Mopan Maya  (2024)

A translation to promote the Mopan Maya language in Belize.

After two years of work, the official launch of the translation into Mopan Maya, Ah Nene' Yum, took place on 28 March 2025, on the campus of the University of Belize in Punta Gorda, Toledo. The Little Prince was translated by Ms Elvia Bo and Mr Stanley Peck, two Mopan Maya speakers from the Toledo district, certified in Mopan writing. They carried out this project with the help of Nicole Hober, linguist and guest researcher at the University of Galen. Our foundation supported this project and enabled the printing of more than 1,000 copies that will be distributed throughout Belize. An audiobook of the translation was also recorded with students and teachers from the Mopan Maya primary school in San Jose Village, Toledo.

Mopan is one of the three Mayan languages of Belize. It is spoken by approximately 11,000 Belizeans according to a 2010 census. Due to the national predominance of other languages, it is important to safeguard and promote Mopan as an integral part of Belize's cultural heritage for future generations. As is well known, books and written documents are one of the best ways to safeguard and promote languages. The translation of The Little Prince into Mopan is aimed at achieving this objective.