The Bëni Xidza Collective is a grassroots initiative dedicated to the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of the Zapotec language and culture, specifically focusing on the Didza Xidza variant spoken in the Rincón de la Sierra Juárez region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Below is a detailed overview of the collective, its mission, activities, and impact:
Overview of the Bëni Xidza Collective
Origins and Mission:
- The collective was founded in 2019 by a group of university students, including Rayo Cruz, who is a Zapotec teacher and a master’s student in Applied Linguistics.
- The group emerged from a long history of involvement in community communication and indigenous education.
- Their mission is to revitalize and strengthen the Zapotec language (Didza Xidza) by creating new speakers and ensuring its survival in the digital age.
- They aim to make the language visible online and foster pride in Zapotec identity.
Focus on Didza Xidza, the Rincon Zapotec:
- The collective specifically works with the Zapotec variant spoken in the Rincón region, known as Didza Xidza.
- This variant is part of the broader Zapotec language family, which includes over 50 distinct dialects.
- They emphasize the importance of using their autonym (self-designation) Xidza rather than the externally imposed term «Zapoteco del Rincón,» asserting their cultural and linguistic identity.
Key Activities and Initiatives
Language Teaching:
- The collective offers Zapotec language courses, both in-person and online, designed for beginners and advanced learners.
- These courses focus on teaching Zapotec as a second language, using interactive methods like games, songs, and digital tools such as Kahoot and Quizlet.
- They have developed a basic Zapotec course consisting of 20 sessions, offered twice a year (spring and autumn).
- Over 200 students have graduated from the program since its inception in 2020.
Digital Activism:
- Bëni Xidza leverages social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) and digital tools to promote the Zapotec language.
- They create educational content, including videos, podcasts, and webinars, to reach a global audience.
- Their YouTube channel serves as a repository for learning materials, including pronunciation guides, cultural discussions, and recorded classes.
Collaborations and Partnerships:
- The collective collaborates with organizations like SURCO AC (Servicios Universitarios y Redes de Conocimientos en Oaxaca) and CEUXHIDZA (Centro de Estudios Universitarios Xhidza) to expand their reach and resources.
- They also work with community radio stations and participate in networks like Activismo Digital en Lenguas Indígenas (Digital Activism in Indigenous Languages).
Cultural Preservation:
- Beyond language, the collective promotes Zapotec culture through storytelling, literature, and historical discussions.
- They highlight the works of Zapotec writers and poets, such as Irma Pineda and Natalia Toledo, and explore themes like indigenous resistance and identity.
Impact and Challenges
Impact:
- The collective has successfully connected with diaspora communities, helping Zapotec speakers living outside Oaxaca reconnect with their language and culture.
- Their digital presence has made Zapotec more accessible, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among younger generations.
Challenges:
- Teaching Zapotec as a second language is challenging due to the lack of standardized teaching materials and the linguistic diversity within the Zapotec language family.
- The collective also faces the broader issue of language loss caused by historical discrimination and the dominance of Spanish in public and private life.
How to Engage with Bëni Xidza
- Website: Visit their official website at zapotecoxidza.com for information on courses, resources, and events.
- Social Media: Follow them on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and educational content.
- Courses: Enroll in their online Zapotec courses or attend webinars to learn the language and culture.
The Bëni Xidza Collective is a vital force in the fight to preserve indigenous languages and cultures, using innovative methods to ensure the survival of Didza Xidza in the modern world.
Their work not only benefits the Zapotec community but also enriches global cultural diversity.
