Indigenous languages at the university. The case of teaching P’urhepecha language in an Intercultural Literature degree program

Abstract

This paper outlines a series of reflections on the teaching of the P’urhepecha language based on its implementation as part of the Intercultural Literature degree program at Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES), UNAM Morelia. In the first part, we discuss the current state of the teaching of native languages as L2 in higher education in Mexico, particularly in urban contexts; in addition, we describe the current status of the P’urhepecha language and the teaching-learning context related to it. The second part outlines, in general terms and for contextualization purposes only, said teaching proposal: objectives, approach, and some aspects relating to planning. The third part is a critical review of the challenges in the teaching of indigenous languages at the university, focusing on three key aspects for the discussion: the social state of these languages, the lack of knowledge about the indigenous peoples, and the differences between the linguistic systems at stake. Finally, conclusions highlight the need to review institutional policies on indigenous languages and interculturality in higher education.