The links that Preciousrain posted in the "Texas Prisoner Requests Help" thread are great! I have so much to learn, where do I even begin? I really want to learn Nahuatl. The Mexica/Azteca Natives that I know are very nice, but there is often the language barrier issue because my Spanish sucks. So I get really shy and awkward around them. Would it benefit me at all to take Spanish lessons before taking Nahuatl lessons? I'm just wondering if the lessons are generally taught in Spanish. I wonder if there is somewhere where I live that teaches Nahuatl? Maybe I'll try those online classes out when I get speakers.

I feel like such a late bloomer. Here I am at 25, barely knowing anything about my culture(s), and having the confused identity that most mixed-race people experience at some point in their lives. Especially with that damn Hispanic-Latino label that I try to distance myself from. I do admit to feeling some insecurities about this, starting so late in the game, and having light skin does not help. I just don't want to get lumped in with the new-age, wannabe types. I know Natives can be very critical of people like me, not always being able to tell apart right away the people who are trying to find their way "home," back to the culture, from those who only want to exploit and sell out the culture.


Blueviolet

Hello Blue...

I have done a LOT of research on this topic. WHEW!!! My boyfriend is trying very hard to learn more about his culture -- from insides prison! It's NOT been easy, although I have found many people online willing to help and point me in the right direction. My bf has been studying Nahuatl and Spanish as he finds it easier - there are several dictionaries that have words translated between 3 languages.

My bf can relate to how you feel, he too, feels like a "late bloomer" when it comes to knowledge on his culture. He also is very conscientious about the way both Natives and society may see him as an 'exploiter of the culture'.

For a good source on modern-day Nahua, you can subscribe to their newsletter. Joe Campbell also has numerous online pages to study from.

I wish you the best in your search for information. I'd be happy to share any links I have acquired that may be of help to you -- and would appreciate any additional info in return. Please PM me if this interests you. Thanks.

Good luck!!!

MY MAN HAS BEEN STUDYING THE NAHUATL LANGUAGE, I SENT HIM ALOT OF RESEARCH I FOUND DOING A SEARCH UNDER, MEXICA MOVEMENT.

Go to www.nahuatl.info. It isn't necessary to know Spanish before learning Nahuatl. I don't speak very much spanish but I grew up around spanish speaking people, so my pronunciation is good in spanish even though I'm not fluent. However, if you notice many words in both english and spanish are derived from various indigenous tribal languages. I think you will find the same is true for spanish and nahuatl. Since your in Cali, there should be many references around there for you. I'll PM you.

Originally posted by PIMAKAT
\For a good source on modern-day Nahua, you can subscribe to their newsletter. Joe Campbell also has numerous online pages to study from.
Good luck!!!

What newsletter would this be?

Blueviolet