Maya Language at Risk in Quintana Roo: Save It Now

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — Enrique Chuc Cen, Director General of the Institute for the Development of the Maya People and Indigenous Communities (INMAYA), has issued a stark warning about the accelerating decline of the Maya language in communities across the state, particularly among younger generations. Speaking from the municipality of José María Morelos, Chuc Cen emphasized the urgent need for preservation efforts to ensure children learn and actively use this ancestral language.

A Collective Responsibility

Chuc Cen stressed that safeguarding the Maya language is not solely the duty of institutions but requires the commitment of all individuals born into Maya families. "We must be the first advocates. We cannot forget our language, our traditions, or the teachings passed down by our grandparents and parents," he asserted.

Through INMAYA, the government has launched literacy courses in Maya, offering basic and intermediate levels, while also signing agreements with municipalities to promote its instruction. Recent partnerships with Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen have been finalized, and government agencies are being urged to provide services in Maya to uphold the rights of Indigenous citizens.

Balancing Language Priorities

The director acknowledged that some young people prioritize learning English, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but insisted that mastering a second language need not come at the expense of Maya identity. "A foreigner may speak English beside me, and I can learn it too—but without abandoning my Maya," he stated.

Cultural Preservation Initiatives

As part of broader cultural revitalization efforts, the Sixth Maya Congress will convene on Friday, August 15, at the Technological Institute of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The event will bring together dignitaries, cultural advocates, and Maya speakers to address challenges and propose solutions. Registration begins at 7:00 AM, followed by a traditional ceremony at 8:30 AM.

"Participation must be free, democratic, and voluntary. Only the people can save the people," Chuc Cen concluded, underscoring the goal of delivering services directly to communities while amplifying their voices.