Description: This books brings together some of Mixe linguist Yásnaya Aguilar’s articles written over the course of a decade. Drawing on her experience as a Mixe-speaking native and Spanish-speaking second language speaker, as well as her studies in linguistics, Yásnaya reveals the reasons behind the decline of indigenous languages in Mexico and the potential and significance of their revitalisation. Through a writing style that combines theoretical concepts with an intimate, conversational tone reminiscent of conversations with her grandmother or social media posts, this collection of texts sheds light on the structural violence that the Mexican government has exerted on indigenous language speakers through policies that devalue their languages in favour of a single language: Spanish. By discussing the relationship between language and identity, and the Spanishisation process undertaken by the public education system in the 20th century, the author asserts that the abandonment of languages is the result of discrimination and censorship. She also argues that it is impossible to strengthen languages without respecting the lives and rights of their speakers. This book provides an insight into the political resistance of indigenous peoples and encourages awareness of linguistic diversity, as understanding and appreciating it is essential for fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.
Ää: manifiestos sobre la diversidad lingüística
