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Upon arrival in Paraguay, you may be surprised to find that many people don’t communicate in Spanish. Instead, they speak a unique blend of Spanish and Guaraní known as Jopara.
When I first arrived, I was unable to understand a question that someone asked me on the bus. I thought my Spanish was rusty because I had just spent a month in Brazil only speaking Portuguese. However, it turned out that the man was speaking Jopara.
Prior to visiting Paraguay, I had never even heard of this language. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Jopara before your trip to Paraguay.
Table of Contents
Languages in Paraguay
Paraguay's official languages
Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America, holds a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history of colonization and indigenous roots. The Guaraní people, who had inhabited the region for centuries before Spanish colonization, played a vital role in Paraguay’s culture and history. Their language, Guaraní, holds immense significance in the country’s identity.
Today, Paraguay has two official languages: Guaraní and Spanish. Both languages hold significant importance in the country’s culture, history, and everyday life.
Other languages in Paraguay
European languages
There are tens of thousands of Paraguayans who speak Portuguese in towns bordering Brazil. This is especially true in Ciudad del Este due to their reliance on Brazilian customers. There are also small communities of German and Italian speakers in Paraguay.
Indigenous languages
While most Paraguayans speak Guaraní, there are about 50,000 speakers of other indigenous languages. Some of these languages include: Aché, Angaité, Ava Guarani, Ayoreo, Chamacoco, Enlhet, Enxet, Iyoʼwujwa Chorote, Kaskihá, Maká, Nivaclé, Pai Tavytera, Sanapaná, Toba-Maskoy, and Toba Qom.
Guaraní in Paraguay
In Latin America, it is rare for a large percentage of the population to speak an indigenous language. Surprisingly, only Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Guatemala have more than 10% of their populations able to speak an indigenous language. In addition, indigenous language speakers in other Latin American countries are usually only found in rural areas. Paraguay stands out, however, as approximately 80% of its population can speak Guaraní. So, why is the ability to speak an indigenous language so prevalent in Paraguay compared to the rest of Latin America?
Guaraní's resistance to colonization
One reason is that the indigenous Guaraní people have a long and significant history in Paraguay. Unlike many other indigenous groups in Latin America, the Guaraní were able to resist colonization and maintain a strong presence in the region. As a result, their language and culture have played a significant role in the development of Paraguay.
Paraguay's small population
Another reason is that Paraguay has a relatively small population compared to other countries in the region, and a large portion of the population is of indigenous or mixed indigenous and Spanish descent. This has contributed to the continued use and importance of Guaraní in Paraguay.
Governmental efforts
One of the biggest reasons, however, is due to the efforts of the Paraguayan government. They have sought to promote and preserve Guaraní in different ways. It is one of the official languages of the country, and there are efforts to include it in education and other aspects of public life. This has helped to ensure the continued use and vitality of Guaraní in Paraguay.
The Creation of Jopara
A blend of Spanish and Guaraní
Jopara, also known as Yopará, is a unique linguistic phenomenon that has emerged in Paraguay as a testament to the country’s cultural fusion. This language serves as a bridge between Spanish and Guaraní, allowing for effective communication and cultural exchange among the diverse population of Paraguay.
Variation in usage
The use of Jopara can vary depending on the speaker and the context. Some speakers incorporate grammar and vocabulary from both Spanish and Guaraní, while others engage in code-switching between the two languages. Because Jopara is not an official language, different speakers could say the same exact thing in different ways. Not only does this make it more difficult for foreigners to learn, it also allows for creative and new ways to express ideas and communicate. Jopara’s fluidity and flexibility give speakers the freedom to adapt their language use based on their personal preferences, regional dialects, or social contexts.
Pride and national identity
Today, Jopara is not only a means of communication, but also a source of pride and national identity among Paraguayans. It reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country and symbolizes the fusion of Spanish and Guaraní influences. Jopara is not spoken anywhere else.
Essential Words and Phrases in Jopara
Here are some useful words and phrases in Jopara that you can learn for your trip to Paraguay!
1. Iporã
ee-po-rah (the final “a” is pronounced as if you were pinching your nose) = Good (response to “How are you?”)
2. Tranquilopa
tran-kee-lo-pa = Everything is good.
3. Mo’o opyta baño?
mo-o o-pee-ta bai-nyo = Where is the bathroom?
4. Jaha
ja-ha = Let’s (do something).
Example: Jaha a comer = Let’s eat.
5. Quepiko hina es lo que haces?
ke-pee-ko hee-na es lo ke ah-ses? = What are you doing?
6. Che kuerái
che kwe-rah-ee = I’m fed up/tired.
7. Mbarete
m-bah-re-te = cool.
8. Yoko se luego
yo-ko se loo-weh-go = I know.
9. Ahata ayu
a-ha-tah ai-yu = Goodbye/See you later.
