Issue #1 | January 2025

We're thrilled to launch our very first edition of the Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project Newsletter! In this space, we'll share exciting updates, cultural insights, and the incredible work being done to preserve and promote Mayan language inclusion in the digital world.

This month, we bring you some exciting new developments from the world of the Mayan Languages Preservation Project; including a new website that will be launched and increased sharing of stories, music, and how our team's efforts are going global.

Yo'qeb'! (Let's Go! - Q'eqchi')

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New Website Launch: A Digital Revival for Mayan Language Preservation

The power of the digital world is amazing. It opens endless possibilities for preserving and sharing vast amounts of knowledge. That's why we are extremely excited to share that the Preservation and Digitization Project website is coming along brilliantly. Developed in partnership with MasterWord, this platform is an open source, comprehensive glossary aimed at preserving and promoting our languages in a digital format.

This project was created for the people and by the people. We are a community-driven space for Mayan language professionals and scholars to share research, resources, and linguistic knowledge. Together, we can raise the voices of our communities by creating accessible and essential resources for education, healthcare, community services, law, and more.

Language Rights Are Human Rights
 
The Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project affirms the belief that language rights are human rights. Join us as we celebrate the strength, beauty, and cultural wealth rooted in every word of our languages

Recent Trips to Guatemala: Laying the Groundwork for the Kaqchikel UNESCO Presentation
 
During a recent trip to Guatemala, our Director, Dr. Winston Scott, and community leader and MLPP board member and collaborator, Baldomero Cuma, prepared a joint presentation for the Language Technology for All conference in Paris, France. Baldomero’s presentation will be historic as it will be delivered in Kaqchikel Mayan, bringing attention to the ongoing need for the preservation and recognition of Mayan languages at an international level. 

Social Media Updates: Celebrating Mayan Culture in a Digital Space

Our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) are bustling with activity from content designed to celebrate and share the beauty of Mayan languages and culture! Here is a sneak peek at some additions coming in the new month that will be joining our word of the day posts:

• Cultural mini posts: Learn about our communities, our languages, our personal stories, and what we are doing to ensure equitable presence in digital spaces.
• Story time: Enjoy stories with family and friends told in Mam, K’iche’, Q’eqchi’, Kaqchikel, and more where our community members engage in learning from written and oral traditions in their native languages. 

Join Us on Our Venture

We want to hear from you! The Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project is an ongoing collaboration. We appreciate and value your input. Here’s a few ways you can get involved:
 

• Share your knowledge: If you are a speaker or expert in a Mayan language, we invite you to contribute to our platforms. Your knowledge is invaluable, please reach out to us, we would love to have a conversation with you.
• Follow us: Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates.
• Shout it out: Help raise awareness of our project by sharing our posts and telling your family and friends about the importance of preserving language today and into the future.

Positive Reflections: Celebrating Voices, Preserving Heritage, and Empowering Communities

At the Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project, we believe in the power of community. By working together, we can preserve our languages as we celebrate the cultural wealth and wisdom that these languages embody. We are excited about the future and the role that digital technologies can play in promoting equity in language access for all linguistic communities.

Tichija’ iwi’ iwonojel! (Take care all! - Kaqchikel)

The Mayan Languages Preservation Project Team
Follow us: mayanlanguagespreservation.org

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Tax-Deductible Donations (Canada & U.S.)

To support land and environmental defenders, and human rights, justice and democracy defense struggles in Honduras and Guatemala, make check to "Rights Action" and mail to:

• U.S.: Box 50887, Washington DC, 20091-0887
• Canada: Box 82858, RPO Cabbagetown Toronto, ON, M5A 3Y2

Credit-Card Donations: https://rightsaction.org/donate/
Direct deposits, write to: [email protected]
Donations of securities, write to: [email protected]

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