2019 has been proclaimed the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations. The issue of “lenguas maternas” (mother tongues) has a particular resonance in Oaxaca, as the state is home to 16 distinct ethnolinguistic groups: Amuzgos, Chatino, Chinanteco, Chocho, Chontal, Cuicateco, Huave, Ixcateco, Mazateco, Mixe, Mixteco, Náhuatl, Popoloca, Triqui, Zapoteco, and Zoque.
As anyone who has visited the villages of Oaxaca has discovered, sometimes the abuelos and abuelas only speak their mother tongue, not Spanish. To honor and celebrate them, their ancestors, and their children and grandchildren, today on the zócalo, Oaxaca celebrated those languages with songs, poetry, and recitations.
However, like indigenous languages throughout the world, Mexico’s indigenous languages are in danger of disappearing. The importance of passing these languages and the world views they express to the younger generations cannot be underestimated.
Thus here in Oaxaca, on February 21, 2019, Mother Language Day, you can walk “The roads of the feathered serpent: revaluing one of the variants of the Zapotec Valley of Oaxaca” and “Meet the Zapotec of Teotitlán through storytelling and other activities!” at the Biblioteca Infantil (Children’s Library).
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
So grateful for the knowledge of Oaxacan culture that you’ve shared. You are a source that I trust. Thanks.
Thank you, Alana. I sure wish you could come down one of these days.
The village of San Juan Teitipec is holding their second annual Féria to celebrate the mother tongue Zapotec on Thursday the 21st. You should come out for it, Shannon!
Helen, thanks for the notice! Alas, I that was my OLL cataloging day and then off to Suchilquitongo with visiting friends.
This is inspiring. Thanks for posting.
Yes! And, people here in Oaxaca are very proud that Cleo and Adela spoke Mixteco to each other in the movie, Roma.
[…] At View From Casita Colibrí, Shannon talks about how International Mother Language Day was celebrated in Oaxaca, Mexico. Take a trip over to her blog for some intriguing photos and more information. […]