Indigenous groups, languages and mode of education

Indigenous groups

In the past, there was the presence of the Olmec civilisation. Later on, there were the Aztecs, a wandering Chichimec tribe from the north or west who were led to the Valle de Mexico by their priests. The Aztecs resided around the current Mexico City. Historical evidences found that multiracial communities resided in Teotihuacan. The Maya civilisation which influences Mexico’s culture today was previously influenced by other Medoamerican civilisations. They inhibited in south-east Mexico while the Zapotec and Mixtec culture located at the valley of Oaxaca and the Purepecha in Western Mexico.

The most prominent groups are the Tarahumaras, Nahuas, Huicholes, Purepechas, Mixtecos, Zapotecas, Otomis, Totonacas and Mayas which still make up the major population groups in some regions in the country. The indigenous people are concentrated in the south but some large groups, the Yaqui, Mayo and Tarahumara, are in the north. The states of Oaxaca and Chiapas have the largest proportion of indigenous people. However, indigenous peoples in Mexico are often considered as second class citizens by ‘pure European’ Mexicans and mixed race mestizos.

Mexico has 62 indigenous groups and each has a unique language although some languages may have multiple dialects. In 2005, the indigenous population summed up to about 12 million which represents 11-12% of the nation’s population. Most of the indigenous population are in the central and south eastern states.

Languages

Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Almost the entire population speaks Spanish, which makes Mexico the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. 7.5% of the population also speaks indigenous languages. There are at least 31 different Amerindian language groups where the five most spoken indigenous languages are Nahuatl (Aztecs’ language), peninsular Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Otomi.

Body Language

Mexicans do not really respect personal space and they may stand really close when conversing. They also feel that refusing an invitation is rude, thus they might agree to a meeting but it may end up being a ‘no show’. Standing with your hands in your pockets is viewed as impolite and ill mannered. Putting your hands on your hips is confrontational too. Lastly, using the ok sign by joining the thumb and index finger is an incredibly rude sign. Therefore, all these minor body languages should be avoided as they Mexicans may take it the wrong way.

Mode of education

Compulsory education is nine years as of 1992. However, many people do not adhere to this law. In 2004, the literacy rate is 91%.

The education system consists of Basic, Secondary and higher education. Basic education includes preschool, primary school and lower secondary school. Preschool is usually free for children aged 3-5. Primary school is compulsory 6 year course while lower secondary lasts for 3 years. The secondary education has 3 stages, general upper secondary, technical professional and technological upper secondary education. Finally the higher education has 4 choices, university, technical institute, teacher-training college or technological universities. Students can choose any 4 year degree in colleges and universities which is known as licenciatura.

The seriousness of Mexico’s literacy rate is shown through the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm47s-bRfMc