Pokom Maya and Their Colonial Dictionaries

Cultural Content

In its frequent references to loans from other languages, the "Viana" dictionary may be unique among Mesoamerican colonial dictionaries. Appendix 3a for Cholti and appendix 3b for Mexicano (Nahua) list words that are stated to be loans from these languages. Appendix 3 notes the acknowledged presence of loans from Chiapanec (Chiapa de los Indios), Taino (the language of Hispanola of Santo Domingo), Kekchi (also Quekchi or Cakchi), Quiché and Cakchiquel. A student of Maya languages or Nahua will have no problem in identifying additional loans.

The "Viana" dictionary is rich in information reflecting the world of the late postclassic Poqom. From the use of stone axes to the identification of "idols" there are many words that provide an insight to a little known past. Suzanne Miles (1957) and Lawrence Feldman (1985) base much of their books sixteenth century peoples on what they found in it. Others will find more. As an example I offer appendices 1 and  2  which provide information on the names and places (including archaeological sites) of that century.

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