Osiris González Romero

This research paper will stimulate intercultural debate around indigenous epistemologies of the Global South. It also intends to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous languages for social development and pedagogical practices. This research is based on inclusive research methodologies with native speakers of the Nahuatl language during four fieldwork seasons between May 2017 and March 2019, inside different indigenous communities such as San Miguel Xaltipan and San Pedro Tlalcuapan in Tlaxcala, but also Santa Ana Tlacotenco in Mexico City. This research uses mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative), and one of its goals is to achieve a deeper insight into the interplay between sociolinguistics and philosophy. The data gathered are based on conversational methodologies and extended interviews with indigenous scholars, teachers, and native speakers devoted to promoting capacity building and preservation of language, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. Most Nahua scholars interviewed headedor collaborate with a grass-roots organization that works independently and regularly without government support or funding. Also, the academic research of Nahua scholars has been instrumental in figuring out the framework of this research. This research is based on direct translations of unpublished material from Nahuatl to English. Inclusive research methodologies help face the question: why is it important to encourage, study, and promote indigenous languages globally?

This research paper will stimulate intercultural debate around indigenous epistemologies of the Global South. It also intends to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous languages for social development and pedagogical practices. This research is based on inclusive research methodologies with native speakers of the Nahuatl language during four fieldwork seasons between May 2017 and March 2019, inside different indigenous communities such as San Miguel Xaltipan and San Pedro Tlalcuapan in Tlaxcala, but also Santa Ana Tlacotenco in Mexico City. This research uses mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative), and one of its goals is to achieve a deeper insight into the interplay between sociolinguistics and philosophy. The data gathered are based on conversational methodologies and extended interviews with indigenous scholars, teachers, and native speakers devoted to promoting capacity building and preservation of language, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. Most Nahua scholars interviewed headed or collaborate with a grass-roots organization that works independently and regularly without government support or funding. Also, the academic research of Nahua scholars has been instrumental in figuring out the framework of this research. This research is based on direct translations of unpublished material from Nahuatl to English. Inclusive research methodologies help face the question: why is it important to encourage, study, and promote indigenous languages globally?

Which was the sense of human life to Aztec wise men? Which were their ideas about good and evil? What kind of moral topics were developed inside the Aztec culture before the contact with the Spaniards, Christianity and European culture? What kind of speeches, reflections and proverbs were used to communicate moral values? These questions are only a little example of a variety of philosophical topics that could help us understand the building of the world vision developed by ancient Mexicans. My task at this time is to show some moral issues from the Mexican culture or the Aztecs, but seeing it as a genealogical point of view. With these ideas in mind, I will analyze briefly some topics like: moral tradition, the concept of human being, evil and good.