Achi

Achi is a Mayan language spoken by the Achi people of Guatemala. It is one of the most critically endangered Mayan languages, with only around 1,000 speakers remaining.

The Achi people have a rich cultural history, and their language reflects this. Achi is a tonal language, meaning that the meaning of words can change based on the pitch at which they are spoken. It also has a complex grammatical structure, including multiple verb forms and a system of classifiers that are used to indicate the noun class of a word.

The Achi people have a rich oral tradition, including traditional stories and songs passed down through generations. However, the language and culture have been under threat in recent years due to social and economic pressures, including migration to urban areas and the adoption of Spanish as the primary language. Efforts have been made to document and preserve the Achi language, including the development of a writing system and the creation of language-learning materials.

The Achi' language is spoken in various municipalities in the department of Baja Verapaz. In fact, they number around 63,000 speakers. In addition, it is one of the official languages of Mayan origin in Guatemala. Its pronunciation and meanings have very similar characteristics with the Kaqchikel, Tz'utujil and the Kiché.

Achi' alphabet

In fact, its alphabet consists of 32 letters, classified into 22 consonants and 10 vowels. Among the group of signs or symbols it has simple vowels, prolonged vowels, simple consonants, glottalized consonants, compound consonants, and glottalized compound consonants. Also, these Spanish letters are not used: c, d, f, g, ñ, v, z. It is made up as follows:

A | aa | e |  ee | i | ii | o | oo | u | uu | b’ | ch | ch’ | j | k | l | m | n | p | q | r | s | t | t’ | tz | tz’ | w | x | y | 

Mayan Languages.net is the go-to source for your Mayan language needs. Whether it's translation, interpretation or language classes, we have you covered. We provide Achi language services from and into Spanish and English. All of our Achi translators are native speakers and well-versed in myriad subject matter.

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El idioma Achi’ es hablado en varios municipios del departamento de Baja Verapaz. De hecho, suman alrededor de 63,000 hablantes. Además, es una de las lenguas de origen maya oficiales en Guatemala. Su pronunciación y significados tiene características muy similares con el Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil y el Kiché.

Alfabeto Achi’

De hecho, su alfabeto consta de 32 letras, clasificadas en 22 consonantes y 10 vocales. Entre el grupo de signos o símbolos posee las vocales simples, vocales prolongadas, consonantes simples, consonantes glotalizadas, consonantes compuestas y consonantes compuestas glotalizadas. Además, no se utilizan estas letras propias del castellano: c, d, f, g, ñ, v, z. Se conforma de la siguiente manera:

A | aa | e |  ee | i | ii | o | oo | u | uu | b’ | ch | ch’ | j | k | l | m | n | p | q | r | s | t | t’ | tz | tz’ | w | x | y | ‘


Palabras en Achi’

Pronombres personales

Verbos

Partes del cuerpo

También es curioso que cuando se utiliza alguna palabra de forma posesiva, se le agrega un sufijo la raíz de dicho sustantivo.

Animales

Colores

Comida

Integrantes de la familia


Referencias