* Interpreters: Cortés relied heavily on interpreters, primarily indigenous women who spoke both Nahuatl (the Aztec language) and Maya, and eventually Spanish. These women were often taken from conquered villages or were offered as gifts by allies.
* Nahuatl and Spanish: While interpreters were crucial, both sides tried to learn each other's language. Cortés learned some Nahuatl, and some Aztecs learned basic Spanish. This facilitated direct communication on some occasions.
* Drawing and Gesture: When words failed, both sides resorted to drawings and gestures. For example, Cortés used drawings to represent his ships and weapons, and the Aztecs used diagrams to explain their social hierarchy and religious practices.
* Gifts and Rituals: Gifts were exchanged as a way to communicate intentions and establish relationships. Rituals like sacrifices and offerings were also used to convey messages, albeit not always understood by the Spanish.
* Misunderstandings and Deception: Communication was riddled with misunderstandings and deception. Cortés deliberately manipulated information, portraying himself as a god or a powerful ally to gain influence and exploit divisions within the Aztec Empire.
In conclusion, the communication between the Aztecs and Cortés was a complex mix of language, gestures, gifts, and manipulation. It was a process filled with challenges and misunderstandings, ultimately playing a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.