Abstract

ORDORICA MELLADO, Manuel. Thompson index in the study of the extinction of populations that speak indigenous languages. Pap. poblac [online]. 2008, vol.14, n.58, pp.9-21. ISSN 2448-7147.

This article's aim is to present the analysis carried out by means of Thompson replacement index in order to determine which populations, according to their indigenous language are undergoing extinction so as to establish programs oriented to foster these indigenous peoples' survival. Based on the information on the structure by age derived from a population census, it is possible to obtain an estimation of the reproduction rate. According to the results, the languages in accelerated extinction process are: Chontal, Mayo, Chontal from Oaxaca and Matlatzinca; whereas those undergoing slow extinction are: Mazahua, Mame, Maya, Chontal from Tabasco and Otomi.

Keywords : cultural diversity; linguistic diversity; extinct languages; reproduction rate; Chontal; Mame; Maya; Mayo; Matlatzinca; Mazahua; Otomi,; Mexico.