Ciudadanos de Chiapas buscan mantener viva la lengua Zoque

Summary

In Chiapas, efforts are underway to preserve the Soque language, one of the state's oldest. Despite its historical significance, the language is at risk as fewer people speak or teach it to younger generations. A local teacher, Nican Hernández, is leading workshops to revive the language, attracting students with ancestral ties to the Soque community. These classes are held at the Casa Cultural Soque in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and aim to preserve not just the language but the broader Soque culture. The initiative reflects a growing desire to protect indigenous traditions and foster cultural identity for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Soque language, one of the oldest in Chiapas, is being preserved in the state through educational initiatives.
• 😀 Abraham Jiménez, an advocate for language preservation, discusses efforts in Chiapas to revive and maintain the Soque language.
• 😀 The Soque language once had a presence in multiple states, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, but it is now at risk of extinction.
• 😀 A teacher in Tuxtla Gutiérrez is running workshops aimed at teaching the Soque language to interested individuals and descendants of the Soque people.
• 😀 Despite some individuals still speaking Soque, many do not teach the language to the younger generation, further threatening its survival.
• 😀 The workshops are particularly important for those with Soque ancestry who wish to reconnect with their cultural heritage.
• 😀 Some participants found out about the Soque language classes through online invitations, highlighting the growing interest in preserving the language.
• 😀 One student shared that they were motivated to learn Soque because their grandparents were among the last speakers of the language.
• 😀 The Soque language is particularly spoken in rural areas like Ocosocoautla and Berrosabal, where there are very few speakers left.
• 😀 The initiative is being hosted at the Casa Cultural Soque in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and the organizers encourage the public to join the workshops to help preserve the culture.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the initiative discussed in the transcript?

The initiative focuses on preserving the Soque language, one of the oldest languages in Chiapas, through workshops and educational programs aimed at teaching the language to new generations.

Why is the preservation of the Soque language important?

The Soque language is at risk of disappearing, and its preservation is vital for maintaining the cultural identity of the Soque people. Many of the speakers are elderly, and younger generations are not learning the language.

Where is the Soque language being taught in Chiapas?

The Soque language is being taught at the Casa Cultural Soque in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, through workshops aimed at reviving and preserving the language.

What motivated the young man to join the Soque language workshop?

The young man was motivated by his curiosity after learning that his family, particularly his grandparents, spoke the Soque language. His interest grew after attending the Soque carnival and discovering the importance of preserving the language.

What is the current status of the Soque language in the region?

The Soque language is critically endangered in the region, with very few speakers remaining, particularly in areas like Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Ocosocoautla, and Berrózabal, where the language was once more widely spoken.

How many students are currently attending the Soque language workshops?

There are currently around 14-15 students attending the Soque language workshops in the afternoons.

What role does Professor Nican Hernández play in the initiative?

Professor Nican Hernández is leading the Soque language workshops in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. He is actively teaching and promoting the language to help preserve it.

How does the Soque language relate to the cultural identity of its speakers?

The Soque language is deeply tied to the cultural traditions and identity of the Soque people. Its loss would mean a significant cultural loss, as language is a key element of the community's history and practices.

What challenges does the Soque language face in terms of preservation?

The main challenges include a lack of younger speakers learning the language, the social stigma that associates indigenous languages with backwardness, and the dominance of Spanish as the primary language in the region.

What is the community's reaction to the language preservation initiative?

The community has responded positively to the initiative. There is a growing interest in learning the language, especially among individuals who have Soque ancestry or those who want to reconnect with their cultural roots.