News Summary
Indigenous women Micaela Jerez Masaquiza and Elsa Caín Yuqilema are teaching Kichwa at Michigan State University through the Fulbright program. Their efforts aim to preserve their cultural heritage and educate students on the Kichwa language, which holds historical significance for the Indigenous community in Ecuador. The course emphasizes not only language skills but also cultural practices and resistance against the decline of Indigenous languages, fostering appreciation and understanding among students about Indigenous cultures.
East Lansing, Michigan – Indigenous women Micaela Jerez Masaquiza and Elsa Caín Yuqilema are revitalizing the Kichwa language at Michigan State University (MSU) through their participation in the Fulbright program. Their efforts aim to educate students about the language and culture of the Kichwa people, an Indigenous community from Ecuador, where the language has deep historical roots in Inca culture.
The Kichwa class, which recently took place at MSU, opened with introductory phrases in the language: “Imanalla, ñukaka Micaelami kani,” meaning “How are you? My name is Micaela.” Students responded with “Ñukaka alli kani, yachachik Micaela,” which translates to “I’m fine, Miss Micaela.” This interaction marked a review session before a week of exams, emphasizing the practice of Kichwa language skills.
Both educators learned Kichwa from their families in the Andean region of Ecuador, reinforcing their cultural heritage. They had to acquire Spanish and subsequently English to broaden their educational and professional prospects. In teaching Kichwa, Micaela and Elsa are not only passing on the language but also engaging in cultural resistance to combat the displacement of Indigenous identities, while promoting understanding of Indigenous peoples across Latin America.
Students enrolled in the Kichwa course at MSU remarked that the class offers them a more profound appreciation of Indigenous cultures by challenging typical romanticized views. Micaela and Elsa have also partnered with the Indigenous student organization Timetzalimet, creating a nurturing environment for both students and community members engaged in learning Kichwa.
A culturally significant ceremony held in the class includes expressions of gratitude towards mother earth, where hands are raised in appreciation, and Micaela interprets the words of a yachak, or spiritual leader. These cultural elements underscore the richness of Kichwa heritage beyond mere language learning.
Micaela, who hails from Salasaka in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador, has been part of MSU since August 2023. Elsa, originally from Riobamba, stepped in to lead the class after a few months. She has emphasized the critical importance of preserving Kichwa, warning that the loss of a language equates to a loss of culture and identity.
In the context of declining usage, UNESCO has highlighted the swift decrease in Kichwa speakers among Andean nations, spurred by migration and societal expectations prioritizing Spanish. An Ecuadorian government census from 2022 revealed that only 3.9% of the native population speaks an Indigenous language, signaling a marked decline in Kichwa speakers since 2010. Young speakers of Kichwa often face prejudice regarding their competency in Spanish, leading to additional challenges in defining their cultural identity.
Micaela and Elsa’s teaching endeavors underscore the significance of maintaining endangered languages as acts of cultural affirmation and resistance against loss. They navigate these challenges while expressing commitment to their heritage, despite being far from their hometowns. Their work at MSU exemplifies how language education can serve as a bridge, linking diverse communities and fostering mutual understanding.
Students like Julia Tehauno have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ecuadorian culture through Kichwa classes, valuing the combination of language and cultural education. Micaela and Elsa’s initiative serves not only to teach a language but also to create a meaningful connection that enhances understanding between cultures and sustains Indigenous traditions.
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Additional Resources
- El País: Ecuador’s Kichwa Language is Kept Alive in the US
- Wikipedia: Kichwa
- Michigan Advance: A Cultural Bridge Between Ecuador and the MSU Community
- Google Search: Kichwa language
- The State News: MSU Offers Introductory Course to Indigenous Language Kichwa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kichwa
