Mayan culture and language are passed from generation to generation. Interestingly, it is very common for generations above us to speak Maya, and their children and grand children to speak Spanish and not speak Mayan. For these reasons this incredibly complex language is in danger of becoming extinct because of the Spanish domination. Despite this endangerment there is estimated to be between 8-9 million (one million in the Yucatan Peninsular) Mayans spread across the Yucatan Peninsular, Guatemala, Belize and western Honduras. Some of these continue to be fluent in Mayan.
It is believed that there are some twenty versions of the Mayan dialect, all of them slightly different. In fact the English language borrowed a couple of familiar terms from the Mayans, including the word ‘shark’ comes from the Mayan word ‘xoc» (pronounced shook) and ‘zigar’ meaning cigar.
When traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula you will see, hear and read a variety of strange names and phrases. These may include «Kukulcan», «Ek’ Balam» or «Akumal». All of these ancient Mayan words were very significant the Mayans. For example Kukulcan was known by the Mayans as the Wind God and was also known as the feathered serpent god, nowadays Kukulcan is the main road that connects downtown Cancun to the hotel zone. Ek’ Balam, which in Maya means «Black Jaguar» was the very important Mayan city and a very important religious center located just a few kilometers from Valladolid. And Akumal (place of the turtles in Maya) is a beach paradise where, every year many species of turtles come to lay their eggs.
If you are planning to travel to the ancient Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza, Coba or Uxmal you will find several groups of people that have settled around these sites. You may want to practice your Mayan with them. They will be very pleased and you will bring a big smile to their faces that you trying to speak their mystic language. Here are a few phrases that you may like to learn and use on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsular.
B’ix a beel? (beesh-uh-bell) How are you?
Ba’ax ka wa’alik (bash ka walee) Whats up?
Ma’alob (Ma alo) Fine / OK
Ni»bo olal (nee boo ooh lahl) Thank you
Ma»alob xi teech yeetel utsil! (mahah-loh she teehch yehtehl ootsea) Bye!
B’ix a k’aab’a (beesh a ka ba) Whats is 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) Lets go! // Ko’ox casa (Ko osh casa) Lets go home.
The Mayan language continues to be a much talked about language. People are intrigued and in awe of this fascinating and somewhat complex language.
The Mayan language can be seen in every day life in the Yucatan Peninsular with important places being named after extremely important Mayan words and phrases.