About the Language:
K’iche’ is a Mayan language spoken primarily by the K’iche’ people of Guatemala. It is one of the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in Guatemala and remains an important part of K’iche’ cultural identity and heritage.
About the Interview:
In this interview, Francisco shares their experience speaking K’iche’ and discusses how the language connects them to their family, culture, and heritage.
Francisco Lorenzo Puac Vasquez – K’iche
Translation Note: This interview was originally conducted in Spanish and has been translated into English for this website. The translation is intended to preserve the interviewee’s original meaning and responses as accurately as possible.
VRS: What is your full name, and where were you born and where do you currently reside?
FL: My name is Francisco Lorenzo Puac Vasquez and I was born in Guatemala, Totonicapan and I am living in Hickory, NC.
VRS: What Indigenous or heritage language do you speak?
FL: K’iche
VRS: How did you learn this language?
FL: In my hometown.
VRS: Do you regularly speak this language in your day-to-day life? If so, who do you speak it with?
FL: No, just with my family when I call them.
VRS: What has your experience been speaking this language in North Carolina?
FL: I’ve only gotten the chance to speak it with an uncle of mine.
VRS: Have you noticed a decline or increase in the number of speakers? Why do you think that is?
FL: Yes, I’ve noticed a decline and I think it could be because they’re embarrassed to say that they speak it, but it’s not a bad thing, it’s a good thing.
VRS: How do you feel about speaking your language in public? Why?
FL: Normal, as long as people understand me it’s fine.
VRS: What do you think North Carolina could do to encourage or promote the speaking of Indigenous and heritage languages?
FL: Maybe if they opened up some little schools to teach them indigenous languages.
VRS: Has your relationship with your language changed over time? If so, how?
FL: No, I’ve always liked speaking my language.
VRS: How do younger generations in your community engage with the language?
FL: They get embarrassed to speak it, I don’t know why.
VRS: What concerns, if any, do you have about the future of your language?
FL: No, not at the moment.
VRS: What advice would you give to someone interested in learning your language?
FL: I would tell them to focus on it and if they learn it then they need to practice it in order to not lose it.
In the audio above, Francisco shared a short phrase in K’iche that means “God bless you“.
