1. The First Peoples: Ancient Civilizations
Pre-Columbian Era: Before the arrival of the Europeans, mostly Spaniards, Mexico was home to advanced indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs, Maya, and Olmecs. These societies had developed sophisticated cultures, architecture, agriculture, and trade networks.
Now read it in spanish:
Antes de la llegada de los europeos, principalmente españoles, México albergaba civilizaciones indígenas avanzadas, entre ellas los Aztecas, Mayas y Olmecas. Estas sociedades habían desarrollado culturas sofisticadas, arquitectura impresionante, prácticas agrícolas avanzadas y redes de comercio. Sus logros y contribuciones se reflejaban en monumentos majestuosos, conocimientos matemáticos y astronómicos, así como en la creación de monumentales esculturas que aún asombran al mundo.
A complex history of traditions
Mexican Spanish
Mexican Spanish has incorporated numerous words from indigenous languages, especially from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Here’s a list of some commonly used words in Mexican Spanish that have indigenous origins:
- Aguacate – Avocado (from Nahuatl “ahuacatl”)
- Chile – Chili pepper (from Nahuatl “chilli”)
- Chocolate – Chocolate (from Nahuatl “xocolatl”)
- Coyote – Coyote (from Nahuatl “coyotl”)
- Guajolote (or “pavo” in other regions) – Turkey (from Nahuatl “huexolotl”)
- Tamal – Type of traditional food (from Nahuatl “tamalli”)
- Tomate – Tomato (from Nahuatl “tomatl”)
- Nopal – Prickly pear cactus (from Nahuatl “nopalli”)
- Papalote – Kite (from Nahuatl “papalotl” meaning butterfly)
- Chapulín – Grasshopper (from Nahuatl “chapolin”)
- Mezcal – Type of alcoholic beverage (from Nahuatl “mexcalli”)
- Jícama – A type of root vegetable (from Nahuatl “xicamatl”)
- Cacahuate – Peanut (from Nahuatl “tlacacahuatl”)
- Comal – Flat griddle used to cook tortillas (from Nahuatl “comalli”)
- Chicle – Chewing gum (from Nahuatl “tzictli”)
- Zopilote – Buzzard or vulture (from Nahuatl “tzopilotl”)
- Tlapalería – Hardware store (from Nahuatl “tlapalli”, referring to colored paints)
- Popote – Straw (from Nahuatl “popotl”)
- Chayote – A type of squash (from Nahuatl “chayotli”)
- Mazapan – A type of candy (from Nahuatl “mazatl” – deer + “pan” – over/on)
These are just a few examples.
The country has a vast linguistic diversity. According to INALI, in Mexico, there are 11 linguistic families and 68 indigenous communities, contributing to a harmony that arises from naming the more than 364 indigenous languages.
Mexico is home to many indigenous cultures and languages, and their influence on modern Mexican Spanish is substantial.
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