This law is a juridical element that specifies the recognition of the individual and collective rights of the persons and peoples who own and practice some of the 68 indigenous languages of Mexico. In addition, it specifies nations as to be understood by indigenous languages and national languages, the conditions of application of the decree, and the attributes, purposes and functions of the National Institute of Indigenous Languages. The law also considers indigenous languages an integral part of the national cultural and linguistic heritage of Mexico.[2]
The LGDLPI, in its Article 4, recognizes indigenous languages as national languages with the same validity as Spanish:
The indigenous languages that are recognized in the terms of this Law and Spanish are national languages due to their historical origin and will have the same validity, guaranteeing at all times the human rights to non-discrimination and access to justice in accordance with the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and the international treaties in the matter to which the Mexican State is a party.[2]
