How Do You Spell ZAPOTEC?

Pronunciation: [zˈapə͡ʊtək] (IPA)

The word Zapotec is spelled with four letters and three syllables. Its pronunciation is "ˈzæp.ə.tɛk" according to IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "zap," is pronounced with a short vowel "a" sound similar to "cat." The second syllable, "o," sounds like the "aw" in "law." The third syllable, "tec," is pronounced with a short "e" sound like "get" followed by the "k" sound. The Zapotec people are an indigenous group located in southern Mexico.

ZAPOTEC Meaning and Definition

1. Zapotec refers to a Mesoamerican indigenous culture and a group of related languages primarily spoken by the Zapotec people, who predominantly reside in the southern part of Mexico's Oaxaca state. The Zapotec civilization has a rich history that predates the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, with archaeological evidence suggesting their presence in the region as early as 1500 BCE. The Zapotec civilization was renowned for its advanced agricultural practices, urban planning, and mathematical and astronomical knowledge.

   The term "Zapotec" also refers to the Zapotecan languages, a group of distinct but related indigenous languages spoken by the Zapotec people. These languages belong to the Oto-Manguean language family, one of the largest and most diverse language families in Mesoamerica. Zapotec languages have shown significant regional variation over time, leading to the classification of various distinct dialects.

   Furthermore, "Zapotec" can denote an individual belonging to the Zapotec ethnic group, who are known for their continued preservation of their cultural heritage and traditions. Traditional Zapotec customs often include vibrant textiles, pottery, and significant social celebrations and rituals. Zapotec communities have made efforts to maintain their languages, cultural practices, and local governance systems, emphasizing their resilience and dedication to their ancestral roots. Overall, the term "Zapotec" encompasses a rich cultural, linguistic, and historical tradition deeply rooted in the region of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Common Misspellings for ZAPOTEC

• hypotec
• sapoten
• sapotee
• Maiotec
• Aptotec
• Zappotek
• Zapptecc
• Japotes

Etymology of ZAPOTEC

The word "Zapotec" derives from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous groups in Central Mexico. The Nahuatl term "Tzapotecatl" meaning "people of the cloud mountains" or "people of the mountains" was adopted by the Spanish conquistadors and later evolved into the modern term "Zapotec". The Zapotec people are an indigenous group native to the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico, known for their rich history, culture, and artistic achievements.

Similar spelling word for ZAPOTEC

• Zapotecan.

Plural form of ZAPOTEC is ZAPOTECS