Importance of the Quechua Language in Cusco
When you travel to or decide to make Cusco your home, you are not merely exploring a city; you are embarking on a journey through time and culture. The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, is a place where the past seamlessly blends with the present. Among the many aspects that make this city and its surroundings enchanting is Quechua—a linguistic treasure that resonates with the heartbeat of its people and history.
Quechua is more than just a language; it’s a connection to the Inca heritage, a bridge to the local people, and a window into the rich tapestry of Andean culture. With approximately 8-10 million speakers, Quechua holds the distinction of being the largest spoken indigenous language in the Americas. Its importance cannot be overstated, and its influence continues to grow, not just in Peru but worldwide.
In recent years, Quechua has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity, fueled by a renewed interest in indigenous cultures and traditions. Even Google has recognized its significance by adding Quechua to its translator, making it easier for travelers and language enthusiasts to delve into its beauty and depth.
In this blog series, we’ll take you on a linguistic journey through Cusco’s unique dialect of Quechua, highlighting 10 essential words or phrases in each post that will not only enhance your Andean experience but also bring you closer to the welcoming local community. Let’s start our exploration of this fascinating language, one word at a time.
Words of Today:
Hatun
Adj. Big
Hatun tayta
noun. Grandfather
Hatun Mama
noun. Grandmother
Llaqta
noun. Village
Hatun Llaqta
noun. City
Riy
verb. To go
Hamuy
verb. To come
Inkill
noun. Garden
Runa
noun. Person
Ñan
noun. Trail
Fun fact: The Inca Road System, known in Quechua as Qhapaq Ñan, was a complex series of ancient roads that connected the entire Incan Empire. They stretched all the way from Colombia to Argentina!
Pronunciation Guide
Consonant Sounds
| Letter | IPA | Pronunciation |
| H | /h/ | Like the h in house |
| Y | /j/ | Like the y in yes |
| K | /k/ | Like the c in scar |
| Kh | /kʰ/ | Like the c in cat |
| K’ | /kʼ/ | Like scar but with a restriction of air |
| L | /l/ | Like the l in lamp |
| Ll | /ʎ/ | Like the llio in billion |
| M | /m/ | Like the m in map |
| N | /n/ | Like the n in none |
| Ñ | /ɲ/ | Like the ny in canyon |
| P | /p/ | Like the p in spat |
| Ph | /pʰ/ | Like the p in pan |
| P’ | /pʼ/ | Like spat but with a restriction of air |
| Q | /q/ | Similar to scat but deeper in the throat |
| Qh | /qʰ/ | Similar to cat but deeper in the throat |
| Q’ | /qʼ/ | Similar to the /q/ sound but with a restriction of air |
| R | /ɾ/ | Like the t in atom |
| S | /s/ | Like the s in sun |
| Sh | /ʃ/ | Like the sh in shave |
| T | /t/ | Like the t in stunt |
| Th | /tʰ/ | Like the t in top |
| T’ | /tʼ/ | Like top but with a restriction of air |
| Ch | /tʃ/ | Like the ch in match |
| Ch’ | /tʃʰ/ | Like the ch in church |
| W | /w/ | Like the w in water |
Vowel Sounds
| A | /æ/, /ɑ/ | 1-Like the a in trap 2-Like the a in palm (before or after q) |
| I | /ɪ/, /ɛ/ | 1-Like the i in lip 2-Like the e in pet (before or after q) |
| U | /ʊ/, /ɔ/ | 1-Like the oo in hook 2-Like the o in more |
If you are looking to further immerse yourself in indigenous Andean culture, consider these tours!: https://incaperutravel.com/trip/community-rural-tourism/
Part 1!: https://inkaperutravel.com/
