Mexico City Schools Are Making History as Students Can Now Learn the Indigenous Language Náhuatl Instead of English 

Mexico City Schools Are Making History as Students Can Now Learn the Indigenous Language Náhuatl Instead of English 
Credit: Getty Images/ RichVintage

Mexico City is bringing Náhuatl back into the classroom. The second most spoken language in Mexico, Náhuatl has shaped the country’s history and culture for centuries. Now, students in 78 public schools will have the option to learn it as an elective. The goal is to preserve the language, make it accessible, and instill pride in a heritage that has been ignored for too long. 

Clara Brugada Molina, the city’s head of government, emphasized the importance of reclaiming Indigenous languages. She described it as a way for students to understand the traditions and knowledge of the original peoples of this land. 

The program, developed in partnership with the federal government, brings in fluent speakers as teachers to ensure that students learn from those who have lived the language, not just studied it. Those who continue through middle school will develop an advanced level of proficiency. 

Náhuatl, an Indigenous Language That Has Always Been Here

Náhuatl has been spoken in Mexico for centuries. It was the dominant language of the Mexica (Aztec) civilization and remained widely used after colonization. Even today, Náhuatl is deeply embedded in everyday Spanish. Words like tianguis (outdoor market), elote (corn on the cob), and chocolate (from xocoatl, meaning bitter water) all come from Náhuatl. 

Despite its deep roots, the language has been pushed aside. Speaking Náhuatl has often carried stigma, and Indigenous languages have been treated as relics rather than part of Mexico’s living culture. 

The Secretariat of Indigenous Peoples sees this program as an opportunity to change that. The goal is not just to preserve Náhuatl at home but to bring it into schools, workplaces, and public spaces where it belongs. 

Reclaiming the Future Through Language

Some critics argue that students would benefit from learning English or Mandarin instead. Nevertheless, supporters of the program push back, saying that language gives the community the chance to bridge connection to history, identity, and culture. 

The program aligns with the 700th anniversary of Mexico-Tenochtitlan’s founding, making it a significant step in recognizing the city’s Indigenous roots. The success of the initiative will depend on whether students embrace the opportunity and continue using the language outside the classroom. 

Mexico City is sending a clear message: Its history matters, and so do the languages that built it. 

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