The Palenquera language is one of the most emblematic cultural expressions of San Basilio de Palenque, a living testimony to the resilience and identity of its people. However, like many minority languages, it faces the threat of extinction due to the influence of Spanish, globalization, and sociocultural changes. In this context, youth participation has been key to revitalization efforts, contributing new strategies and tools to ensure its continuity.
One of the main challenges facing the Palenque language is the decline in the number of fluent speakers. In the past, the language was passed down naturally within families, but over time, this practice has weakened. Faced with this situation, young people have taken on a leading role to drive initiatives that combine tradition with innovation.
The use of digital tools has been one of the most effective strategies. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have enabled the creation of content in the Palenque language, increasing its visibility and appeal among younger generations. Young content creators have developed educational videos, songs, and language challenges that encourage language learning in a fun and accessible way.
Another fundamental strategy has been the creation of formal and informal learning spaces. Community schools and youth-led workshops have emerged as mechanisms to promote the use of Palenque in everyday life. These spaces not only reinforce language learning, but also strengthen a sense of identity and cultural pride.
Art and music also play a fundamental role in linguistic revitalization. Musical groups such as Kombilesa Mí have integrated the Palenque language into their lyrics, combining traditional rhythms with modern genres like rap and reggae. Similarly, audiovisual and theatrical projects have incorporated the language into their narratives, creating representations that reinforce its cultural value and communicative functionality.
Despite these advances, young people working to revitalize the Palenque language face a number of challenges. The lack of institutional support and language policies to back up these processes is one of the main obstacles. Added to this is social and economic pressure, which often forces younger generations to prioritize the use of Spanish over their ancestral language.
Despite these challenges, the actions of young Palenqueros demonstrate that linguistic revitalization is possible when we combine the community’s commitment is combined with modern technology. The key to the future of the Palenque language lies in continuing to promote these spaces for teaching and dissemination, ensuring that the language not only survives, but continues to evolve in the hands of new generations.
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