“No One Can Love What They Don’t Know”
Commentary by Patricia Ann Talley, Editor
There are 68 “Indigenous” groups in Mexico that are identified by their native languages. Mexico recognizes 69 official languages in its census, including Spanish. In some rural communities, the people do not even speak Spanish.
According to the 2020 Census, the use of Indigenous languages is declining with only 6.2% of the population currently speaking them. The preservation of these languages and cultures is important.
The “68 Voices, 68 Hearts” Project
The project, “68 Voices, 68 Hearts” is an exciting series of animated short films that retell Indigenous tales narrated in their native tongues, with translated captions. Created by Gabriela Badillo in 2013, the project was developed under the premise that no one can love that which they do not know. The project has received both public and private support.
So far, this series has produced 36 short films, with the goal to cover Mexico’s 68 linguistic groups, including Otomi, Tohono O’odham, Huichol, Tarahumara, Nahuatl, Mayan, and Mixtec.
Please click below to see a sample of the films. Be sure to click the “cc” button for captions in English.
Click here to learn and listen to the languages: 68voces.mx.
The project also has coloring books that teach native languages. What fun for kids (and adults. I downloaded mine!)
Download the Coloring Books in multiple languages.