In a bid to promote and preserve the rich Mayan culture, Mérida’s City Council has been working tirelessly to revive the language through various initiatives. The Municipal Institute for the Strengthening of Mayan Culture has taken the lead in this effort, offering workshops and courses that aim not only to teach the language but also to integrate it into daily life.
The institute’s head, Marcos Pech, highlights the success of these programs, which have been well-received by both children and adults. “We’re seeing a promising future for the Mayan language, especially with its growing presence on digital platforms,” he says. “Our goal is to change the perception that Mayan is a language of the past and demonstrate that it has a place in the modern world.”
Interest in learning Mayan has been on the rise in recent years, with locals and outsiders alike enrolling in the institute’s courses. According to Pech, this surge in interest can be attributed to factors such as job opportunities and a desire to reconnect with one’s roots.
The program has also attracted international students and retirees, who have been drawn to Mérida’s vibrant Mayan culture. Around eight people participate in the program each year, some of whom have achieved fluency in Mayan communication.
Pech notes that these efforts are not only about preserving a language but also about promoting cultural exchange and understanding. “We’re proud to be part of this movement to revive and promote the Mayan language, and we look forward to seeing its continued growth and development,” he says.
Source: Sipse
