The Fascinating History and Decline of Quechua: The People's Language

🗣️Quechua, also known as Runa Simi, is the most widely spoken native language in South America.

🌎Quechua was the lingua franca of the Inca empire and played a significant role in the civilization's expansion.

🔠Quechua did not become a written language until after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. It continues to be mainly a spoken language.

📚Quechua has different dialects and lacks a standard written language, leading to variations in vocabulary and morphology.

🌐Quechua has faced decline due to the dominance of Spanish, urbanization, and the perception of Spanish as a language of prestige and economic opportunity.

How widely is Quechua spoken today?

—Quechua is spoken by approximately 8 to 10 million people across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, northern Argentina, and southern Colombia.

What role did Quechua play in the Inca civilization?

—Quechua was the language of the Inca empire and served as the lingua franca of the areas under their control.

When did Quechua become a written language?

—Quechua did not become a written language until after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire between 1532 and 1572.

Why has Quechua declined?

—Quechua has declined due to the dominance of Spanish, urbanization, and the perception of Spanish as a language of prestige and economic opportunity.

Are there efforts to preserve Quechua?

—Yes, efforts are being made to preserve and promote Quechua through bilingual education and increased focus on Quechua literacy.

00:10Quechua, also known as Runa Simi, is the most widely spoken native language in South America.

00:59Quechua was the lingua franca of the Inca empire and played a significant role in the civilization's expansion.

01:44Quechua did not become a written language until after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. It continues to be mainly a spoken language.

06:13Quechua has different dialects and lacks a standard written language, leading to variations in vocabulary and morphology.

02:28Quechua has faced decline due to the dominance of Spanish, urbanization, and the perception of Spanish as a language of prestige and economic opportunity.