The inroads of literacy in the Hñähñú communities in central Mexico

Abstract

The present article goes into the literacy practices ofthe Hnahnu communities in Mexico. In the process of colonization, literacy has meant both a threat and a challenge for indigenous groups in Latin America. For many ofthe surviving indigenous communities in Mexico, written languages have been designed over the past Century. However, these writing Systems have not been generally adopted. In the present article the attempts to develop andfoster mother-tongue literacy in the Hnahnu communities in the central pari of Mexico are dealt with. Based upon ethnographic research, the use of written language in four key Community speech events is demonstraied. An attempt is made to show how new communicative needs in the traditionally nonliterate culture of the Hnahnu lead to specific literacy practices.