This week we travel to Guatemala, one of the Latin American countries counting the highest proportion of Indian population (60% are Maya) and the highest density of Amerindian language speakers (over 6 million on a 110000km² large territory).

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. The Kaqchikel people mainly live in the volcanic area of Chimaltenango, near Lake Atitlán, in the western part of central Guatemala. A poor area, essentially rural, where corn farming plays an extensive role. The Kaqchikel language is one of the most widely spoken Mayan languages, along with K’ichee’, Yukateko, Wasteko, Mam, and Q’eqchi. Estimates show there are around half a million speakers of Kaqchikel, most of which are bilingual with Spanish. Despite accounts of a promising demography, Kaqchikel lacks diffusion among the young generations and faces a serious decline. And beyond the language itself, an important part of the Maya culture and knowledge are now threatened with extinction.

The decline of Kaqchikel

Linguist: Nikte Sis Iboy
Image & sound: José Reynès
Translation: Juliana Sis Iboy
Editing: Caroline Laurent