El paisaje lingüístico como escenario de la estructura de poder social: argumentos para el mantenimiento y revitalización del q’eqchi’ en el departamento de Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

This study analyzes the linguistic landscape (LL) of three localities in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, with the aim of assessing the visibility of Mayan languages in public spaces and its relationship to social power hierarchies. Through a mixed-methods approach applied to LL data and interviews, the exclusion of Q’eqchi’ and Poqomchi’ is evidenced, as these languages are largely relegated to identity-based or decorative functions in contrast to the predominance of Spanish and English. This distribution reproduces historical inequalities and power imbalances within Guatemalan society. Nevertheless, the study notes emerging bilingual initiatives and a growing civic awareness of the need for linguistic inclusion and revitalization as acts of social justice. This research concludes that literacy and inclusive public policies are essential to strengthen Mayan languages and transform public space into a sphere of recognition, equity, and cultural cohesion.