I, Rigoberta Menchú Terms

Rigoberta Menchú belongs to the Maya-Quiché Indigenous group, one of the 12 Indigenous communities in Guatemala. The Maya-Quiché speak Quiché and live primarily in the mountainous region of El Quiché, in the northwestern part of… read analysis of Maya-Quiché

The Spanish word ladino refers to mixed-race people in Guatemala. Although the majority of Guatemalans are of Indigenous origin, a small elite of rich ladinos dominate the country’s political and economic system. In this sense, … read analysis of Ladino

The Spanish word compañero literally translates to “companion.” In this sense, at the beginning of Rigoberta’s story, it refers to members of Rigoberta’s Maya-Quiché community. Later on, the term is increasingly used in a… read analysis of Compañero

A finca is a large plantation or estate. Rigoberta and her fellow Indigenous peasants work in a variety of fincas on the Guatemalan coast, harvesting coffee, sugar, cotton, cardamom, and other crops. Over the course… read analysis of Finca

Fiesta is the Spanish word for “party” or “celebration”; it’s used by both ladinos and Maya-Quiché Indians. In Rigoberta’s narrative, fiestas usually honor important cultural events and might involve special activities, such as eating… read analysis of Fiesta

Machismo is a system of cultural norms in which stereotypically male traits, such as physical strength, are valued more than stereotypically feminine traits. It is associated with a variety of behaviors and beliefs: for example… read analysis of Machismo

In the Maya-Quiché Indigenous community, each person is assigned a nahual or natural “double” at birth, according to a special pre-defined calendar. The nahual can be any living thing, though it’s usually an animal. It… read analysis of Nahual

The Comité de Unidad Campesina (CUC) is an Indigenous Guatemalan labor organization. Both Rigoberta and her father are members of this organization, which seeks to organize poor Indigenous communities and to educate them about exploitation… read analysis of Committee for Peasant Unity (CUC)

The INTA is a government institution in charge of land affairs in Guatemala. Rigoberta’s father appeals to them on many occasions, but they soon prove corrupt: they align with rich landowners and trick Rigoberta’s… read analysis of Guatemalan National Institute for Agrarian Transformation (INTA)

Catholic Action is a religious association that seeks to convert Indigenous Guatemalans to Catholicism. Although Rigoberta criticizes some of the organizations political attitudes, she also learns important aspects of the Catholic doctrine from its members. read analysis of Catholic Action

A cantina is a bar on the finca that also sells groceries. read analysis of Cantina

Mimbre is type of willow used for making baskets and furniture. read analysis of Mimbre

Corte is the multicolored material that Indigenous Guatemalan women make into skirts, which form part of their traditional costumes. read analysis of Corte

A catechist is a teacher of Catholic doctrine. read analysis of Catechist