History of bilingual education in Mexico

By itsjxnf
  • Period: 1501 to

    16th Century

    Conquest and Colonization
  • 1521

    Spanish colonization

    Beginning of Spanish colonization. Spanish is imposed as the dominant language, but Franciscan and Dominican friars learn indigenous languages for evangelization.
  • 1570

    The general language of New Spain

    King Philip II declares Nahuatl as the general language of New Spain, facilitating evangelization.
  • Period: to

    18th Century

    Bourbon Reforms

  • Indigenous languages being forbitten

    The use of indigenous languages in education and administration is prohibited to impose Spanish as the official language.
  • Period: to

    19th Century

    Independence and Nation Building

  • Mexico gaining independence

    Mexico gains independence. Spanish is promoted as a unifying national factor, reducing indigenous language education.

  • Benito Juárez's educational reform

    It expanded secular and free education, but without recognizing linguistic diversity.
  • Period: to

    20th Century

    Policies of Hispanicization and Recognition of Linguistic Rights

  • Educational reforms

    Lázaro Cárdenas’ educational reform initiates bilingual education in some indigenous communities.

  • the National Bilingual Bicultural Education Program.

    This model was created in response to demands from indigenous groups, academics, and the Zapatista insurgent movement.

  • Amendment to Article 4 of the Constitution.

    Mexico is recognized as a multicultural country, protecting the right to speak indigenous languages.

  • Amendment to Article 2 of the Constitution.

    Indigenous peoples' right to education in their mother tongue is recognized.
  • Period: to

    21st Century

    Expansion of Bilingual Education

  • General Law of Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    Bilingual education and language revitalization are promoted.

  • Nowadays

    Educational reform strengthens intercultural education and the right to receive education in indigenous languages.