Mixtec is a group of languages spoken primarily in Oaxaca, Mexico. UNESCO recognises most of them as endangered although it is officially recognised and there are over 50 varieties.

About the author Ubaldo López García

Born in Santiago Apoala on June 1, 1945, Nochixtlán, Oaxaca. He is a certified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, a Master’s degree in Linguistics, and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Leiden, Netherlands. He was the founder and first director of the Academy of the Mixtec Language (Ve’e Tu’un Savi); he was commissioned to promote the creation of the Center for Studies and Development of Indigenous Languages of Oaxaca (CEDELIO) and also appointed as its first director. He is the author of several books and articles about the Ñuu Savi (Mixtec) language and culture. He continues to study the sacred books known as the Ñuu Savi Codices. He served as Municipal President and, in that capacity, introduced potable water service to his community of Apoala. Lately, he has served the community in various roles, including: president of the community council and simultaneously regional representative for the Cañada region, community ambulance driver, treasurer of the municipal DIF (National System for Integral Family Development), and Church Prosecutor. He also trained tourism guides and currently teaches the language to children at the Morelos Elementary School in his hometown.