A digital illustration depicting the linguistic and cultural conflict between English and Spanish in modern Mexican society.

Decoding the Decline of English in Mexico: A Deep Dive into Language, Culture, and Change

Jordan Keane in Culture & Society December 2025 • 5 min read.

"From the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language to Today's Digital World: How English is Shaping - and Sometimes Unraveling - Mexico's Linguistic Landscape."

Mexico's linguistic landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation. While Spanish remains the dominant language, English has steadily infiltrated various aspects of Mexican society, from advertising and business to the arts and everyday conversations. This phenomenon isn't new; however, its scope and impact are continually evolving, sparking both admiration and concern among Mexicans. This article offers an insightful look into the rise of English in Mexico, exploring its historical roots, cultural significance, and the ongoing debate about its influence on the Spanish language.

To understand the present, we must first look to the past. This analysis begins with the historical efforts to safeguard the Spanish language in Mexico, particularly the work of the Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español (Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language) in the early 1980s. This helps us understand the context in which English began to make its mark. We will then look into how this movement mirrors the struggles of Spanish speakers in the United States and elsewhere. From this historical background, we'll move to the modern manifestations of English in Mexico, investigating its presence in product branding, print advertising, and the linguistic landscape of cities and towns.

The increasing presence of English is a complex topic that touches on cultural identity, economic globalization, and the evolving dynamics of language itself. While some embrace English as a symbol of modernity and opportunity, others view its spread with caution, fearing a dilution of Spanish and its cultural heritage. This article aims to present a balanced perspective, examining both the benefits and challenges that come with the increasing influence of English in Mexico, ultimately offering a deeper understanding of this ongoing linguistic evolution.

The Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language: A Historical Overview

A digital illustration depicting the linguistic and cultural conflict between English and Spanish in modern Mexican society.

In the early 1980s, amidst rising concerns about the influx of foreign words, Mexican President José López Portillo took a bold step to protect the Spanish language. This led to the creation of the Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español (CPDIE) in 1981. The commission's primary objective was to protect the Spanish language from the perceived negative effects of what they saw as a wave of foreign words. The commission's work focused on cleansing the Mexican Spanish grammar of errors as well as the Mexican Spanish lexicon of English borrowings. The CPDIE's efforts, though short-lived, reveal much about the cultural anxieties of the time and the ongoing debate about the preservation of linguistic purity versus the acceptance of linguistic change.

The Commission’s establishment was a response to growing cultural anxiety. The 1980s saw an increase in American culture permeating media and the economy. The Commission viewed this influx of English words with suspicion, associating it with a decline in the purity of the Spanish language. This perspective underscored the broader concerns about the potential loss of cultural identity in the face of globalization. The Comisión's activities included the publication of scholarly works and the organization of campaigns to promote the correct use of Spanish.

Prescriptive Approach: The commission operated with a prescriptive view, attempting to define and enforce proper Spanish usage.
Limited Impact: Despite its efforts, the Commission faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and political opposition.
Short Tenure: The CPDIE was dissolved within two years, but its legacy offers valuable insights into the protection of the Spanish language.

In contrast, the Mexican Academy of Language generally embraces linguistic changes as a natural development, an approach that contrasts with the CPDIE's purist stance. In an increasingly globalized world, the challenges of safeguarding a language have evolved considerably. The Commission's story serves as a reminder of the enduring tension between tradition and change, and the continuing relevance of the issues it raised.

Embracing Change: The Future of Language in Mexico

The story of English in Mexico is far from over. As the world continues to globalize and digital communication expands, the presence of English will likely keep expanding. Whether viewed as a threat or an opportunity, the interplay between Spanish and English in Mexico will continue to reflect the country's cultural and economic evolution. The challenges are how to balance the advantages of globalization and the protection of cultural identity. While the debates surrounding language and culture in Mexico will evolve, the language will inevitably continue to shape the future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5296/ijl.v3i1.736, Alternate LINK

Title: Mexico’S ‘Commission For The Defense Of The Spanish Language’ (1981-82)

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: International Journal of Linguistics

Publisher: Macrothink Institute, Inc.

Authors: Robert J. Baumgardner

Published: 2011-03-30

Everything You Need To Know

What was the Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español, and why was it created?

The Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español (CPDIE), or Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language, was created in 1981 by Mexican President José López Portillo. Its primary objective was to protect the Spanish language from the perceived negative effects of foreign words, particularly English borrowings. The CPDIE aimed to cleanse Mexican Spanish grammar and vocabulary, reflecting cultural anxieties about globalization and the potential dilution of cultural identity. However, it contrasts with the modern Mexican Academy of Language, which generally embraces linguistic change. Other Spanish speaking countries in the Americas have various approaches to language purity including the promotion of indigenious languages as well as cultural norms regarding inclusion.

How did the Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español approach its mission, and what were its limitations?

The Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español (CPDIE) adopted a prescriptive approach, seeking to define and enforce proper Spanish usage. Its activities included publishing scholarly works and organizing campaigns to promote the 'correct' use of Spanish. However, the CPDIE faced significant limitations, including financial constraints and political opposition. Ultimately, it was dissolved within two years. Its short tenure and limited impact highlight the difficulties in enforcing linguistic purity in a changing world. The CPDIE was funded from federal dollars and as such, did not have the support of the Mexican Academy of Language and other cultural institutions.

In what specific areas of Mexican society is the influence of English most noticeable?

The influence of English in Mexico is prominent in various sectors, including product branding, print advertising, media, business, and everyday conversations, particularly in urban areas. This increasing presence reflects the forces of economic globalization and cultural exchange. While many embrace English as a symbol of modernity and opportunity, its widespread use also raises concerns about the potential dilution of the Spanish language and Mexican cultural identity. This is similar to other countries with a history of colonialism and globalism and a re-emergence of national identity movements.

What are the key arguments for and against the increasing use of English in Mexico?

Arguments in favor of English in Mexico often center on its association with modernity, economic opportunity, and access to global markets. Proficiency in English is seen as an advantage in business and international communication. Conversely, concerns about the increasing use of English revolve around the potential loss of cultural identity, the dilution of the Spanish language, and the marginalization of those who do not speak English. This debate reflects a broader tension between embracing globalization and preserving cultural heritage. Similar trends appear in business with the increasing amount of outsourcing versus local control.

Considering the historical context and current trends, how might the relationship between Spanish and English in Mexico evolve in the future?

Given the ongoing forces of globalization and the expansion of digital communication, the presence of English in Mexico is likely to persist and possibly expand. The future relationship between Spanish and English will depend on how Mexican society balances the advantages of globalization with the desire to protect its cultural identity and language. This interplay will continue to shape Mexico's cultural and economic evolution. Understanding the dynamics of the Comisión para la Defensa del Idioma Español (CPDIE) provides insight into the enduring tensions between tradition and change in the face of linguistic influence. As the world globalizes, the push and pull will ultimately define the future linguistic landscape.