I spent my summer in Perú working with make_sense. I chose to partner with Saphi on the promotion and preservation of the indigenous Quechua language as well as the Andean perspective, focusing on creating English content. In order to do so, we visited various cultural heritage sites and created videos documenting what we learned. I worked with two other Laidlaw students in doing so, although we collectively had limited knowledge of Quechua as well as content creation. As such, we were unsure of what to expect when stepping into this experience. However, after visiting various sites we decided to focus on the presence of the Quechua language within the urban jungle of Lima, highlighting that it is much more than a remnant of Pre-Columbian culture.
The Quechua language is highly stigmatized in many Peruvian conceptions. It is typically viewed as a rural language, spoken by indigenous communities with few associated opportunities. However, it is an integral part of the activities of its speakers, facilitating communication and community. The language carries the identity and worldview of its speakers, connected to values of mutual support and an entire cosmovision distinct from what can be represented in English or Spanish. Furthermore, it is intertwined with artisanal traditions that contribute to the income of its speakers. Thus, its valuation is essential for the livelihood of its indigenous speakers. Both the Quechua traditions and the language itself are not artifacts of the past, but living concepts, which blend with modern innovations and Peruvian culture. Just as traditional indigenous motifs are combined with Christian iconography in Peruvian art, the Quechua language is combined with popular music. This can create new opportunities for its speakers precisely because of Quechua and its culture. This is what we sought to highlight in our content.
I was initially overwhelmed by this experience, not sure how to do justice to Quechua. This was amplified by my complete lack of knowledge about content creation, rarely existing as more than lurker on different platforms. However, with the support of my peers and partner organizations, we began to formulate a plan. We mapped out different sites to visit and determined when we would do so. This helped me not only to provide structure to my work, but also to increase my understanding of Quechua, as I could focus my research on the places we were intending to visit and their links to Quechua. In visiting these places, I began to comprehend what makes Quechua unique and to be able to identify its features – its sounds and its associated craftsmanship. I dedicated myself to sharing what I had saw, knowing that both Saphi’s followers and I are humans on a journey, with imperfect understandings of Quechua and, hopefully, a desire to learn more.
I had to accept that I could only share what I comprehended and that I was brought onto the project because this was worth disseminating. I focused on achievable steps, trusting that I would create a positive impact as a part of a larger team rather than attempting to solve all the world’s problems (quite infeasible, I know). After being exposed to content creation, I began to regret actions that we did not take, for example exploring other formats, perhaps creating short-form videos or memes. This, however, is evidence of the fact that I learned during the process, and I only came in with the background that I had. While I still have the perpetual wish that I could have done more, which seems to follow me throughout my life, I appreciate what I was able to accomplish.
As a part of the Saphi team, we sketched out six different videos in English showcasing Quechua within Lima, providing Saphi with a platform to connect to English speakers. This will be expanded upon as Saphi attempts its first Quechua class taught in English. Additionally, we captured content from a total of nine different sites as well as a Quechua class, providing imagery for Saphi to use in social media posts. However, I think the most significant impact was the mutual support we provided each other, a reminder that there are people ready to learn and to listen.