NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The History and Literary Arts Library at the National Hispanic Cultural Center keeps records of settlements in New Mexico that go back centuries. Since that time, a dialect of Spanish known as Traditional New Mexican, developed in relative isolation from the rest of the world. The diverse culture, rich history, and natural wonders are just a few of the things that make New Mexico so special. "It's the most amazing state ever," said Damian Vergara Wilson, University of New Mexico Coordinator of the Spanish as a Heritage Language Program. National Hispanic Cultural Center working to preserve a particular Spanish dialect But did you know New Mexico has its own Spanish dialect? It's made up of a blend of words carried over from medieval Spain, Mexican Spanish, native forms, and eventually some English. "This is the language of our ancestors, of our grandparents," said Vergara Wilson. Professor Vergara Wilson said traditional New Mexican Spanish is most commonly heard in northern New Mexico. He explains that's because it wasn't as heavily influenced by immigration as the Spanish you may hear in the southern part of the state. "Spanish was evolving together. And you know, these changes did not happen in northern New Mexico simply because we were isolated," said Vergara Wilson. While there's a certain pride associated with the language today, Vergara Wilson said that wasn't always the case. "It was, quite frankly, beaten out of us in some instances." He added that the variety of Spanish has long been considered incorrect, which is why he said we are slowly losing it. "The consequences of these attitudes are dire because it causes people to want to abandon the language," said Vergara Wilson. But he's on a mission to preserve it. "If we can start cultivating a mutual appreciation, I think we all have a better chance of keeping the language," said Vergara Wilson. That starts in his classroom, where he encourages his students to speak the Spanish they learned at home. "We don't start with the textbook. We start with your grandma and your grandpa. Your community is right," said Vergara Wilson. Because Vergara knows protecting the language is a critical step in conserving the culture.