Questions for Further Study

While I have tried to resolve some questions about important works related to Mayan cultures, this essay probably opens as many questions as it might have resolved. Plentiful work is still needed to strengthen Mayan communities because limited work has been done regarding the need for intercultural and bilingual (Indigenous-Spanish) education for Indigenous communities in Mexico (Hamel 2008). Bilingual and intercultural education will strengthen children’s ties with their communities and territories. Additionally, language rights still need to be recognized as part of human rights. Especially when involving historically disadvantaged communities such as Indigenous peoples (Morales-Good 2020, Hamel et al 2018). The deep relationship between language, land, nature and Indigenous peoples is yet to be understood by non-Indigenous researchers (Armstrong 146-159). The Land gives us language, and we understand the world according to the knowledge the land shares with us. When Indigenous peoples are forcibly removed from their territories, a connection is lost and we are left with a need to find a sense of belonging.
This is a crucial time for undergraduate students to learn Mayan language and to show appreciation for Mayan culture, ways of living, and territory. A few years from now, due to Mexico’s mega project the Mayan train, the Peninsula of Yucatan will be offering a very different scenery. The voices of those fighting to protect their territory and sacred spaces could become an outstanding responsibility to graduate students seeking to document Indigenous forms of resistance. Furthermore, qualitative work will be needed to demonstrate whether or not Mayan communities would benefit from the Mayan train. It will also be our responsibility as scholars to document how such a project benefits or deters language reclamation. What is in the future for Mayan languages in the Peninsula of Yucatan? Would those already at risk survive? Would we see a positive shift on Mayan speakers? It is our responsibility as students, graduate students, and scholars to continue to strengthen Indigenous languages, as we challenge social norms and seek equity and inclusion.