Nahuatl-English/English-Nahuatl Concise Dictionary

by Fermín Herrera

This dictionary reflects usage largely based on classical norms of the Nahuatl literary tradition, but also includes more contemporary vocabulary.

Genres: Reference

407 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great two-way dictionary for Nahuatl and English. Nahuatl is an indigenous language spoke in Mexico that goes all the way back to the Aztec peoples of central Mexico. This publication is only a compact dictionary but is very useful. The author gives an introduction of the Nahuatl language, a pronunciation guide, almost 30 pages worth of grammar explanations and notes (verb conjugations, pronouns, etc.), and an index of common Nahuatl phrases/terms grouped by subject (body parts, days of the week, animals, etc.).

I found some loan words that Spanish (and subsequently English) have adopted from Nahuatl include:
Aztecatl - Aztec
Mexihcayotl: Mexico/'Mexicanness'
mizquitl - mesquite tree
ahuacatl - avocado
chocolatl - chocolate
tomatl - tomato
chili - hot pepper
chian - chia seed
coyotl - coyote (animal)
peyotl - peyote (plant)

This is my only exposure to this old language but I think this is a great learning resource. I would recommend this helpful book. Thanks!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel fortunate enough to have learned everything I know about the Nahuatl language, from Fermin Herrera, himself. I have taken four classes with him and various independent study courses with him; and, he was my mentor.