and cultural initiatives. By embracing both conventional and modern methodologies, the linguistic legacy of the Maya can be safeguarded for future generations.

All of these efforts aim to reach a wider audience and are available on Spotify at the following link [https://open.spotify.com/show/78WfzogBh5zO0D51HcwZuM].