Here we are in Guatemala among the Kaqchikel, one of the area’s Maya communities. We’re joined by José Alfredo Obdulio Perén Gabino, who introduces us to common Kaqchikel expressions: the white man, I’m hungry, I’m sleepy, I want to walk, I want to dance, and as always, I love you…

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Linguist: Nikte Sis Iboy
Image and sound: José Reynès
Editing: Caroline Laurent

Kaqchikel is one of the 30 Mayan languages (21 are spoken in Guatemala, 9 in Mexico). It belongs to the K’iche’ branch, and is close to K’ichee’ and Tz’utujiil.
Most speakers of Kaqchikel live in the volcanic region of Chimaltenango, in central-western Guatemala, near Lake Atitlán. It’s a poor area, essentially rural, where corn farming plays an extensive role. Kaqchikel is one of the most widely spoken Mayan languages, along with K’ichee’, Yukateko, Wasteko, Mam, and Q’eqchi. The number of people who speak Kaqchikel is estimated around half a million, most of whom are Spanish bilinguals.
Despite accounts of a promising demography, Kaqchikel lacks diffusion among the young generations and faces a serious decline. Thus beyond the language itself, a whole part of the Maya culture and knowledge is threatened with extinction.