La Malinche was the guide, interpreter, and lover of Hernán Cortés, conqueror of Mexico. While reviled for centuries for her role in the conquest as the Mexican Eve, I reclaim her heritage as the first interpreter of the New World. She was a slave handed down from the Aztecs, to the Maya, to the Spaniards, and, as such, she was fluent in Náhuatl, Mayan, and Spanish. Her intelligence, diplomacy skills, and knowledge of all three cultures and languages soon made her invaluable to Cortés. The indigenous peoples she came in contact with respected her and portrayed her side-by-side with Cortés. They called her “Malinalli Tenépatl,” which means “la lengua” or “the tongue,” ergo, “the speaker.”

    Through my literary translations, essays, and poems, I, too, straddle two cultures and languages. Through my appearances, readings, and workshops, I help others connect.

For more detailed information about my expertise, please see my résumé page. Thank you.

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