In the context of the existing cultural and linguistic asymmetry in Mexico, translation of literary texts from indigenous languages into the hegemonic Spanish is an expression of the struggle to decolonize the Mexican literary polysystem. Self-translation perfectly illustrates the social, political, cultural and linguistic conditions in which the so-called new indigenous literature is currently developing. The article outlines the linguistic situation in Mexico, i.e., the diversity and status of indigenous languages, efforts to revitalize them and reinforce their presence in the public space, by means to teaching and literature. The status of indigenous languages in this complex social context has an impact on literary production and the character of publications, which are necessarily bilingual, as well as the subjects of books written in the indigenous languages and then translated into Spanish. Other conditions include norms related to publication: and editorial policy, but also allows authors to introduce their own norms. New technologies allow for publishing in virtual spaces and to promote indigenous languages and cultures, oral traditions included. Adhering to the traditional orality as far as forms and subjects are concerned combined with change of the communication channel from oral to written on the Internet, shows modes of adaptation to modernity and a skillful search for the possibilities of a hybrid expression of one’s own identity with an aim to decolonize ways of thinking and attitudes towards Mexican indigenous peoples, their languages and literatures.
