A Dictionary of Ch'orti' MayanSpanishEnglish

Of extant languages, Chorti Mayan is the closest to ancient the Maya hieroglyphic script, but it is a language that is decreasing in usage. In southern Guatemala where it is spoken, many children no longer learn it, as Spanish dominates most experiences. From linguistic and anthropological data gathered over many years, Kerry Hull has created the largest and most complete Chorti Mayan dictionary to date. With nearly 9,000 entries, this trilingual dictionary of Chorti, Spanish, and English preserves ancient words and concepts that were vital to this culture in the past. Each entry contains examples of Chorti sentences along with their translations. Each term is defined grammatically and linked to a grammatical index. Variations due to age and region are noted. Additionally, extensive cultural and linguistic annotations accompany many entries, providing detailed looks into Chorti daily life, mythology, flora and fauna, healing, ritual, and food. Hull worked closely with native speakers, including traditional ritual specialists, and presents that work here in a way that is easily accessible to scholars and laypersons alike.