Before Spanish, Peru was home to various indigenous languages. One of the major ancient languages spoken in Peru was Quechua, which is still spoken by a significant number of people in Peru today.
A more thorough response to your inquiry
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Peru was home to a diverse array of indigenous languages. One of the most prominent languages spoken in ancient Peru was Quechua, which continues to be spoken by a significant number of people in the country today.
Quote: “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
Here are some interesting facts about the languages of Peru:
-
Quechua: Quechua is an indigenous language that predates the Inca Empire and was widely spoken throughout the region. It is still spoken by millions of people in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and other Andean countries.
-
Spanish Influence: Since the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, Spanish became the dominant language in Peru due to the presence of Spanish settlers and the influence of the Spanish language in education and administration.
-
Aymara: Another important indigenous language in Peru is Aymara, primarily spoken in the highlands around Lake Titicaca. It is the second most widely spoken indigenous language in the country.
-
Language Diversity: According to Ethnologue, there are over 40 indigenous languages still spoken in Peru. These languages belong to various language families, including Quechuan, Aymaran, Ashéninka, Shipibo-Konibo, and many others.
-
Official Recognition: The Peruvian government officially recognizes both Quechua and Aymara as official languages, alongside Spanish. This recognition aims to promote and preserve the cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the country.
Here is a table comparing the main languages spoken in Peru:
| Language | Language Family | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Indo-European | Majority of population |
| Quechua | Quechuan | Millions of speakers |
| Aymara | Aymaran | Hundreds of thousands |
| Ashéninka | Arawakan | Tens of thousands |
| Shipibo-Konibo | Panoan | Tens of thousands |
| And many more… | Various | Various |
In conclusion, before the dominance of Spanish in Peru, the country was home to a rich tapestry of indigenous languages, with Quechua being one of the major ancient languages. These languages are an integral part of Peru’s cultural heritage, and efforts have been made to preserve and promote their usage in the present day.
Video response to “What language does Peru speak before Spanish?”
This video discusses commonly used Peruvian words and expressions, providing viewers with a glimpse into the unique vocabulary and slang of Peru. Words like “oi” meaning “hey” or “listen,” “Chela” meaning “beer,” and “Chamba” meaning “work” or “job” are mentioned, along with expressions like “me quedé sin plata” (I was left broke) and “eres especial” (you are unbearable). The video also highlights two expressions, “methyl flora” used to describe someone exaggerating about their achievements, and “nos vemos una bomba” used to refer to a great night out partying.
Other approaches of answering your query
QuechuaThey also speak Quechua – the most commonly spoken indigenous language of Peru. Quechua originated with the Inca empire and is one of the Peruvian languages that spread across the country before the Spanish colonised Peru in 1532.
More intriguing questions on the topic
Also Know, What is the first language in Peru?
Answer will be: Spanish
Around 84% of Peruvians speak Spanish, the official national language. Even so, over 26% of the population speaks a first language other than Spanish.
Does Peru have 3 official languages? The reply will be: At the political level, Spanish is the official language of Peru and, in areas where they are common, Quechua, Aymara, and some other Indigenous languages are also the official language.
Similar
Subsequently, What is the ancient indigenous language still spoken in Peru? Answer: Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire and still spoken by approximately 8 million people throughout the Andes, is the most spoken indigenous language in the Americas.
Do indigenous Peruvians speak Spanish? These include Aymará Quechua, Aymara and Ashaninka, among others. Indigenous languages are typically spoken by people who live in rural areas or remote villages. Many of these speakers also speak Spanish as a second language.
Correspondingly, What language does Peru speak besides Spanish?
In reply to that: Besides Spanish, a number of Indigenous languages are spoken in Peru, albeit with a much lower number of speakers than Spanish-speaking Peruvians. Spanish is the official language of Peru, and over 84% of Peruvians speak this language.
Thereof, What percentage of the population in Peru speaks Spanish?
Answer to this: About 84 percent of the Peruvian population speaks Spanish (known as Castellano or Espanol ), making it by far the most widely spoken language in Peru. It is also the principal language of the Peruvian government, the media, and the education system.
Is Peru a good place to learn Spanish?
Answer to this: Being able to speak Spanish in Peru is important, but it’s not the end of the world if you’re still learning. My first trip to Peru I could barely utter a word in Spanish. I was luckily to get past “Como estas?” without sounding like a complete and utter moron. Luckily, I was traveling around with my buddy who was fluent in Spanish.
What are the differences between Peruvian Spanish and Spanish spoken in other countries? One distinction of Andean Peruvian Spanish is the slow time and unique rhythm, compared to the fast pace of European Spanish and sometimes other South American forms of Spanish.