Language ideologies in the communicative practices of four maya families

Abstract

Several sociolinguistic studies conducted across Yucatan Peninsula have noted the current displacement of Maya in favor of Spanish, as well as the lack of intergenerational transmission of Maya (Chi Canul 2011; Chi Pech 2016; Pfeiler 1988). Although these studies document the shift from Maya to Spanish, they do not explore the valuation and use of these two languages to explain why this shift is occurring. This study contributes to the understanding of language ideologies, and communicative practices of four Maya families in a rural community in Quintana Roo (Mexico), to understand the general pattern of the lack of intergenerational transmission of Maya. The adults interviewed show explicit attitudes in favor of learning Maya and Spanish. However, through audio and video documentation, and observation, a bias in favor of Spanish in everyday linguistic behavior has been identified. This study shows that language ideologies of bilingual speakers of Maya and Spanish are heterogeneous and dynamic (and sometimes contradictory) and must be continually negotiated.