Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas

Escuela de Lenguas Campus IV

Tapachula, Chiapas, México.

Licenciatura en la enseñanza del inglés

Itzel Berenice Gómez Vázquez
4°B Vespertino
100002167

Ensayo
“The importance of preserving indigenous Languages in Chiapas: A cultural
Heritage at Risk”
 The importance of preserving indigenous Languages in Chiapas: A
cultural Heritage at Risk

Chiapas is known for being one of the richest states in cultural diversity and history.
Approximately 12 indigenous languages are spoken in this state, which most of
these are now getting lost. Preserving indigenous languages in Chiapas is not only
about linguistic conservation but also about to safe cultural heritage. This essay
explores the significance of preserving these languages and the urgent need to take
action.

Indigenous languages of Chiapas are ways of preserving traditional knowledge and

cultural identity. These languages are more than just ways of communication; they
embody the worldview, beliefs and customs of indigenous communities. Through
language, stories are passed down from generation to generation, maintaining
connections with ancestral wisdom and practices. If these languages are not
preserved, important cultural knowledge may be lost forever and links between the
past, present and future may be severed.
Linguistic diversity contributes to the richness of global cultural heritage. Chiapas is
home to a multitude of indigenous languages, each with its unique structure,
vocabulary, and nuances. These languages offer valuable insights into human
cognition and linguistic evolution. Moreover, they provide alternative perspectives on
concepts and phenomena, enriching our understanding of the world. Preserving
indigenous languages in Chiapas is not just a local concern but a global imperative
in the effort to maintain linguistic diversity, which is essential for cultural pluralism
and mutual understanding.
Indigenous languages in Chiapas are under severe threat due to various factors.
The dominance of Spanish as the official language, along with socioeconomic
disparities, educational marginalization, and cultural assimilation policies, has led to
a decline in native language speakers. Without concerted efforts to reverse this
trend, many indigenous languages in Chiapas face the risk of extinction within a few
generations. Therefore, urgent action is needed to implement policies that promote
bilingual education, linguistic revitalization programs, and cultural preservation
initiatives.

In conclusion, the preservation of indigenous languages in Chiapas is crucial for

safeguarding cultural heritage, maintaining linguistic diversity, promoting social
cohesion, and empowering indigenous communities. These languages are not just
words; they are repositories of wisdom, identity, and resilience. As guardians of
cultural heritage, it is our responsibility to ensure that these languages continue to
thrive for generations to come. By valuing and supporting indigenous languages, we
uphold the fundamental human right to linguistic and cultural expression, fostering a
more inclusive
 Referencias:

https://www.elheraldodechiapas.com.mx/local/municipios/cuantas-lenguas-
indigenas-hay-en-chiapas-9937718.html
https://sic.cultura.gob.mx/lista.php?table=inali_li&estado_id=7&municipio_id=-1
https://leionoticias.com/lenguas-que-se-hablan-en-chiapas/
https://www.diariodelsur.com.mx/local/lenguas-indigenas-se-hablan-en-chiapas-
11477104.html
https://micrositios.iberopuebla.mx/contratiempo/2022/02/por-que-es-importante-la-
preservacion-de-las-lenguas-
originarias/#:~:text=La%20preservaci%C3%B3n%20de%20las%20leguas,que%20
una%20lengua%20trae%20consigo.
and enriched society for all.