Preservation and Revitalization of Nahuatl and Tutunakú Languages as Expressions of Indigenous Worldview and Cultural Identity in the Northeastern Sierra of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to analyse the institutional strategies implemented by the Northeastern Regional Complex (CRN) of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) to preserve and revitalise the Nahuatl and Tutunakú languages and strengthen Indigenous cultural identity within the university community. The study design is a descriptive and evaluative study of an institutional intercultural intervention. Place and Duration of Study: The Northeastern Regional Complex, BUAP, particularly the Cuetzalan and Ixtepec campuses in the Northeastern Sierra of Puebla, Mexico, between 2023 and 2025. Methodology: Institutional actions included Nahuatl and Tutunakú language promotion, language courses, music workshops, literary activities, cultural gatherings, bilingual signage, gastronomy, Indigenous worldview activities, and community participation. The perceived impact of these initiatives on cultural identity and commitment to Indigenous language preservation was assessed through a survey administered to 500 members of the university community, who participated through a voluntary-response sampling procedure. The survey data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages to characterise participants’ perceptions of the institutional initiatives. Results: Of the 500 respondents, 88.8% agreed or totally agreed that preserving Indigenous languages and customs was important, while 87.0% recognised a decline in Indigenous language use. Regarding the institutional initiatives, 70.2% perceived a positive effect on commitment and cultural identity, and 89.2% reported favourable levels of cultural identification. In contrast, perceptions of folklorisation and language-related discrimination were more heterogeneous, revealing areas that require continued institutional attention. Conclusion: Universities can contribute to Indigenous language revitalisation by recognising languages as living forms of thought, communication, identity, and belonging. Sustainable revitalisation requires continuous institutional commitment, participation of native speakers and communities, and intercultural strategies that avoid reducing Indigenous traditions to folkloric representations