Suchergebnisse

Explores the complex relationship between linguistic diversity & intercultural communication, competition, & cooperation in Guatemala where 21 Mayan languages, Nahua, & an Afro-Caribbean language are spoken in addition to the official Spanish. The importance of ethnic diversity & multilingualism in Guatemalan history is discussed, along with the emphasis on "interculturalism" in the 1996 peace accords. Language shifts that have occurred over the last 25 years in Mayan regions are examined, noting the widespread trend toward bilingualism in the Mayan & Spanish languages in the highland regions, & in Spanish & another language (mostly English) in urban areas. A state sponsored bilingual education program in Mayan languages & Spanish was instituted in 1980. Steps outlined in the peace accords for achieving an authentic bilingual intercultural education are described, along with the meaning of "intercultural;" the implications of putting interculturalism into practice; & recommendations of the Special Parity Commission on Indigenous Language Officialization. Prospects for a future pluricultural & multilingual Guatemala are discussed. 1 Figure, 13 References. J. Lindroth