A surreal cityscape blends Aztec and modern architecture, symbolizing Mexico's fusion of cultures and languages.

Lost in Translation? How Language Policies Shape Culture and Commerce in Mexico

Reese Marlowe in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the rise and fall of Mexico's language purity commission and its impact on today's cultural landscape, from advertising to identity."

Language is more than just a tool for communication; it's a living embodiment of culture, history, and identity. Throughout history, nations have grappled with language policies, sometimes in surprising and even controversial ways. One such example is Mexico's "Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language,” a fascinating, short-lived experiment with a long-lasting impact.

Established in 1981, the Commission aimed to protect Mexican Spanish from perceived corruption, primarily from the influence of English. While it quickly faded from the scene, its existence raises critical questions about language, power, and cultural preservation. Its short tenure reflected a deep-seated concern over linguistic purity and national identity in the face of increasing globalization and cultural exchange.

This article dives into the story of the Commission, exploring its historical context, its actions, and its legacy. It explores how this small group's efforts to shape language have subtly influenced Mexican culture and commerce. From the rise of Anglicisms in advertising to debates over linguistic identity, we'll uncover how language policies continue to shape the way Mexicans communicate and perceive the world around them.

A History of Language and Power in Mexico

A surreal cityscape blends Aztec and modern architecture, symbolizing Mexico's fusion of cultures and languages.

Mexico's linguistic landscape has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and, at times, forceful imposition. During the colonial era, Spanish was introduced alongside Catholicism, becoming the language of power and governance. While initial efforts were made to spread Spanish among the indigenous population, missionaries often found it more effective to learn and preach in native languages like Nahuatl, the lingua franca of the Aztec empire.

Following independence, Spanish solidified its dominance, yet the relationship with indigenous languages remained complex. In the 20th century, efforts to integrate indigenous populations sometimes involved suppressing native languages in favor of Spanish, a policy that has since shifted towards promoting bilingual education and celebrating linguistic diversity.

Today, Mexico officially recognizes 68 national languages, including Spanish and 67 indigenous languages. This reflects a commitment to preserving its rich linguistic heritage. However, Spanish continues to serve as the primary language of government, education, and commerce.

The historical context of linguistic imposition and cultural dominance forms a backdrop for understanding the Commission's anxieties about the influence of English. It highlights the ongoing tension between preserving national identity and embracing globalization.

English's Enduring Influence

While the Commission ultimately failed to stem the tide of English loanwords, its story serves as a reminder of the ongoing negotiation between language, culture, and identity. The debates it sparked continue to resonate in discussions about globalization, cultural preservation, and the evolving nature of language itself. And as global culture continues to evolve, Mexico’s approach will doubtlessly evolve with it.

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Everything You Need To Know

What was the main goal of the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language established in 1981?

The Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language, established in 1981, primarily aimed to protect Mexican Spanish from the perceived corruption and influence of English. The commission's formation reflected concerns about the impact of globalization and the preservation of national identity. It sought to safeguard the purity of the Spanish language against the influx of English loanwords (Anglicisms) that were increasingly prevalent in Mexican society and culture.

How did Spanish become the dominant language in Mexico, and what role did indigenous languages play?

Spanish's dominance in Mexico is rooted in the colonial era, when it was introduced alongside Catholicism and became the language of power and governance. During this period, while Spanish was promoted, missionaries also used indigenous languages like Nahuatl to communicate. After independence, Spanish solidified its dominance, though the relationship with indigenous languages remained complex. In the 20th century, efforts sometimes suppressed native languages in favor of Spanish, but this has evolved to promote bilingual education and linguistic diversity. Today, while Spanish is the primary language, Mexico officially recognizes 68 national languages, including 67 indigenous languages.

What impact did the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language have on Mexican culture and commerce?

While the Commission was short-lived, it highlighted the ongoing negotiation between language, culture, and identity. The commission's existence reflects anxieties about the influence of English, particularly in the context of globalization. Although the commission did not succeed in eliminating English loanwords, it sparked debates about cultural preservation, linguistic identity, and the evolving nature of language, influencing discussions about advertising, identity, and the broader cultural landscape.

Why was the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language short-lived?

The article indicates that the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language quickly faded from the scene. The exact reasons for its demise aren't explicitly stated. However, the article suggests the commission's focus on preventing Anglicisms from influencing Mexican Spanish ultimately proved unsustainable in the face of globalization. This points to societal and commercial factors that propelled the usage of English, likely outpacing the commission's capacity to control it.

How does Mexico's approach to language reflect its relationship with globalization and cultural identity?

Mexico's language policies and the reactions to the Commission for the Defense of the Spanish Language reflect a complex relationship with globalization and cultural identity. The rise of Anglicisms in advertising and other areas highlights the influence of global trends. The commission's attempt to protect Spanish reflects a desire to preserve national identity against these external influences. Today, Mexico officially recognizes 68 languages, demonstrating a commitment to linguistic diversity. This balance shows an attempt to both embrace global trends and safeguard its unique cultural and linguistic heritage. It reveals an ongoing negotiation between embracing change and preserving national identity.