Articles
MODERN EDUCATION AND CULTURE IMPACT ON BOTH LANGUAGE AND BOTANICAL HEALING TRADITIONS OF THE MAYA IN BELIZE
Article number
964_25
Pages
205 – 210
Language
English
Abstract
An investigation on the declining use of indigenous language and its impact on traditional Qeqchi and Mopán Maya culture in Southern Belize was undertaken.
This study assessed student use of the vulnerable Qeqchi language and the endangered Mopán language.
The ability to speak their indigenous language was viewed as significantly lower among these youth.
Reasons for this include education, travel, and the need to communicate with outsiders.
A local Qeqchi healer noted that fewer youth are starting traditional botanical and medical training due to educational and economic pressures.
An educational video of a plant walk with this healer was shot.
This video serves as an example of how local villagers could undertake a low-cost project to document traditional knowledge using digital technology that is increasingly common in the villages.
This study assessed student use of the vulnerable Qeqchi language and the endangered Mopán language.
The ability to speak their indigenous language was viewed as significantly lower among these youth.
Reasons for this include education, travel, and the need to communicate with outsiders.
A local Qeqchi healer noted that fewer youth are starting traditional botanical and medical training due to educational and economic pressures.
An educational video of a plant walk with this healer was shot.
This video serves as an example of how local villagers could undertake a low-cost project to document traditional knowledge using digital technology that is increasingly common in the villages.
Authors
A.J. Semotiuk, M. Cus, N.L. Semotiuk
Keywords
botany, bush doctor, endangered language, ethnobotany, Kekchi, language documentation, Mopán, Q’eqchi¿
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