Paraguayan language
The Republic of Paraguay is a country belonging to South America, whose capital is Asunción. With 7 million inhabitants, it is the 104th most populous country in the world, and the 59th largest (406,752 km 2). Its human development index is medium (110º) and its official currency is the Paraguayan Guarani. And what language is spoken in Paraguay?
What language do they speak in Paraguay?
Paraguay has two official languages:
- Guarani, spoken by 90% of Paraguayans.
- Spanish , which is spoken by 87% of the population.
Most Paraguayans are bilingual, especially in urban areas; on the other hand, in rural areas only 52% of Paraguayans are. While Guarani is widely used, Spanish is given preferential treatment in government, business, the media, and education.
The most common immigrant languages are Portuguese (due to the border area with Brazil) and German (due to German immigration after World War II).
Map of languages and languages in Paraguay
In addition to Guaraní, there are 50,000 Paraguayans who speak indigenous languages, among which are: Aché, Ayoreo, Chamacoco, Iyo’wujwa Chorote, Guaná, Lengua, Maká, Nivaclé, Ñandeva (chiripá), Paí Tavyterá, Sanapaná, Toba Qom and tufa-maskoy.
Guarani language
Guaraní (avañe’ẽ) is an indigenous language, typical of the Guaraní culture that has lasted in Paraguay until today. It is spoken by 90% of the population, and can generally be understood by up to 95% of Paraguayans. Its use stands out in rural regions and, in isolation, in urban areas depending on the social environment.
Guaraní is the only indigenous language in the Americas that includes large proportions of non-indigenous speakers. This is an anomaly in the Americas, where linguistic substitution towards European colonial languages (in this case Spanish) has been an almost universal cultural and identity marker of mestizos (people of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent), and also of culturally assimilated and socially ascending Amerindians.
The Spanish language
Spanish is spoken by 87% of the population, a figure that has been increasing over time, since at the end of the ’80s this number was 75%. With the new generations, the use of Guarani is decreasing in favor of Spanish. Its use stands out in urban regions and in the capital.
Share which languages are spoken in Paraguay.