The article by England (2003) is concerned with the issue of language loss among the Mayas. It is noted that children are not learning the language in some of the Maya communities. In addition, a growing number of Maya people are becoming bilingual (with Spanish as their second language), which may be seen as a step toward increased language loss (England, 2003, p. 733). Globalization and the interconnection of cultures have contributed to this situation. However, there is also a movement of cultural reaffirmation occurring in many Maya communities. This movement has emphasized the revitalization of the language (England, 2003, p. 733). As noted by England, Maya linguists (linguists who are native speakers of the Mayan languages) have played an important role in this movement.
The article is very informative. It includes some useful background on the Mayan languages as well as the cultural revitalization movement in Guatemala and neighboring countries. England describes the activities of the linguists who are involved in the revitalization movement and refers to their specific views and arguments. As England (2003) points out, Maya linguists have made contributions to the effort to develop grammars, dictionaries and other technical materials (p. 736). They have also been involved in the standardization of the languages. Maya linguists have also played a role in the movement by engaging in a critical analysis of language ideologies. One such ideology is the association of Spanish with positive values (such as modernism, education, and economic advancement) and the association of Mayan languages with negative values (such as ignorance, isolation, and poverty) (England, 2003, p. 738). This ideology has been a factor in causing language loss within the Mayan communities.
England also discusses the ideological debate regarding the "localist" and "unifying" impulses. The localist trend is found among communities who wa...