Nahuatl’s ‘Nexos’: Finding Freedom From Oppression | Political Letting Go
- In a world increasingly defined by rigid ideologies and unwavering commitments, a centuries-old Nahuatl word offers a surprising path toward liberation: *nepantla*.
- Carlos Alberto Sánchez, professor of philosophy at San José State University and author of *Mexican Philosophy for the 21st Century* (2023) and *Blooming in the Ruins: How Mexican...
- Growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, Sánchez recalls a moment at age 12 when his mother realized his Spanish was becoming “broken.” She had already observed his English wasn’t...
Embracing the In-Between: Finding Freedom in ‘Nepantla’
In a world increasingly defined by rigid ideologies and unwavering commitments, a centuries-old Nahuatl word offers a surprising path toward liberation: *nepantla*. The term, which translates roughly to “in-betweenness,” encapsulates the freedom found in letting go of oppressive structures and embracing a state of fluidity, and transition.
Carlos Alberto Sánchez, professor of philosophy at San José State University and author of *Mexican Philosophy for the 21st Century* (2023) and *Blooming in the Ruins: How Mexican Philosophy Can Guide You Toward the Good Life* (2024), explores the power of *nepantla* in a recent essay. Sánchez, who also co-founded the *Journal of Mexican Philosophy*, reflects on a childhood experience that brought the concept into sharp focus.
Growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, Sánchez recalls a moment at age 12 when his mother realized his Spanish was becoming “broken.” She had already observed his English wasn’t strong enough to effectively translate for the family. But hearing him struggle with a simple Spanish word signaled a crisis. Her reaction, a mixture of laughter and a poignant question – “So, no English, no Spanish… y ahora qué? ¿El silencio?” (“So what happens now? Silence?”) – resonated deeply.
The question wasn’t merely rhetorical. It highlighted a terrifying realization: if he couldn’t fully inhabit either language, what would become of him? Sánchez describes feeling a sense of urgency to improve his English, driven by the fear of existing in a linguistic void. This experience, he argues, was an early encounter with *nepantla* – a space of uncertainty and potential.
The concept of *nepantla* isn’t simply about linguistic ambiguity. It’s a broader philosophical stance that challenges the need for fixed identities and rigid categories. It suggests that true freedom lies in embracing the discomfort of transition, in recognizing that our identities are constantly evolving, and in resisting the pressure to conform to pre-defined roles.
While Sánchez’s personal story centers on language, the idea of existing “in-between” resonates across cultures and experiences. The Navajo Nation, for example, demonstrates a rich cultural history and a unique linguistic tradition. The Navajo language itself, as noted by the Navajo Nation website, was a crucial element in securing victory during World War II, highlighting the power and importance of maintaining cultural identity even amidst significant change.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports the preservation and understanding of diverse cultural traditions, including languages and philosophies like those explored by Sánchez. Since 1965, the NEH has awarded over $6 billion to projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting humanities research. On , the NEH announced Ruth R. Wisse as the recipient of the Jefferson Lecture, recognizing her contributions to the humanities. A recent press release detailed $75.1 million in funding for 84 humanities projects, and on , the agency announced its largest grant to date – $10.4 million – to combat antisemitism through the study of Jewish civilization.
The relevance of *nepantla* extends beyond individual identity. In an era marked by political polarization and social upheaval, the ability to navigate ambiguity and embrace multiple perspectives is more crucial than ever. Sánchez’s work suggests that by acknowledging the inherent fluidity of life, we can move beyond the limitations of rigid ideologies and create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The exploration of philosophical concepts like *nepantla* is supported by academic publishing houses like Oxford University Press, which publishes scholarly works in over 70 languages and 190 countries. These institutions play a vital role in disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual discourse, ensuring that ideas like *nepantla* reach a wider audience.
*nepantla* offers a powerful antidote to the anxieties of our time. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers, to embrace uncertainty, and to find strength in the spaces between.