About the Language:
Chatino is an Indigenous language spoken by Chatino communities primarily in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is part of the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Oaxaca and continues to serve as an important connection to family, community, traditions, and cultural identity.

About the Interview:
In this interview, Rosa Linda Garcia Cruz shares her experience speaking Chatino, her connection to her family and community, and her thoughts on preserving the language for future generations. She also reflects on her experiences speaking Chatino in North Carolina and the importance of maintaining Indigenous languages and cultures.

Rosa Linda Garcia Cruz- Chatino

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?

RLG: My name is Rosa Linda Garcia Cruz.

VRS: Where were you born, and where do you currently live?

RLG: I was born and currently live in North Carolina.

VRS: What is the name of the Indigenous language that you speak?

RLG: Chatino.

VRS: How did you learn this language?

RLG: Through my family. I lived for 10 years in a town in Oaxaca where this language was spoken.

VRS: Do you regularly speak this language day-to-day? Who do you speak it with?

RLG: I speak Chatino almost every day with my family who lives here, and also with my grandmother who lives in Mexico.

VRS: What has your experience been speaking this language in North Carolina, a state that does not have much representation of Indigenous languages?

RLG: It has been good. I have not had any problems speaking my language here.

VRS: Have you noticed a decrease in the number of native speakers of your language? Why or why not do you think this is happening?

RLG: The decrease has been minimal, and it mostly happens because people migrate to other cities and countries.

VRS: How do you feel about speaking your language in public? Why?

RLG: I feel very confident. I am very proud of my roots. I love being able to speak three languages.

VRS: What do you think North Carolina could do to encourage or motivate more people to learn about or speak Indigenous languages?

RLG: I think North Carolina could support more cultural and educational programs that give visibility to Indigenous languages. For example, classes, workshops, and events could be offered in schools, libraries, and community centers where people can learn about these languages and the cultures they are part of. It would also be important to support families so they can continue teaching their languages to younger generations, because that is how these languages can be preserved and kept alive.

VRS: Has your relationship with your language changed over time? Why or why not?

RLG: Maybe a little, because I live in a country where I cannot practice it all the time. For example, at work, I don’t have anyone to speak Chatino with.

VRS: Can you share a memory that you have that connects you with your language?

RLG: Something I remember a lot is that, in Mexico, at the elementary school where I studied, we sang the National Anthem in Chatino. When I arrived in Mexico, I did not speak Chatino, but it was one of the first things I learned because every Monday we sang it during the ceremony to pay tribute to the flag.

VRS: What is your favorite word or phrase in your language?

RLG: Xton (cat).

VRS: How do younger generations in your community interact with the language?

RLG: I feel that, so far, the language is still spoken quite a lot in the town and there are people who help promote the importance of preserving our culture and keeping the language alive. However, here in the United States, I have noticed that many people who speak the language no longer teach it to their children, and that can cause it to gradually be lost among younger generations.

VRS: What concerns, if any, do you have about the future of your language?

RLG: I am afraid that at some point the language could be completely lost and only remain as a memory.

VRS: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in learning an Indigenous language?

RLG: Give it a chance. Maybe it can sound very complicated at first, but along the way you will realize how beautiful and interesting it is.

VRS: What do you wish more people knew about Indigenous languages and your language?

RLG: All the history behind the language, as well as the customs and traditions of the communities that speak it.

VRS: What are some common misconceptions you hear when teaching your language to other people?

RLG: Many people think that every word or phrase has a translation in another language. Sometimes many words or phrases have a unique meaning that can be difficult to express.

“Hi, how are you? My name is Rosa, and my favorite word in Chatino is ‘cat,’ because I really like how it sounds in Chatino.”