Although the Quechua language has been in decline, many people continue to speak it, and it is now experiencing a re-birth since many people in areas where speaking Quechua used to be considered shameful are now proudly speaking it.
Some people who are not of Indian background are learning Quechua in school or even studying it in university or as part of higher education. Quechua became an official language in Peru, and is often used in official publications. About 13% of Peru’s population speaks Quechua as a first language. Many more speak it in addition to Spanish or they speak it but not fluently. It is commonly heard in Cuzco and the surrounding areas, as well as other cities which have different dialects of the language.
Quechua Natural Speaker
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Quechua or varieties of it are also spoken all over the continent in places that were once conquered by the Inca Empire. Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and even as far as Argentina. The Quechua culture is still very strong in places like the Cuzco area, and all over the Andes, although it has been changed to some extent by modernization. Many older customs are carried out with the help of modern technology. Many people in these areas have a lifestyle that mixes influences from the Andean culture with modern influences.
Many of the people are very proud of their culture and customs, and cultural celebrations are held often.
The clothing of the Quechua people can still regularly be seen as well, but many in the younger generations wear modern clothes but use traditional clothing during festivals. That does not mean however, that the younger generation is not interested in traditional Andean culture. Many of the younger people are very proud of the Quechua language and culture.
