Prompt El Huipil

Read through the following description of what a huipil is and what it represents. Although it is in Spanish, use what you've learned to determine the main idea of the paragraph. For clarification, feel free to read the English translation that follows the Spanish paragraph. Finally, answer the questions in English while still using at least 5 Spanish words in your answer.

You will be graded on (1) appropriateness of response, (2) use of at least 5 Spanish words, and (3) overall quality of your response.

“Huipil” es el nombre de la blusa tradicional de la mujer maya. Es usualmente usado con un corte ( la falda tradicional). Estas piezas de ropa tradicional son usadas típicamente por las mujeres indígenas mayas de Guatemala. El huipil y el corte son artículos de ropa muy coloridos y decorativos. El huipil está hecho a mano y es muy importante para la mujer porque representa su pueblo y su estatus social. Un huipil puede variar en su tamaño, decoración y calidad dependiendo del propósito para el que se use. Algunos son creados para el uso diario, mientras que otros son hechos para ocasiones especiales.

Contesta a las siguientes preguntas usando de 4 a 6 frases completas en español e inglés.

¿Cuál es tu opinión sobre el huipil? ¿Por qué piensas que es importante para estas mujeres que todavía usen su ropa tradicional en nuestros días? ¿Conoces algún tipo de ropa tradicional que todavía es usado por algún grupo de gente en particular en tu país o cultura? ¿Cómo se ve y qué representa?

English Translation

A huipil is the name of a Mayan woman’s traditional blouse. It is usually worn with a corte (the traditional skirt). These traditional items of clothing are typically worn by the indigenous Mayan women of Guatemala. Both the huipil and the corte are very colorful and decorative articles of clothing. The huipil is handmade and very important to a woman as it can represent her hometown and social status. A huipil can vary in its size, decoration, and quality depending on the purpose of its use. Some are created for everyday use whereas others are made for special occasions.

Answer the following questions using 4-6 complete sentences. You can answer in English but try to use at least 5 Spanish words in your answer.

What is your opinion of the huipil? Why do you think it is important to these women to still wear such traditional clothing nowadays? Do you know of any traditional clothing still worn by people in your country or culture? What does it look like and what does it represent?