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What language did the Incas speak?

GVI

Posted: February 27, 2023

The Inca Empire, which thrived in the Andean region of South America from the 15th to the 16th century, is renowned for its impressive achievements in architecture, engineering, agriculture, and governance. However, one aspect of Inca culture that often goes overlooked is their language. Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication and culture, and understanding the Inca language can provide valuable insights into their society, worldview, and legacy. In this article, we will explore what language the Incas spoke, its characteristics, use during the Inca Empire, and legacy.

Background of the Inca Language

The Inca language, also known as Quechua, was spoken by the Inca people and their subjects throughout their vast empire. The Inca civilization emerged in the Andes mountains around 1200 CE, and their language developed alongside other indigenous languages in the region. The Inca language belongs to the Quechua language family, which also includes several other South American languages such as Aymara and Jaqaru.

The Quechua language family is believed to have originated in the Andean highlands, and its speakers gradually spread throughout the region, particularly after the rise of the Inca Empire. The Inca language was the lingua franca of the empire, and it played a crucial role in facilitating communication and trade between different regions and ethnic groups.

Characteristics of the Inca Language

The Inca language is known for its complex grammar and syntax, which differ significantly from European languages. For instance, the Inca language uses a system of suffixes and prefixes to denote tense, aspect, and mood, rather than distinct verb forms. This means that a single word can convey a wide range of meanings depending on its context and affixes.

The Inca language also has a rich vocabulary that reflects their culture, environment, and worldview. For instance, the Inca language has dozens of words for different types of corn, which was a staple crop in their diet. The language also has many words for different types of mountains, rivers, and other natural features of the Andes, which were sacred and significant to the Inca people.

In terms of pronunciation, the Inca language has several distinctive sounds that are not found in most European languages. For instance, it has a glottal stop, which is a pause or catch in the throat, and a rolled “r” sound. These sounds can be challenging for non-native speakers to master, but they are essential for speaking the language fluently.

Use of the Inca Language during the Inca Empire

Language played a crucial role in the Inca Empire, both in governance and daily life. The Inca rulers and administrators used the language to communicate with their subjects, issue commands, and record information. The Inca language was also used in legal proceedings, such as trials and contracts, and was an important tool for diplomacy and trade with neighbouring regions.

However, the use of the Inca language was not limited to official functions. It was also an integral part of Inca culture and identity. The Inca people used the language to express their worldview, beliefs, and values through songs, stories, and other forms of oral literature. The language was also used in religious rituals, such as offerings and prayers, and played a significant role in Inca mythology and cosmology.

The Inca rulers also implemented language policies to maintain the unity and coherence of the empire. They standardised the language and created a written script called khipu, which used a system of knots on strings to record numerical and other information. The khipu was used by specialised officials called khipukamayuqs, who

were responsible for keeping track of the empire’s resources, census data, and other important information. The Inca rulers also promoted the use of the Inca language over other indigenous languages in the empire, which helped to create a sense of shared identity and loyalty among the diverse population.

Legacy of the Inca Language

Despite the decline of the Inca Empire after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the Inca language has continued to thrive and evolve. Today, it is spoken by millions of people throughout South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. The Inca language has also influenced other Quechuan languages, as well as Spanish and other European languages spoken in the region.

The Inca language has also had a significant cultural and linguistic impact. It has inspired a rich tradition of Quechuan literature, including poetry, novels, and plays, which celebrate the language’s beauty and expressiveness. The Inca language has also been the subject of scholarly research and documentation, which has helped to preserve and promote its use.

In recent years, there have been efforts to revive and promote the Inca language, particularly among younger generations who may not have grown up speaking it. Language schools and cultural centres have been established in various parts of South America to teach the Inca language and promote its cultural heritage. In 2019, the Peruvian government declared the Inca language a national patrimony, which recognizes its significance as a cultural and linguistic treasure.

The Inca language is a fascinating and important aspect of the Inca civilization, which deserves greater recognition and appreciation. Understanding the Inca language can provide valuable insights into their culture, worldview, and legacy, and help to bridge the gap between past and present.

For travellers who are interested in learning more about the Inca language and its cultural significance, Peru is an ideal destination. The country is home to many language schools and cultural centres that offer courses in the Inca language, as well as opportunities to immerse oneself in Quechuan culture and traditions. Travellers can visit historic sites such as Machu Picchu and Cusco, where they can see the Inca language and its influence on local art and architecture. They can also participate in cultural events and festivals where the Inca language is spoken and celebrated, and even practise speaking the language with native speakers. Learning about the Inca language in Peru is an enriching and rewarding experience that can deepen one’s understanding of the country’s history and culture.

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