In the journalNatural Language & Linguistic Theory[4] it is noted that if subjects are realized as negative indefinite pronouns, they may also trigger agent focus. The Mayan languages differ with respect to the degree of how obligation for agent focus. In this case Poqomam's agent focus is optional in all relevant contexts.
According toAmerican Anthropologist,[6] the revitalization of Mayan languages in Guatemala has increased in importance. In the1996 Peace Accords the idea of officializing or co-officializing Mayan languages was introduced. Unfortunately in the 1999 referendum of the constitutional changes it was turned down. In May 2003, the Guatemala congress passed the "Law of National Languages" that, while it states that Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, the Law recognizes that indigenous languages are essential parts of the national identity which must be promoted. This is a considerable change from the Guatemalan Constitution, which only recognizes indigenous languages as a part of the "national patrimony."
The Mayans have taken a number of actions that are intended, in part, to address the problem of language status and language shift:
^Santos Nicolás, José Francisco; Pérez, José Gonzalo Benito (1998).Rukorb'aal Poqom Q'orb'al: Gramática Poqom (Poqomam). Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala: Cholsamaj.
^Barret, R (April 2005). "Rukorb'aal Poqom Q'orb'al: Gramática Poqom (Poqomam). By Pala's José Francisco Santos Nicolás and Waykan José Gonzalo Benito Pérez. Guatemala City: Cholsamaj, 1998. Pp. 480 (Paper).Rukeemiik ja Tz'utujiil Chii': Gramática Tz'utujiil. By Ajpub' Pablo García Ixmatá. Guatemala City: Cholsamaj, 1997. Pp. 481 (Paper).Rukemik ri Kaqchikel Chi': Gramática Kaqchikel. By Lolmay Pedro García Matzar and Pakal B'alam José Obispo Rodríguez Guaján. Guatemala City: Cholsamaj, 1997. Pp. 485 (Paper).Ttxoolil Qyool Mam: Gramática Mam. By B'aayil Eduardo Pérez and Ajb'ee Odilio Jiménez. Guatemala City: Cholsamaj, 1997. Pp. 414 + appendixes (Paper).Gramática K'ichee'. By Saqijix Candelaria Dominga López Ixcoy. Guatemala City: Cholsamaj, 1997. Pp. 458 (Paper)".International Journal of American Linguistics.71 (2):215–221.doi:10.1086/491625.
^England, Nora (December 2003). "Mayan Language Revival and Revitalization Politics: Linguists and Linguistic Ideologies".American Anthropologist.105 (4):733–743.doi:10.1525/aa.2003.105.4.733.JSTOR3567138.
