Words referring to parts of the body stand among these basic terms often regarded as universal, and thus accurate tools for comparing languages. We’ve already offered a few videos on the same topic in 3 languages of Gabon: Mpongwe, Akele and Punu. Some words had actually triggered a few chuckles as you might imagine!

We’re now back in Guatemala, where José Alfredo Obdulio Perén Gabino, who told us about numbers in Kaqchikel last week, introduces us to the human anatomy.

Kaqchikel is one of the 30 Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala and in Mexico. Most speakers of Kaqchikel live in the volcanic region of Chimaltenango, in central-western Guatemala, near Lake Atitlán. It is 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. Beyond the language itself, thus a whole part of the Maya culture and knowledge is threatened with extinction.

See all videos in Kaqchikel

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