Quechua language
Quechua Language
Quechua (/ˈkɛtʃuə/, US also /ˈkɛtʃwɑː/; Spanish: [ˈketʃwa]; Quechua: Runasimi) is a native South American language family and dialect cluster spoken primarily in the Andes, derived from a common ancestral language. It is the most widely spoken language family of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, with a total of probably some 8–10 million speakers.
Etymology
The name Quechua comes from the phrase qhapaq simi which means "mighty language" in the Quechua language. The term was used by the Inca Empire, which was also known as Tawantinsuyu, to refer to their language.
Pronunciation
In English, the language is pronounced as /ˈkɛtʃuə/ or /ˈkɛtʃwɑː/. In Spanish, it is pronounced as [ˈketʃwa]. In Quechua itself, it is referred to as Runasimi.
Related Terms
- Inca Empire: The Inca Empire, also known as the Incan Empire and the Inka Empire, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political and military center of the empire was in the city of Cusco.
- Andes: The Andes, Andes Mountains or Andean Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world, forming a continuous highland along the western edge of South America.
- Runasimi: Runasimi is the native name for the Quechua language. It translates to "people's language" or "language of the people".
- Tawantinsuyu: Tawantinsuyu is the term used by the Inca Empire to refer to their territory. It translates to "The Four Regions" or "The Four United Provinces".
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