Step 1: Historical Background.
The woman known as La Malinche (also called Doña Marina) was a native of the Nahua people. She played a crucial role as interpreter, advisor, and intermediary during the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century.
Step 2: Her Role.
Malinche served as the translator between Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II, facilitating communication between the Spanish and the indigenous peoples. Her knowledge of both Nahuatl and Mayan languages made her indispensable during the conquest.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (1) Rigoberta Menchú: Guatemalan activist, not related to the conquest era.
- (2) Malinche: Correct — interpreter between Aztecs and Spaniards.
- (3) Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: 17th-century poet and scholar.
- (4) Frida Kahlo: 20th-century painter, unrelated to conquest history.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the Nahuatl woman who acted as interpreter between the Aztec Empire and the Spaniards was Malinche.