Students from the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo have developed an application called Miyotl with the goal of preserving and disseminating the indigenous languages of Mexico. This application offers the opportunity to learn vocabulary from 25 of the 68 native languages of the country, as well as quick phrases and a quick dictionary.
Luis Emilio Álvarez Herrera, an irrigation engineering student at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo and creator of Miyotl, mentioned that the application can be useful for learning some introductory phrases in languages such as Nahuatl or Tutunakú in just a few minutes. Miyotl was presented for the first time at the National Indigenous Languages Fair 2021 and has been described as the Mexican counterpart to Duolingo in terms of didactic and virtual learning to preserve the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country.
The app features an extensive dictionary that includes between 15,000 and 20,000 words and can be used without the need for an internet connection. Additionally, it offers general culture sections with access to ancient documents and learning materials. Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, mentioned in a recent conference the importance of preserving indigenous languages, stating that denying them is denying part of universal knowledge and Mexican identity.
Miyotl, which means 'ray of light' in Nahuatl, has been developed by students from the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo with the support of teachers and other colleagues interested in learning indigenous languages. The application also features a representative mascot, a pink axolotl, just like Duolingo. The initiative of Miyotl aims to facilitate free and quick access to learning indigenous languages to contribute to their preservation and dissemination in Mexico.
