Abstract
This paper analyzes the language ideologies and linguistic practices of Mayan-language hip hop in Guatemala, focusing on the work of the group B'alam Ajpu. The members of B'alam Ajpu use a mix of Spanish and Mayan languages in their music and run a school that combines lessons in hip hop (rapping, break-dancing, etc.) with efforts to promote the use of Mayan languages among children. The language ideologies associated with B'alam Ajpu intersect and challenge the ideologies associated with both language revitalization and with hip hop. The linguistic practices of B'alam Ajpu also challenge hegemonic assumptions regarding ethnic identity in Guatemala.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2016
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2015.08.005
Repository Citation
Barrett, Rusty, "Mayan Language Revitalization, Hip Hop, and Ethnic Identity in Guatemala" (2016). Linguistics Faculty Publications. 72.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/lin_facpub/72
Included in
Communication Commons, Language Interpretation and Translation Commons, Linguistics Commons
Notes/Citation Information
Published in Language & Communication, v. 47, p. 144-153.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
The document available for download is the authors' post-peer-review final draft of the article.