Evaluation of Asociaciòn Oxlajuuj Keej Maya Ajtziib : OKMA Linguistic Research

The Project
OKMA -Asociación Oxlajuuj Keej Maya`Ajtz'iib' is a Guatemalan organization for linguistic research on Maya languages. OKMA prepares young Maya people from different Maya linguistic communities to collect and analyze linguistic data. Norway (first FAFO and then Norad), through the Royal Embassy of Norway in Guatemala, has supported OKMA since 1997 with approximately US$ 1.7 million. The current agreement and its approved extension is for a total amount of US$ 600.000 (NOK 3,8 mill), and covers the period between May 2003 and October 2006. The main goal during this period is to collect, document and analyze two Maya languages: Tektiteko and Awakateko, as well as to develop materials in the Mam and Kaqchikel languages.

Interesting Findings

1. Undoubtedly, OKMA is the most important linguistic research organization in Guatemala for several reasons:
   The quality of the linguistic production and the skills of the OKMA research team is very high at national and international levels.
2. OKMA has produced the best grammars on Maya languages in the country. These reflect the team's capability to carry out original, systematic and fully supported analysis, and their profound overall knowledge of linguistics; specifically, of Maya linguistics.
3. OKMA has produced the only proposals for the standardization of Maya languages based on firm scientific principles. These unpublished works follow a series of specific criteria for language standardization and unification based on a profound study of historical linguistics and dialectal research.
4. In conclusion, the latest research products join a unique linguistic collection that has been developed throughout the years. We believe that such a systematic production is a clear indication of the research group's soundness, the effectiveness of its organization, and of its excellent performance as a group.
5. Without doubt, there is no other research team in Latin America as firm as this one and with the academic capability of producing such high quality studies in just three years. Even though some members of the team have joined the field of linguistics having no previous instruction in lexicography or historical linguistics, they have made highly original and academically documented contributions to those fields.
6. It has built invaluable human capital in the field of descriptive linguistics. It has encouraged the continuous training of its staff. At present, several of its members have enrolled in post grade studies abroad. When they return, they will certainly help to strengthen the institution even further
7. OKMA has administered its budget in an impeccable manner