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ABSTRACT:
Evolution of mankind and civilization is a continuous process.Every civilization has its own unique 'identity'. Understanding the distinct features of these civilizations has been the of interest to the researcher, be it the historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists or any other. This questfor knowledge has seen the introduction of specialised curriculum that involves detailed study of famous yet lesser known civilizations. History has been teaching us important lessons and research in the field of history lives up to the expectations of providing rich cultural heritage. This is especially true for Maya civilization that has been alive when it appeared dead to the world.
Maya civilization, acivilization of stunning achievements, created in isolation from Europe and Asia(Cracking the Maya Code). It is fascinating to know that the civilization that was thought to have been abandoned in A.D. 900, is still alive, in the highlands of Guatemala, and Maya villagers still make offerings to ancient gods. They seek guidance about favourable days for planting and harvesting, but Mayan languagehad disappeared completely from their lives. The present generation of Maya tribe does not understand the language and are unable to decipher the Mayan Hieroglyphics.
The objective of this research paper is to explore the journey of Maya civilization from the lost remains to the University curriculum and back to the Maya civilization and to establish the role played by language as a cultural identity. The language that was taken back to the Maya, to give the identity back to a civilization. The research methodology is exploratory in nature using secondary data.
This research paper aims to understand how research helped in re-uniting a civilization with their language. It highlights the journey of deciphering the mystery of a civilization, taking it to the University and back to the civilization.
Keywords:
Curriculum, Maya Civilization, Identity
Introduction :
"We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism." RigobertaMench 'u Turn, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize.
The evolution of man has led to major changes in the way humans have perceived and is perceived by the members of the group. These established groups belonging to a particular area...