THE MIXTEC DIALECT AND HISTORY

According to my studies and experiences with the Mixtec language, there are over 30-50 varieties and dialects of Mixtec throughout the Mixtec region, which includes Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla. Mixtec is not a single, uniform language but rather a collection of dialects, each with its own unique features. These dialects can be so distinct that speakers of different dialects might have difficulty understanding each other. Mixtec is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch or intonation used when pronouncing a word can change its meaning, similar to languages like Mandarin Chinese. 

From my experience with the language, my family comes from a town called San Juan Mixtepec in Oaxaca, where a specific dialect called Mixteco Alto is spoken. Mixteco Alto is used in the higher, mountainous regions of the Mixtec area, particularly in the highlands of Oaxaca. Although the highland dialects show significant variation, they are grouped together due to their geographical and some linguistic similarities. Whenever I visit my grandmother in the town where my mother grew up, there’s always a language barrier between us because she only speaks Mixteco Alto. However, I manage to understand the basics of the language and grasp the tone and pitch when she’s telling me something.

HISTORY

The Mixtec civilization is one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, with evidence of their presence dating back to around 1500 BCE. The language has evolved over millennia, adapting to various cultural and social changes.

The Mixtec language, known as “Tu’un Savi” in its native form, has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years and is also part of the Oto-Manguean language. The people are known for their codices, which are ancient manuscripts that depict their history, mythology, and genealogy. These codices are written in a pictographic script and provide valuable insights into the language and culture.

 During the Spanish colonization, the language was influenced by Spanish, leading to the incorporation of many loanwords and the language has retained much of its original structure and vocabulary.

Despite its rich history, the Mixtec language is considered endangered. Efforts are being made to revitalize it through educational programs, documentation, and the promotion of its use in everyday life.