Week 1: Introduction to Nahuatl
John H -
Piyali notekixpohmeh (Hello friends)!
For my senior project, I am exploring the intricate relationship between the Nahuatl language and its role in preserving indigenous Mexican culture. Through this study, titled ‘Nahuatl and the Fight for Cultural Survival,’ I aim to understand not just the language itself, but the complex cultural ecosystem it exists within—from traditional practices and artistic expressions to the contemporary challenges faced by its speakers.
I chose this title because Nahuatl remains relatively unknown to many, and resources for learning it can be difficult to access, especially for those who don’t know where to look. Furthermore, my study of Nahuatl has opened my eyes to the political polarization on the matter as many disagree about how and whether the language should be taught. Through learning the language, I’ve been able to learn new aspects of the culture, find new patterns across languages, and see the societal and political pressures that have been placed on these people. These factors are largely due to the situation natives were put in following Spanish conquests and imperialism, and these challenges reflect a larger pattern of indigenous language endangerment worldwide. I hope to shed light on this situation and clarify the different points of view present in these discussions through my research.
Although I have indigenous ancestry, I approach this work as a respectful learner rather than an insider. This perspective was sparked by a childhood encounter with Aztec ruins that left an indelible impression on my seven-year-old self. Now, working alongside Garcia, whose publications on Nahuatl are foundational to its modern study, I aim to bridge gaps in understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous communities while documenting the vital importance of language preservation to cultural survival.
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