Los mayas vs. El maya: which is better?

Question

My professors have always had me use "los mayas" but a new member has brought it to my attention that it is confusing. Can the word "maya" be made plural?

Answer 1

Can you provide an example, Sunny?

Generally speaking, I am used to talking about "los mayas"; "los aztecas"; "los toltecas"; "los olmecas"; etc, etc. Other option is "la civilización maya"; "la civilización azteca..:"

I don't think "El maya" works in those terms. But maybe you have a context where it can be used.

. Desde los estudios de las estrellas hasta la construcción de sus pirámides, los mayas intentaron explicar el universo desde un punto de vista holística. - sunshinzmommie, May 12, 2010

I agree with and have always used "los mayas" just double checking since a member brought it to my attention :) - sunshinzmommie, May 12, 2010

Ok, I found the post where you were asked to use "Los Maya". Some people use it that way, and I wouldn't say that's incorrect. However, "Los Mayas" is correct, and is by far the most common way to say it in Spanish. - Gekkosan, May 12, 2010

Answer 2

I found two references online, both using "Los mayas."

"Los mayas hicieron grandes e impresionantes construcciones ...." comes from a huge article that you may interest you.

Answer 3

I often hear people say "los mayas" when talking about the mayan people, and my mexican family members definitely say "los mayas." I guess that doesn't mean it's correct, but it's definitely common!