Indigenous languages of the Americas

Indigenous Languages of the Americas

The indigenous languages of the Americas are the languages that were used by the Indigenous peoples of the Americas before Europeans arrived. Many of these languages are still spoken today, but others have been lost over time. These languages come in many different families, and some are unique.

Yucatec Maya writing is shown in the Dresden Codex from the 11th–12th century, found in Chichen Itza.

There have been many ideas about how these languages might be connected, but most experts do not agree with the most famous idea because of mistakes in how it was made.

According to UNESCO, many of these languages are in danger of disappearing. Some of the most commonly spoken include Southern Quechua in Peru and Bolivia, and Guarani in Paraguay, each with millions of speakers. Other languages with many speakers include Aymara in Bolivia, Nahuatl in Mexico, and several Mayan languages like Kekchi, K'iche', and Yucatec. In North America, many people still speak these important languages.

Background

Before Europeans arrived, many different languages were spoken by people in North and South America. These languages were used by many groups of people.

When Europeans came to the Americas, they sometimes tried to learn these languages. However, they also often made people speak European languages instead. This led to many indigenous languages being lost over time. Today, some of these languages are still used, while others are in danger of disappearing. Some have even become official languages in certain places, like Guarani in Paraguay.

Numbers of Speakers and Political Recognition

Some countries help and support the languages of their Indigenous peoples.

Mexico, Guatemala, and Guyana recognize most Indigenous languages. Bolivia and Venezuela treat all Indigenous languages as official languages. In Canada, Argentina, and the US, local areas like provinces or states decide if they will recognize these languages. Brazil only recognizes Indigenous languages in some places. Colombia lets its regions decide, based on its constitution from 1991.

In 2019, Canada passed a law called the Indigenous Languages Act. This law helps protect Indigenous languages with money and a special office. The first leader of this office was Ronald E. Ignace.