Abstract

BERNAL-LORENZO, Daisy  and  FIGUEROA-SAAVEDRA, Miguel. A new postgraduate program in intercultural-studies: the Masters Program in Nahua Indigenous Culture and Language at the University of Veracruz, Mexico. Educación [online]. 2019, vol.43, n.2, pp.16-30. ISSN 2215-2644.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/revedu.v43i2.32934.

This objective of this article is to demonstrate that it is necessary and possible to design intercultural-based programs taught in Nahuatl, a native Mexican indigenous language, in order to preserve the country´s heritage and indigenous linguistic diversity. This effort was based on an educational needs assessment carried out between 2015 and 2017 among sixty-seven professionals, fifteen employers and self-employed individuals as well as interviews with fourteen indigenous language and culture experts. The information gathered was organized by a group of seven faculty researchers. This initiative exemplifies good educational practices, since it shows the feasibility in proposing language and cultural studies for minoritized languages in higher education to oppose linguistic preconceptions within the Mexican Educational System and strengthen Mexican intercultural educational models.

Keywords : Language policy; Intercultural education; Indigenous language; Higher education program; Higher Education.

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