Modern Mayan languages descend from the the Proto-Mayan language, which are believed to have been spoken at least 5,000 years ago. The Proto-Mayan language is made up of at least 6 different branches including, the Huastecan, Quichean, Yucatecan, Q’anjobalan, Mamean, and Ch’olan-Tzeltalan branches. Of the Mayan languages, only two (possibly three) were written down, using the hieroglyphic system. It is believed that the Mayan Indians who spoke Ch’olan and possibly those of the Tzeltalan language, invented the Mayan writing system. The speakers of the Yucatec, then adopted the script to write their own language. In short, the many Mayan languages are very confusing, yet fascinating and were used by the Mayan Indians as a way to communicate in ancient
Modern Mayan languages descend from the the Proto-Mayan language, which are believed to have been spoken at least 5,000 years ago. The Proto-Mayan language is made up of at least 6 different branches including, the Huastecan, Quichean, Yucatecan, Q’anjobalan, Mamean, and Ch’olan-Tzeltalan branches. Of the Mayan languages, only two (possibly three) were written down, using the hieroglyphic system. It is believed that the Mayan Indians who spoke Ch’olan and possibly those of the Tzeltalan language, invented the Mayan writing system. The speakers of the Yucatec, then adopted the script to write their own language. In short, the many Mayan languages are very confusing, yet fascinating and were used by the Mayan Indians as a way to communicate in ancient