Learning of Indigenous Languages to Teach European Culture. Jesuit Lenguas in Central Colonial Mexico and the Indigenous Presence in the Process of Jesuit Evangelization, 17th and 18th Centuries

The main objective of this paper is to define the indigenous’ role in the learning of nahuatl, otomi, and other native languages by Jesuit lenguas in Society of Jesus’ colleges in Mexico City, Tepotzotlan, and Puebla. Analyzing different Jesuit sources this paper will depict the significance of native languages for Jesuit missionary activities in Central Colonial Mexico and the role of indigenous people as teachers of Jesuit lenguas. Jesuit students were requested to learn at least one native language before complete their studies, so that the development of their linguistic skills was fundamental for the main ministry in New Spain: to work among the indigenous people in order to help them to achieve their salvation. Either in cities such as Puebla and Mexico or indigenous towns such as Tepotzotlan, Jesuits were in contact with indigenous people speaking their own languages. Antonio del Rincón (1566-1601), a descendant of the Texcoco nobility, who wrote Arte Mexicana (1595) is the most famous native speaker of the indigenous language within the Society in New Spain, but other indigenous people, frequently kids, performed as teachers for Jesuit lenguas. One of the questions this research looks to solve is about the cultural exchanges intervened in the process of teaching-learning indigenous languages. Finally, it will focus on the foundation of Saint Francis Xavier in Puebla to explore the role of Colegios de Indios in late eighteenth century to evangelize, educate indigenous towns or neighborhoods surrounding urban areas.