The linguistic groups are a set of idiomatic varieties congregated under the name that was assigned in the historical evolution to a certain indigenous people. It is purely organizational in nature. These groupings are in turn subordinate to a larger organizational structure, called the “linguistic family”.

Currently, Mexico is one of the countries with the highest number of native language families, a total of 11. From these derive 68 linguistic groupings, and from these, in turn, derive 364 linguistic variants. These data according to the Inali (National Institute of Indigenous Languages).

These linguistic groupings contain below themselves, as their derivatives, the so-called “ linguistic variants ”. These are nothing more than dialect differences emanating from the original linguistic center, that is, the linguistic family.

The importance of this order is such that Unesco considers it an intangible heritage of humanity, and has plenty of material to be cataloged in this way, with the language being the means that links men for the exchange of knowledge. Linguistic Grouping Characteristics Examples

If an analogy is made, one could see a field with several parcels, that field is the linguistic field. Each plot contains a different species of tree, each species represents a linguistic family. Now, each tree, for its part, is a linguistic grouping and its branches are the variants.

By simple association, it can be deduced, and so it is, that each grouping is related to the other adjacent congregations sheltered under the same linguistic family. At the same time, within each group, there are its variants, a product of the docility of language with respect to the communicative need of man.

Characteristics of Linguistic Groups

It’s basically the languages

If contextualized at the macro level, linguistic groupings are the languages ​​themselves.

Simply, as a deserved and fair treatment, the study and the necessary categorization were applied to them for their recognition as complete and complex idiomatic compendia that represent the communicative means of a group of individuals.

The organization of indigenous languages ​​is advocated

Its purpose has been applied in its entirety to the study and schematization of native languages. With this, a linguistic map has been generated that has facilitated the link and correlation between the different variants, revealing the intricate paths that are involved in the development of human communication.

Names according to language are respected in the organization

As part of the objectives of linguistic groupings is the recognition of each community of speakers and the properties of the language that unite them and facilitate their interaction.

The names of each group preserve the sound and grammatical characteristics of the language to which they are subjected. Linguistic Grouping Characteristics Examples

Linguistic variants are treated as languages

Part of the advances and contributions of this conceptualization is the recognition and acceptance of each of the linguistic variants of the groups as languages ​​in their entirety.

This, however small it may seem, endows a number of rights to the speakers of this dialect variant, because they are recognized in every sense and the protection of their oral and written manifestations is sought. With this, notoriety is achieved in the social and historical sphere.

Language is seen as an identity element

This is perhaps one of the most important features. The categorization and recognition of native linguistic groups make special emphasis on language as an element of identity, as a factor that defines the identity of a people.

And in reality, it is like that, language is the sound and graphic fingerprint of the peoples. It is a reflection of the complex interrelations that occur between the subjects that make up a community, as well as between the community itself and its geographical environment.

The territorial context conditions the communicative fact in various aspects, the most marked being of a phonological nature, associated with the rhythm and intonation of speech.

It is legal

In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, there is not only identity and face-to-face recognition, but there is also a legal recognition that seeks to protect the oral heritage of said groups.

This quality endows the speakers with a safeguard of their interests before the different instances present in society.

What do you mean by that? Well, among so many benefits, speakers of a linguistic group are guaranteed the presence of interlocutors who act as mediators or translators in social assistance entities to fully enjoy their services.

By recognizing and respecting the language, support and respect is given to its speaker, it is possible to make visible those who generate the sound and written medium that makes it possible for the legacy of the native peoples not to perish.

There is the real richness of the different cultures, everything that has remained and prevailed through oral tradition thanks to language. If languages ​​are protected and recognized, the treasure they hold and represent prevails.

Examples of Linguistic Groups

1. – The linguistic group “ku’ahl” is named after the people that use it and it belongs to the “Cochimí-yumana” linguistic family. It has no dialect or linguistic variants and is called ku’ahl.
2. – The “Chocholteco” is a linguistic group named after the people that use it and belongs to the “Oto-mangue” linguistic family. It has three dialect variants: West Chocholteco (self-styled: ngiba), Eastern Chocholteco (self-styled: ngiba), and Southern Chocholteco (self-styled: ngigua).
3. – The “Chontal de Oaxaca” linguistic group is named after the people that use it and belongs to the “Chontal de Oaxaca” linguistic family. It has three dialect variants: Chontal de Oaxaca alto (self-named: tsame), Chontal de Oaxaca bajo (self-designated: tsome), and Chontal de Oaxaca de la costa (self-named: lajltyaygi).
4. – The “paipai” is a linguistic group that bears its name from the people that use it and belongs to the “Cochimí-yumana” linguistic family. It has no dialect variants and is self-styled: jaspuy pai.
5. – The “Seri” linguistic group is named after the people who use it and it belongs to the “Seri” linguistic family. It has no dialect variants and is self-styled: comiique iitom.

It is important to clarify that when you say “self-styled”, you refer to how the linguistic groups names said dialect variant in their language. Linguistic Grouping Characteristics Examples