Combinations of Spanish and Guaraní are common in Paraguay.
Luz Maria Ojeda, Director of a Language School speaking at Maká Indian school.
- What purposes does language serve?
- How does a language develop and change?
- How is language taught and learned?
- What happens if a language is lost?
- Are some languages lost?
http://www.terere.com/terere/canales/paraguay4u/guaranilanguage/guaranifactsabout.php
Paraguay is unique in that one of the native languages, Guarani, remains commonly used throughout the country. Threads of the Guarani language are interwoven into Paraguayan culture. Guarani and Spanish languages have been used in dialog for over 400 years. How did Guarani develop? During the 1500's the arrival of Spanish speaking Conqueros and Missionaries customs altered the evolution of the Indigenous people. Beliefs, customs and language changed as a result of the encounters. For example, when nomadic groups formed villages, which was unlike their custom, the need for different words and communication became necessary. Paraguay has two distinct geographical regions, the Chaco, or plains and the eastern region which was more forested. Prior two the arrival of the Spaniards groups from the two areas fought. Spaniards offered help to in return for assistance through the harsh land enroute to Bolivia and their pursuit of gold. The Guarani also offered women to the Spaniards who later returned to Guarani speaking children. Women and isolation kept the language intact, a key to a necessary alliance. The arrival of the Jesuit missionaries also affected the native language. A written form emerged as a result. How will this language continue to evolve?
