The Premio de Literaturas Indígenas de América and the relevance of the role of women in the preservation and dissemination of native languages

Abstract

Languages are preserved through the process of socialization and passed down from generation to generation through everyday interactions. Mothers, as primary socialization agents, play a key role in this process. Therefore, women serve as the cornerstone in the dissemination and preservation of languages. It is crucial that speakers of indigenous languages not only have a written system to document their traditions but also leave a written legacy that can be disseminated in favor of preserving their culture. 

The Premio de Literaturas Indígenas de América (plia) was created by the University of Guadalajara with the purpose of recognizing the outstanding trajectory of indigenous language writers from across the Americas. Its goal is to enrich, develop, to preserve, and spread the cul

tural legacy and richness of indigenous peoples through literary arts, whether in poetry, novel, theater, short story, or literary essay. The criteria used to nominate candidates for this award are original literary production in an indigenous language, the recreation of the aesthetic elements unique to their culture, and the contribution of the work to the promotion and dissemination of indigenous language literature (Premio de Literaturas Indígenas de América, s.f.). 

However, despite the crucial role women play in the preservation of indigenous languages, only three women have been awarded this prize over its 12 editions, so we reflected on the importance of recognizing their contribution to the preservation of language and artistic creation from it. The aim of this paper is to review the trajectory of the women who have been recognized within the framework of the plia, while reflecting on the importance of women’s role in preserving and disseminating indigenous languages through written art.