Between two worlds: Challenges of transitioning from heritage languages to Spanish and its impact on educational practices in the highlands of Chiapas

María Emelina Santiago García — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Learning a second language is a complex process that involves a series of challenges, especially when transitioning from an indigenous language to Spanish. There are numerous factors that limit educational processes and diminish the knowledge acquired by students in indigenous communities. Low learning outcomes are often attributed to a lack of intellectual capacity; however, in the majority of cases, these challenges stem from a limited comprehension of instructions, either due to language barriers or insufficient prior knowledge aligned with the academic expectations of the preceding grade level.

This paper examines some of the main barriers and hurdles that students face when learning Spanish as a second language alongside formal education. It draws on prior research and includes a year-long collection of experiences from students and teachers in the tsotsil community of Lázaro Cárdenas, Chilil, Huixtán, Chiapas.

Ibero-American Journal of Academic Production and Educational Management

Between two worlds: Challenges of transitioning from heritage languages to Spanish and its impact on educational practices in the highlands of Chiapas