Publication:

Quechua in Tantamayo (Peru): toward a "social archaeology" of language (2004)

Author(s): Howard R

  • : Quechua in Tantamayo (Peru)

Abstract: The article discusses the current status of the Quechua language in central highland Peru, where the Quechua 'I' (Torero) dialects are spoken. This dialect grouping is mutually unintelligible with the southern Peruvian dialects of Cuzco and Bolivia (Quechua 'II'), historically associated with the hegemony of the Inca Empire. The historical context combines with the contemporary social and political situation, to trigger low social status for Quechua and massive language shift to Spanish among speakers. The study is based on primary field data, using a qualitative methodology, and considers the case in the light of theory of language shift and language maintenance in sociology of language.

  • Short Title: Quechua in Tantamayo (Peru)
  • Date: 23-01-2006
  • Journal: International Journal of the Sociology of Language
  • Volume: 2004
  • Issue: 167
  • Pages: 95-118
  • Publisher: Mouton de Gruyter
  • Publication type: Article
  • Bibliographic status: Published

Keywords: sociology of language; language maintenance; Quechua; language shift; language ideologies

Staff

Professor Rosaleen Howard
Chair of Hispanic Studies