The People And Languages Of Mexico

Mexico is home to the largest number of native Spanish speakers on the planet as well as a large number of residents who speak indigenous languages. The cultures, religions, and customs of the many indigenous people add to the wealth of Mexican culture.

An estimated 113 million people live in Mexico and the majority of them speak Spanish as their first language. However, there are many different ethnic groups which are commonly referred to under the umbrella term “Mexican”, some of which have their own languages. The majority of Mexicans have a mixed heritage of European settlers and indigenous peoples. The indigenous groups that continue to thrive in Mexico are mostly located in the southern and central parts of the country such as the Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Oaxaca. Some of the most populous indigenous groups are the Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzeltal, Tzotzil, Otomi, and Nahua. Although the history of all of these diverse groups contributes notably to world heritage, the reality is that life is difficult for many of these native populations.

Over 5% of the national population speaks an indigenous language in addition to Spanish; just over 1% of the national population speaks exclusively an indigenous tongue. This massive diversity is recognized by the government which has used the Law of Indigenous Linguistic Rights to establish national languages and recognize native languages on the same level as Spanish since 2003. The government’s National Institute of Indigenous Languages has identified 68 different linguistic groups into which it organizes 364 different variations on those tongues. Clearly, cultural and linguistic diversity is a part of world heritage that Mexico shares with the international community.