Resumo

SANTIAGO FRANCISCO, José  e  FIGUEROA SAAVEDRA, Miguel. The Role of Grandparents in the Acquisition and Proficiency of the Totonac Language. An. antropol. [online]. 2025, vol.59, n.1, pp.139-149.  Epub 05-Dez-2025. ISSN 2448-6221.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iia.24486221e.2025.59.1.86210.

In this mixed study, we present the role of Totonac grandmothers and grandfathers in the acquisition of the Totonac language by their grandchildren. Observation notes and interviews were conducted with Totonac families from Filomeno Mata, Veracruz. Also, 1080 children participated in a survey. It must be noted that grandparents, as caregivers, have a summative effect on the input of father and mother. They give value and authority to the decision to transmit the Totonac language. We also notice the absence of a language policy that generates sustainable bilingualism in the family. Thus, the decisions adopted in this regard generate conflict, disconnection, lack of communication, and a generational gap that hinders or interrupts a proper acquisition of the mother tongue and culture.

Palavras-chave : Totonac speaker; minoritized languages; language acquisition; language policy; family.

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