MODERATORS
K'iche moderators
Pedro Tambriz Och
I was born amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Guatemalan highlands, surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the K’iche’ people. My first language was K’iche’, a cornerstone of my identity. As I grew, I realized the significance of communication and pursued Spanish and English, which opened new possibilities and connections with the wider world.Fueled by a thirst for knowledge and the desire to make a difference, I embarked on my academic journey, majoring in Computer Information Technology at Brigham Young University – Idaho, online. In 2017, I took a leap of faith into the world of professional interpretation as an independent contractor. Using my knowledge of K’iche’, Spanish, English, Q’eqchi’, and even Achi, I started providing vital services in medical, educational, legal, and community settings. Over the years I have discovered the power of written language. My translation and interpretation diploma (awarded by La Academia de Lenguas Mayas de Guatemala (ALMG) for K’iche’ as further driven my commitment to my craft.My life’s journey reminds me of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of language. From humble beginning in the Guatemala highlands to my present-day endeavors as a multilingual interpreter and computer information technology specialist, I’ve embraced new challenges and opportunities along the way. Connecting people through words has not only changed lives but also exemplified the profound impact one individual can have on the world by celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of languages and cultures. As I continue in this effort of language preservation I am excited to work in this community effort and hope to inspire others who have the desire to celebrate our cultures and languages.
Natasha Hewitt
My husband and I enjoyed living in the mountainous region of Guatemala for 10 years. In that time, we learned the local language K’iche. As someone who believes all languages are beautiful and deserve to be respected. I enjoy not only interpreting but also continuing to learn more about the K’iche language and its native speakers. Currently I live in Mexico and have traveled to many places around the world and thus far I can say Guatemala is truly unique!
Adriel Hewitt
We, the administrators, moderators, and contributors of The Mayan Languages Preservation Project wish to express our love, respect, and admiration for the life and legacy of Adriel Hewitt. On February 17, 2024, Adriel passed unexpectedly, leaving those who knew him in shock and sadness. Adriel was a positive person who left an indelible mark of kindness on all who he encountered. He lived a life of service and love for all peoples, striving always as an advocate for those in need of assistance and a champion of language access and rights. A dedicated husband, to his wonderful Natasha, Adriel was ever by her side on life’s journey where, together, they were able to experience life through a shared joy of living amongst friends throughout Guatemala and Mexico. Adriel’s life of service and love brought him to our project and he fulfilled a vital role in its earliest days in ensuring that every letter was precise, every glottal stop included, and every term true to the speakers of K’iche’ Maya with who he worked.
Originally from Canada, Adriel Hewitt had always shown a keen interest in others and was always looking out for those in need of spiritual, economic, or community support. He was an active member of his community and dedicated many hours each month to volunteer work. It was thanks to his generous and selfless attitude that he along with his wife, Natasha, set out to live in Guatemala where they enjoyed becoming part of the K’iche’ community in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. There they both learned K’iche’ and made lifelong friendships with families that to this day still refer to Adriel as “wachalal” ( my Brother). After his unexpected passing in February 2024 he has left behind a legacy that continues to encourage others to not only learn other languages but to show genuine interest in people themselves. His hard work is reflected in his contributions to this project. May his love for languages, cultures, and particularly the dedication and efforts that he poured into these pages represent a legacy of love for Mayan languages and the people he served in the communities of Guatemala and Mexico. We miss you, qachalal, your written words inspire us every day to give honor to all who are in need of a helping hand.
Misael Itzep
Languages spoken: K’iche, Achi, Spanish and English.
Occupation: Interpreter
Place of residence: I live in the beautiful state of California
I am very enthusiastic about being part of this project, I believe that it is important to preserve the Mayan languages, not only in the forms spoken locally, but also at the level of the needs of migrant groups that are beginning to develop in another country and in another language.
Q’eqchi’ moderators
Claudia Pacay Col
I’m an indigenous woman born in a unified family of Q’eqchi’ speakers in Guatemala with the will to succeed in life and the ability to be an agent of change and show pride in my roots. I learned my native language with my parents and siblings in the home and learned Spanish with my teachers in school. While I was in 8th grade, I applied for an English scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala for 4 years. Since childhood, my parents taught us the importance of education and hard work to accomplish our goals. Since then, and up to now, I understand that studying is the best way to invest in yourself! We were empowered to be successful in life! I currently work as an interpreter for Q’eqchi’ to English and vice versa since 2015 for social services, as well as in legal, health, and educational functions.
Being the first woman speaking three languages in my rural community is one great step in my life. I’m being an agent of change because I’m communicating that no matter the distance, language and social status, if you have the will to change yourself all is possible. Of this I am sure. Our country is beautiful and rich, therefore we are lucky to be born in this natural paradise. I’m proud of my roots and culture.
Arturo Antonio Chinchilla
I come from the beautiful hamlet of Seococ in the mountains above the Polochic Valley. I feel that language preservation, in particular our Mayan languages, and my Q’eqchi’ language is a most necessary endeavor. Preservation will ensure its survival for all of our descendants that follow us in the years to come. There are some who reject their native languages and we must work together to remind them of its beauty and importance to the world. We are involved in this work so that our languages do not die and that they may remain strong just as we remain strong, our language, our communities, and our culture must also remain strong. For that reason our work and speaking our languages is very important.
