The Mayan culture and language are transmitted from generation to generation. Interestingly, it is very common for generations above us to speak Mayan, and for their children and grandchildren to speak Spanish and not speak Mayan. For these reasons this incredibly complex language is in danger of extinction due to Spanish domination. Despite this danger, it is estimated that there are between 8 and 9 million (one million in the Yucatan Peninsula) Mayans spread across the Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize and western Honduras. Some of these are still fluent in Maya.
There are believed to be about twenty versions of the Mayan dialect, all slightly different. In fact, the English language borrowed a couple of familiar terms from the Mayans, including the word ‘shark’ which comes from the Mayan word ‘xoc’ (pronounced shake) and ‘zigar’ which means cigar.
As you travel to the Yucatan Peninsula you will see, hear and read a variety of strange names and phrases. These may include “Kukulcán”, “Ek’ Balam” or “Akumal”. All of these ancient Mayan words were very significant to the Mayans. For example Kukulcán was known by the Mayans as the god of the wind and was also known as the feathered serpent god, today Kukulcán is the main road that connects downtown Cancun with the hotel zone. Ek’ Balam, which in Mayan means “Black Jaguar” was the most important Mayan city and a very important religious center located a few kilometers from Valladolid. And Akumal (place of the turtles in Mayan) is a beach paradise where, every year, many species of turtles come to lay their eggs.
If you plan to travel to ancient Mayan sites like Chichen Itza, Coba, or Uxmal, you will find various groups of people who have settled around these sites. You may want to practice your maya with them. They will be very pleased and you will bring a big smile to their faces because you are trying to speak their mystical language. Here are some phrases you might like to learn and use on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.
B’ix a beel? (Beesh-uh-bell) How are you?
Ba’ax ka wa’alik (bash ka walee) What’s up?
Ma’alob (Ma’alo) Good / OK
Ni’bo olal (nee boo ooh lahl) Thank you
Ma’alob xi teech yeetel utsil! (mahah-loh she teehch yehtehl ootsea) Goodbye!
B’ix a k’aab’a (beesh a ka ba) What’s your name?
In k’aab’a’e Marco (In ka ba e Marco) My name is Marco
Bahuux (ba oo sh) How much?
Ko’ox (Ko’osh) Come on! // Ko’ox home (Ko’osh home) Let’s go home.
The Mayan language is still a widely spoken language. People are intrigued and amazed by this fascinating and somewhat complex language.
The Mayan language can be seen in everyday life in the Yucatan Peninsula with important places named after extremely important Mayan words and phrases.