Today, Ecuadorian society is still working to combat racism and prejudices. Here in the Chimborazo province, the indigenous population represents a vibrant community with a unique and colorful culture. Many indigenous groups feel especially connected to the environment, especially the massive volcanoes surrounding their lands.
What language(s) do Indigenous people speak?
Linguistically, Ecuador is an extremely diverse place--the country is home to fourteen Indigenous languages from eight different language families. By comparison, the entire continent of Europe is home to only three language families. Britannica estimates that there are around one million speakers of indigenous languages, the most prevalent of which is Kichwa (sometimes referred to as Quichua), a dialect of the better-known Quechua spoken south of Ecuador in Peru.
Here are a few borrowed sayings from Kichwa which have become incorporated into Riobamba's everyday vernacular:
guagua - niño o niña
araray! - ¡qué calor!
achachay! - ¡qué frío!
tayta - señor, don (an elder, respected man)
Apart from Kichwa, other widely spoken languages include Shuar and Achuar Chicham in the Amazon. Many indigenous people are bilingual, though fewer and fewer children are retaining their heritage languages.
Where do indigenous people live?