Marlon Choc Maaz
My name is Marlon Choc, I was born and live in Cobán, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala, where I enjoy the natural beauty and cultural diversity of my region. I’m a native speaker of Q’eqchi, a Mayan language spoken in Guatemala and Belize. I speak English and Spanish fluently and work as a remote interpreter and translator. I am currently pursuing a degree in business management at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. I am passionate about my Mayan language and identity and like to share my knowledge and experience with others. I collaborate with various entities and organizations to provide high-quality linguistic services and foster intercultural dialogue. I am always curious and willing to learn new things and challenge myself. I am a skillful and enthusiastic multilingual professional who respects his roots and embraces diversity. I am passionate about my Mayan heritage and love to share my knowledge and skills with others. I enjoy reading, traveling and learning new things.
Kaqchikel moderators
Henry Per
Hello! I’m Henry David Per Chex. I’m 30 years old, the youngest of six siblings, and I’m originally from Patzicía, Chimaltenango — home to the best vegetables in Central America.
Thanks to my parents, I made use of the resources I had as a child and learned English. At the age of 16, also thanks to my parents, I became interested in our language, Kaqchikel, and learned it by reading, speaking, and interacting with the people around me.
I’m someone who works hard but smart. I’m always looking to improve and adapt to different work and project demands. I’m currently studying TESOL (a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language). Learning and speaking English has opened doors in my life, allowing me to meet new places, people, institutions, and cultures.
I’ve worked as an interpreter and translator in English, Spanish, and Kaqchikel for over five years, and I’ve been an English teacher for seven years at FUNVAL INTERNACIONAL and Performance English School. I love learning new languages, but especially my native language, Kaqchikel. I enjoy preserving culture, history, and native languages. My goal is to be a valuable support and tool for the linguistic community.
I appreciate knowing that we are all part of a great community striving to improve communication in a constantly evolving world. I believe we must adapt and be professional in seeking solutions and unity among languages and cultures.
Karla Ajquejay
I’m Karla Ajquejay, from the city of Iximulew. I’m 27 years old, married to Henry Per. I’m currently studying Administrative Assistance and work as a writer in the Kaqchikel language. My parents are originally from Chimaltenango, and thanks to them, I understand the Kaqchikel language very well. I’m a very curious person, always eager to learn new things and challenge myself. I love being part of this project and I’m ready to overcome any challenge.
Martin Per
My name is Martin Per Toj. I was born in the town of B’oco’ (Chimaltenango), grew up in the town of Patzicía, and I’ve always lived here. This town is beautiful — it has a mountain called Soco’ and it lies on a plateau. My grandparents used to call it ruwataq’aj, and to the sides flow the Siya’ and B’älamya’ rivers. Many crops are grown here: corn, beans, and a variety of vegetables.
As I grew up, my parents spoke to me in Kaqchikel, and thanks to them I learned our language. One of my father’s aunts also taught me how to count in our language. When I was 7 years old, I started school, where I learned to speak Spanish. I only went to school for six years and then worked with my father in the fields, which is how I learned to plant all kinds of crops.
When I was 22, I married a lovely young woman named Catalina Chex. We had two daughters and four sons. At age 35, with five children, I earned my high school diploma in Science and Humanities in just two years. Five years later, I enrolled at the University of San Carlos in Iximulew and earned my degree as a Secondary School Teacher.
In 1990, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited me and another colleague from Comalapa to review a Kaqchikel translation project. We did this work in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. A year later, I was invited again along with a group of eight colleagues. We traveled to the U.S. to record the Temple Session in Kaqchikel, which lasted an hour and a half. Since then, I have continued contributing to translations for this church.
A year ago, MasterWord invited me to support the Mayan Languages Preservation Project, and I’m very happy to share some of my knowledge in this great initiative — so that our people do not forget the language and culture of their ancestors, and so the new generation can grow up learning this language and feel proud to share their roots.
Chuj moderator
Maria Gaspar, CHI-Spanish, Core CHI-P (Chuj)
Q'anjob'al moderator
Gaspar Tomas
“Txajineq’teq’ hemasanil, jun skawil hek’ul, k’al hewatx’ jayub’al” Greetings and a warm welcome to all. My name is Gaspar Tomas. Maya Interpreter (Q’anjob’al and Akateko), Graphic Designer of Maya Iconography, and founder of Neo-Q’anjob’al(Maya youth group). First Generation Maya American, born and raised in Laurens, South Carolina with roots from Jolom Konob’ (Santa Eulalia) and Paiconop Grande (San Miguel Acatán) Huehuetenango, Guatemala. As a descendant and speaker of both linguistic groups, I’ve made it a personal goal to revive and replant as much of our ancestral knowledge within the borders of the U.S. so that the younger generation may be exposed to their ancestral identity. With this being said, I’m beyond excited to be part of this marvelous project and ready to overcome any challenges. So that this project may thrive and flourish with both ancient and modern knowledge, to provide a voice to the grandsons and granddaughters of all Maya nations in this ever-changing world.
Mam moderator
Sindy Villagrez
svillagrez@mayanlanguages.wiki
Hola, mi nombre es Sindy Villagrez soy de guatemalteca nací en el Departamento de Quetzaltenango una ciudad típica de Guatemala llena de grandes patrimonios Mayas, arquitecturas coloniales y enormes volcanes. Actualmente vivo en el municipio de Concepción Chiquirichapa tierra de las papas, mi primer idioma es el mam , soy hablante mam por papá , mamá es decir desde los abuelos , un idioma hablado en los departamentos de San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango y Retalhuleu en el altiplano de Guatemala. Hablo, leo y escribo Mam y español, trabajo en el Proyecto Lingüístico, Francisco Marroquín enseñando idioma Mam. Soy una persona muy orgullosa de sus raíces, idioma, culturas y tradiciones, me gusta hablar y compartir mis tradiciones y cultura también me gusta aprender y respetar otras culturas así mismo me siento orgullosa y muy feliz de formar parte de este proyecto y que cada persona que visite esta página se siente confiada e irse feliz con el resultado de su investigación.