Pronunciation: [pˈɒʃuːtˌɛk] (IPA) 
The word "pochutec" is spelled /poʧuˈtek/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "po" is pronounced with a p followed by a short o sound. The second syllable "chu" is pronounced with a ch like in "church" followed by a long u sound. The final syllable "tec" is pronounced with a t followed by a short e sound and a hard c sound like in "cat". This word refers to an extinct language that was once spoken in Mexico.
Pochutec is a regional variety of the Nahuatl language spoken by the Pochutec people, an indigenous group inhabiting the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Veracruz and the southwestern part of the state of Puebla. This variety of Nahuatl is known for its unique linguistic features and distinct vocabulary compared to other dialects of the language.
The term "pochutec" can also refer to the language itself. It is characterized by its phonemic distinctions, grammatical structures, and lexical items that differentiate it from other Nahuatl dialects. Pochutec has undergone significant changes throughout its history due to contact with different languages and cultures in the region.
Despite its historical significance in the pre-colonial era, Pochutec is now considered an endangered language, with a relatively small number of speakers. It is believed to be at risk of extinction due to factors like the encroachment of Spanish and the modernization of indigenous communities.
Efforts are being made by linguists, scholars, and community members to document and revitalize Pochutec in order to preserve this important component of the region's cultural heritage. These endeavors include linguistic research, teaching programs, and language materials development to help promote the use, learning, and conservation of Pochutec.
The word "Pochutec" is derived from the Nahuatl language, specifically from the Nahuatl term "poctēcah" which means "merchants" or "traders". Pochutec refers to the language spoken by the Pochutec people, an indigenous group that historically resided in what is now the northern part of the Mexican state of Veracruz. The language is considered a distinct variant of Nahuatl with its own unique characteristics. However, it is now classified as an endangered language, as very few speakers remain.
