Happy International Mother Language Day!
Tomorrow February 21 from 5 pm on we’ll be having open hours and open mic at ELA’s office, as local language activists, particularly Indigenous Latin American New Yorkers, gather to celebrate the day (with traditional breads) in Inidgenous languages, Spanish, and English interpretation as needed.
(en español abajo)
Special Guests include:
Marisela Miranda Irineo: A native speaker of the Mazahua language, Marisela is a linguistics teacher from the University of Sonora and a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Language and Culture from the Intercultural University of the State of Mexico
Marco Nieto: Oaxacan poet working in the Tacuate language
Verónica Muenala: Kichwa language presenting strategies to preserve her language
Óscar Piñones: Náhuatl speaker presenting his puppetry (calcetíteres) on the theme of mother tongues
The Concejo de los Pueblos Originarios
… and from Los Angeles, Ángel Novelo: Mayan speaker from the Yucatan peninsula, born in Kancab, Tekax. With a deep connection to his culture and community, he has dedicated much of his life to defending the rights of indigenous and migrant peoples.
An open mic will also be available for those who wish to share poetry, music, or stories in their languages.
