Last Two Speakers of Dying Language Settle Feud to Save It
- 10 years ago
The two last speakers of Ayapaneco, Manuel Segovia, 75, and Isidro Velazquez, 69, have put aside their difference and agreed to work together to save the language.
The two last speakers of a thousand year old Mexican language, seventy eight year old Manuel Segovia and seventy two year old Isidro Velazquez, have put aside their differences and agreed to work together to save Ayapaneco.
Both men live in the same Mexican village, but for decades have refused to communicate.
Their mutual dislike apparently started due to a fight.
They may not be the best of buddies, but they have decided to partner up in the name of the greater good.
In this case, the good they’ve agreed to aid is the Vodafone Firsts campaign.
Its mission is to fully document languages that are on the verge of extinction as a means of preservation.
Thus far, the initiative has made a documentary that features Ayapaneco being spoken and published an online dictionary.
There’s also been a school for children established in the area, in hopes that the language will be revived.
When the documentary was played at its grand opening, it was the first time many had ever heard Ayapaneco being spoken.
The two last speakers of a thousand year old Mexican language, seventy eight year old Manuel Segovia and seventy two year old Isidro Velazquez, have put aside their differences and agreed to work together to save Ayapaneco.
Both men live in the same Mexican village, but for decades have refused to communicate.
Their mutual dislike apparently started due to a fight.
They may not be the best of buddies, but they have decided to partner up in the name of the greater good.
In this case, the good they’ve agreed to aid is the Vodafone Firsts campaign.
Its mission is to fully document languages that are on the verge of extinction as a means of preservation.
Thus far, the initiative has made a documentary that features Ayapaneco being spoken and published an online dictionary.
There’s also been a school for children established in the area, in hopes that the language will be revived.
When the documentary was played at its grand opening, it was the first time many had ever heard Ayapaneco being spoken.