Though Mazatecan men and women feel a deep connection with whistled language, as it has been passed down for generations, keeping the language alive with the advancement of modernization has become more difficult. Many members believe the education system in Oaxaca discourages whistled language; this indigenous language and those who speak it often face social and racial discrimination, leaving many children feeling ashamed about whistled speech.

 

Elders and members of this community continue to fight to keep their ancestors knowledge and traditional whistled language alive.