Guatemala - Mayan Languages and Books

Of the total thirty one Mayan languages, twenty one are spoken in Guatemala. Four thousand years ago there was only one language, but the following years saw the languages developing into different forms. Although there are some common characteristics, the differences in what is spoken today prevent speakers in one area from understanding the language of speakers from another area. The alphabetic writing of the language has only been emphasized in the last sixty years. PLFM was formed in 1969 to preserve the languages, train linguists and teachers, to develop and publish grammars, dictionaries, and literature of the Mayan languages and to promote cultural pride and Mayan identity. Since it is a non-profit foundation, earnings engendered by the Spanish school are applied toward the Mayan linguistic projects and publications. This is vital work which gives a voice to several million modern Mayans. The Mayan languages are the bases which sustain and enhance Mayan culture and identity.

The Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala followed by the approximate number of speakers are: Q'EQCHI' (726,723), POQOMCHI' (69,716), POQOMAM (31,000) (from the K'iche' branch), K'ICHE' (926,000), SIPAKAPENSE (6,344), SAKAPULTEKO (3,940), TZ'UTUJIL (47,669), KAQCHIKEL (475,889), USPANTEKO (1,231) (from the Mam branch), MAM (519,664), TEKTITEKO (1,241), AWAKATEKO (16,272), IXIL (69,137) (from the Q'anjob'al branch), POPTI (38,350), AKATEKO (5,572), Q'ANJOB'AL (99,211), TOJOLABAL (58,000), CHUJ (38,253) (from the Chol branch), CH'ORTI' (9,105) (from the Yukateca branch), MOPAN (468), ITZA' (123).

Students at PLFM may request instruction in any of the major languages and possibly others.

MAYAN LANGUAGE BOOKS FOR PURCHASE

Books are available for purchase which are grammars or dictionaries, in the Mayan languages.

US$ 15 Diccionario Tz'utujil
US$ 16 Diccionario Ch'orti
US$ 20 Diccionario Akateko
US$ 15 Diccionario Mam
Diccionario Q'anjob'al (sorry, out of print)
US$ 16 Diccionario Popti' (Jakalteko)
US $17 Diccionario K'iche'
US$ 17 Diccionario Q'eqchi'
US $17 Diccionario Kaqchikel
US$ 10 Diccionario Chuj de San Sebastián
US$ 16 Diccionario Ixil de Chajul
US$ 16 Diccionario Ixil de Nebaj
Gramática Q'anjob'al (sorry, out of print)
US$ 15 Gramática Ixil
US$ 15 Gramática Kaqchikel
US$ 15 Gramática K'iche'
US$ 10 Gramática Achi
US$ 15 Gramática Ch'orti'
US$ 10 Gramática Q'eqchi'
US$ 12 Gramática Pokomam
Gramática Tz'utujil (sorry, out of print)
US$ 16 Gramática Mam

For information please e-mail info@langlink.com or call Language Link at 800-552-2051, worldwide U.S. 309.673.9220.

To place an order send your request to:

Language Link
2008 W Kellogg Avenue
West Peoria, IL 61604
U.S.A.

Please add the following shipping costs.
For orders which total up to US$ 15.00, add US$ 10.00 shipping cost.
For orders which total over US$ 15.00, add US$ 15.00 shipping cost.

Make checks payable to Language Link and mail your request and check to address above. If the books are in stock in the U.S., they will be shipped within three days of receipt of your order. If the books have to arrive from Guatemala, shipping will take at least  three to four weeks.