“Rutzib’axik Qach’ab’äl” Piloting the Application of Heritage Language Learning Methodologies in Two Kaqchikel Speaking Communities in Guatemala.
My name is Ingrid Sub Cuc (Maya Kaqchikel/Q’eqchi’). For my Mellon Public Scholar Summer Project I worked with my mentor, teacher and language expert Magda Sotz (Kaqchikel) to develop 1) a reading and writing manual for Kaqchikel speakers and 2) a 4-hour learning workshop in two communities in Guatemala. Guatemala is a multilingual country with 25 languages spoken – 22 of them being Maya languages. Kaqchikel Maya is the 3rd most spoken Maya language in the country but unfortunately most of us who speak it do not know how to read or write it. This project explores whether Heritage Language Learning Methodologies (implemented in the United States) could be applied to Kaqchikel speakers in Guatemala to help them learn how to read and write their language. The project showed promising results! Heritage Language Learning Methodologies might be useful and applicable (with some changes) in Guatemala for Maya language speakers who lack the skills to read and write their language. Language is central to our identities, health and wellbeing as Maya people and learning how to read and write our languages is essential to ensuring its survival and continuity.