Noticias
Announcement of the Nezahualcóyotl Prize for Literature in Mexican Languages
Linguistic diversity is part of the International Mother Language Day
February 21, 2016Launching a call of the Nezahualcóyotl Prize for Literature in Mexican Languages and the First International Congress, Legal pluralism and exercise of linguistic rights, the activities that commemorate the International Mother Language Day were inaugurated at the National Arts Centre (CENART, for its contraction in Spanish).
On behalf of the Secretary of Culture, Rafael Tovar y de Teresa, the head of Cultural and Artistic office of the agency, Saúl Juárez said: “we are working hard to integrate linguistic rights to public policies and the task of translating our Magna Carta into the 68 languages of the country will be completed in 2017”.
He celebrated that the Nezahualcóyotl Prize for Literature in Mexican Languages is held on this date and added that in the education reform context, based on the powers of the Ministry of Culture, through the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI, for its acronym in Spanish) the Labor Certification Program for Basic Education Teachers in Indigenous Languages, will start this year which will significantly contribute to raise the quality of education among its speakers.
"Men are essentially language and the International Mother Language Day makes us reflect on what is inhabiting a territory marked by cultural and linguistic diversity in all its worldview. Today more than ever it makes sense to speak of linguistic rights, because it is the key to social equity nationwide, and therefore the institutions are committed to create a framework out of asymmetries and multicultural inclusion in which our languages are valued as an example of wisdom and greatness", Saúl Juárez added
In the ceremony held at the Arts Theatre of the National Arts Centre (Cenart) were present: Javier López Sánchez, general director of the National Institute of Indigenous Languages; Alejandra Fraustro, general director of Popular Culture; Leticia Bonifaz Alfonzo, Director of Research, Development and Promotion of Human Rights of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation; Victor Lucas Postigo, president of the Supreme Court of Peru, and Gabriela Contreras, certified chinanteca language speaker from Oaxaca.
López Sánchez said that the commemoration of this day worldwide shows how mother tongues enclose the depths of our identity and the legacy of our ancestors, and therefore the importance of ensuring its permanence and transmission to future generations.
The director general of INALI said that this date is transformed into a crucial opportunity to perceive the importance of mother tongues, which are over 7,000 worldwide, in the social life of the country. Since it was established the day to commemorate them, sixteen years ago, it has deepened in its richness and knowledge.
"We also celebrate that mother tongues are integrated today in a national public policy and through the First International Congress Legal pluralism and exercise of linguistic rights of indigenous peoples, which seeks not to lose or become silent our ancestors' languages, it is a step forward to deepen in the culture of seven million of indigenous languages speakers that exist in our country.
Meanwhile, Leticia Bonifaz said that communication and language are essential for integration, and therefore the cultural diversity that exists in our country, where over a 6% of the people speak an indigenous language, should be a priority
Also, Gabriela Contreras expressed her pride of being officially recognized by the INALI as an interpreter of her native language, which has allowed her to become a bridge with her culture.
"Whatever the language we speak, we have the same right and we must never forget that in our native languages every word comes from our being and heart. Our certification as interpreters can open many doors for the exercise of justice and access to health services by our communities, so we must join in this great effort. "
During the ceremony, certificates as interpreters were given, among others, to: Octavio Alejo Reynoso, Purépecha language; María Concepción Hernández, Huasteca hidalguense language; América Hernández, Tojolabal language; Rafael García, Papago language, and Lázaro Ramírez, Totonac language.
In addition, a selection of 190 members from the National Movement of Musical Community Groups of National System of Music (SNFM, for its acronym in Spanish), conducted by maestro Eduardo Garcia Barrios, gave a concert in indigenous languages at the Teatro de las Artes (Arts Theater).
The announcement of Nezahualcóyotl Prize for Literature in Mexican Languages is available at www.culturaspopulareseindigenas.gob.mx The deadline is July 22, 2016. In addition, the schedule of the International Congress, Legal pluralism and exercise of linguistic rights is at http://dilm.inali.gob.mx/dilm2016/dilm_pais.html.
Mexico,Distrito Federal
