Kachi: A digital bridge between Nahuatl tradition and the modern era
In a global context where technology redefines learning methods, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) presents Kachi, a mobile application designed to revitalize Nahuatl, one of the most vital indigenous languages in Mexico. According to data from the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI), this language, belonging to the Yuto-Nahua family, has 1.7 million speakers distributed in 233 municipalities, although it faces preservation challenges in the face of globalization.
Technology at the service of linguistic diversity
Developed by students from the Faculty of Higher Studies Acatlán (FES), Kachi uses advanced frameworks such as SwiftUI and Core ML to offer an interactive experience. Its name, derived from Mixtec (“say” or “speak”), reflects its mission: democratizing access to native languages through digital resources. This project not only addresses a gap in educational platforms—only 2% of language apps include indigenous languages—but also aligns with UN Goal 16 to promote inclusive societies.
The application integrates three fundamental pillars:
- Cultural repository: A digital archive with vocabulary, ancestral recipes and interactive codices.
- Tonalpohualli Calendar: Pedagogical tool based on the Mesoamerican calendrical system.
- Gamification: Advances through achievements linked to the Nahua worldview.
Impact and projection
Kachi arises in response to an alarming diagnosis: 60% of the native languages in Mexico are at risk of disappearing, according to UNESCO. By incorporating playful and anthropological elements, the app transcends the linguistic field to become an instrument of cultural rescue. Currently in the financing phase for its Android version, its model could be replicated for other languages such as Mayan or Zapotec.
Experts in ethnolinguistics highlight that projects like this reduce the digital divide in indigenous communities and promote national identity. A study by UNAM (2024) revealed that 78% of young Mexicans do not know basic words in Nahuatl, despite their historical relevance.
Why is it relevant? Beyond its educational function, Kachi symbolizes an institutional effort to combat linguistic discrimination and revalue intangible heritage. Its technical development—with machine learning algorithms to adapt to the user—positions it as a benchmark for innovation with social impact.
Next steps
The team behind Kachi works in partnerships with native speakers to ensure dialect accuracy. It is expected to launch on iOS in the first quarter of 2025, with a library of 500 terms and 20 interactive lessons. Its success could inspire public policies to integrate technologies in cultural preservation.
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