Mosaicos culturales: Influences of Indigenous Languages in the Spanish Language
Mosaicos culturales: Influences of Indigenous Languages in the Spanish Language
The four significant languages that influenced the Spanish language are Mayan, Náhutl (Aztecs) in Mexico, the Quechua (Incas), and Aymara in Perú and Bolivia. Other relevant indigenous languages still spoken are Mapuche (Chile) and Guaraní (Paraguay). All languages have provided numerous terms for food and several common activities. Languages like English have adopted many terms that have origins in these languages, for instance:
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Y ahora ustedes…
1. The following words are commonly used in Spanish, but can you guess the meaning in English?
| Words (palabras) | Native Language Originated | English Meaning |
| Aguacate | Náhuatl (Aztecs-Mex.) | |
| Cancha | Quechua (Incas- Perú/Bolivia) | |
| Cigarro | Mayan (Mexico) | |
| Guayaba | Arawak (Antilles) |
2. Do you know of any words in English that are borrowed from Indigenous Languages?
Check out this page to find out: Merriam-Webster
