Hilario Chi Canul (born 16 October 1981) is a Mexican linguist of Maya ethnicity who worked as a translator and Yucatec Maya language coach in the production of the 2006 movie Apocalypto by Mel Gibson.
Hilario Chi Canul | |
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Born | |
Nationality | Mexican |
Occupation | Professor of Maya |
Known for | Linguistics, Mayan languages, film work |
In 2007 he won the first prize in the Mexican government's competition of indigenous language rhetoric.[1] He is Professor of Maya at the University of Quintana Roo (UQRoo). He has worked as Maya language narrator in a number of commercial, art, and educational films.[2] He is also involved in the movement to revive Mexico's indigenous heritage.[3] He has given talks about his experience as a Maya translator working in the film industry at several American Universities.[4] Chi Canul also served as producer and lead actor in the first ever Maya-language telenovia Baktun in 2013.[5]