The letter k is only used for foreign words in conventional Spanish so why do they seem to favor it Mexican culture as Aztek rather than Aztec?

You're right, the letter "k" is generally not used in conventional Spanish. However, the spelling "Aztek" is not a standard, conventional spelling for "Aztec". It's an older, outdated spelling that was more prevalent in the past.

The more modern, accepted spelling in both Spanish and English is "Aztec". Here's why:

* Historical Evolution of the Spelling: The spelling "Aztec" derives from the Nahuatl word "Azteca," which is the name of the Mexica people (the group who founded the Aztec Empire). The Spanish adopted this spelling, but it was influenced by their phonetic system, which didn't have the same sounds as Nahuatl. Over time, the "k" spelling fell out of favor.

* Academic and Standard Usage: Modern academic and linguistic studies prefer "Aztec" as the more accurate and established spelling. It's the spelling used in dictionaries and scholarly texts.

* Consistency with Other Native American Names: Many other Native American names in English and Spanish are also spelled with a "c" rather than a "k". For example, "Cherokee" and "Inca."

Why "Aztek" Might Still Appear:

* Older Texts: You might encounter the spelling "Aztek" in older books or historical documents where it was more common.

* Regional Variations: In certain regions, people might still use the older spelling out of habit or cultural influence. However, it's not considered the standard spelling.

In conclusion, while you might see "Aztek" used in certain contexts, the correct and preferred spelling is "Aztec" in both English and Spanish.