Bolivia: Native Languages

Hello all! Everyone knows that the main language of Bolivia and all South America in general, is Spanish. What might come as unexpected though, is hearing the languages of Quechua and Aymara being spoken. There are 36 indigenous languages spoken in Bolivia, the principal ones being Quechua and Aymara. Many Bolivians speak either of these languages, or both, as second languages.

Quechua was the official language of the Inca Empire. Today, it is the most common language in Bolivia and Peru next to Spanish, with about 13 million people using it daily. In Torotoro, the guides and many of the townspeople spoke Quechua. Fidelia, my grandmother, is fluent in Spanish and Quechua. When we asked her how she learned, she told us that she had picked it up in her hometown by talking to the children she played with on the streets. I've come to realize that back then, and in some parts now, like Torotoro, Quechua is still common to everyone. Sadly, the next generation, like my mom, were not taught as much Quechua. Now schools are teaching Quechua to my generation. It is my hope and prayer that this beautiful language will not die out in Bolivia.

Aymara is another indigenous language that was spoken by the pre-Incan civilization of the Aymaras. Nowadays, it is less common than Quechua. While Quechua is spoken mostly in the regions of Cochabamba, Potosi, and Sucre, Aymara is mostly spoken in the city surrounding La Paz, El Alto (The Heights). Both Quechua and Aymara are spoken in the countries of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. As a matter of fact, there are many types of Aymara that can be spoken in these countries. Whether it be the second type or eighth type of Aymara, there are over two million people that speak this language in western South America.

For more facts about these fascinating languages and the 34 more in Bolivia you can go to:
www.native-languages.org/bolivia.htm
www.guidebolivia.com/pratique/gb_quechua_aymara.htm

Adios for now!