Paraguay

Summary

Official Name: Republic of Paraguay
Population: 7,356,000
Principal Languages: Paraguayan Guaraní, Spanish
Literacy Rate: 94% (2018 UNESCO)
International Conventions: CPPDCE (2006), CSICH (2012), ICCPR (1966), (), UNCRPD (2006), UNDRIP (2007)
General References: Adelaar 1991, Adelaar and Muysken 2004, Campbell 1997, Campbell and King 2011, Crevels 2007
Deaf Population: 316,200
Language Counts: The number of established languages listed for Paraguay is 24. All are living languages. Of these, 19 are indigenous and 5 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 2 are institutional, 8 are developing, 3 are vigorous, 10 are in trouble, and 1 is dying. Also listed are 3 unestablished languages and 1 macrolanguage.

Languages

Aché guq: Alto Paraná department: Narranja and Iruno districts; Caaguazú, Guairá, and Paraguarí departments: Colonel Oviedo to Colonel Villaricca, Lake Del Rio Yguazu area; dialects: Chupa Pou, Kontuwy, Kontuwywe, Arroyo Bandera, Cerro Moroti, Puerto Barra, Ypetimi. Users: 910 (Crevels 2012). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,240 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ache-Guayaki, Aché-Guayaki, Axé, “Guaiaqui” (pej.), “Guayakí” (pej.), “Guoyagui” (pej.) Autonym: Aché Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní
Angaité aqt: Presidente Hayes department: La Patria. Users: 1,030 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 3,690 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Kovalhvok, Koyaqteves Classification: Mascoyan
Ayoreo ayo: Alto Paraguay department: Arocojnadi, Cucaani, Guidaichai, and Isla Alta; Boquerón department: Campo Loro, Ebetogue, Jesudi, and Tunocojai. Users: 2,460 in Paraguay (2012 census), increasing. 1,000 monolinguals (2012). Total users in all countries: 4,650. Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ayoeo, Ayoré, Ayoweo, Coroino, Garaygosode, Guarañoca, Guidaigosode, Koroino, Moro, Morotoco, Poturero, Pyeta Yovai, Pyta Jovai, Samococio, Takrat, Totobiegosode, Yanaigua Classification: Zamucoan
Chamacoco ceg: Alto Paraguay department: (Tomárãho) Pitiantuta and Puerto María Elena, (Ybytoso) Inihta, Karchabalut, Misión Santa Teresita, Puerto Caballo, Puerto Diana, Puerto Esperanza. Users: 2,000 (Ciucci and Bertinetto 2015). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ishir, Ishiro, Jeywo, Yshyro, Yshyro ahwoso, Ɨshɨro, Ɨshɨro ahwoso Autonym: Ɨshɨr ahwoso Classification: Zamucoan
Enlhet enl: Alto Paraguay department; Boquerón department: Filadelfia; Presidente Hayes department: Paratodo and north. Users: 6,440 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 7,220 (2002 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Eenlhit, Enlhet Norte, Enlhet-Lengua, Enslet, Enthlit, Lengua, Lengua Norte, Northern Lengua, Powok, Vowak Autonym: Enlhet Classification: Mascoyan
Enxet enx: Presidente Hayes department: Lolita and east to the Paraguay river. Users: 3,840 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 5,840 (2002 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Enxet Sur, Lengua Sur Autonym: Enxet Classification: Mascoyan
German, Standard deu: Alto Paraná, Boquerón, and Guairá departments; some settlements in the Chaco area. Users: 62,700 in Paraguay (2020). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Alemán, Deutsch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German
Guana gva: Alto Paraguay department: Riacho Mosquito; Concepción department: San Lázaro district, Valle Mi on Apa river banks. Users: 28 (Crevels 2007). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 260 (Crevels 2012). Status: 8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Cashquiha, Kaskihá, Vana Classification: Mascoyan
Guarani grn: Users: Population total all languages (L1 only): 6,652,790. Status:
Guaraní, Ava nhd: Alto Paraná, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, and San Pedro departments. Users: 6,310 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,900 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 16,350. Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Apytare, Ava, Ava-Chiripá, Ava-katu-ete, Chiripá, Chiripá-Guaraní, Tsiripá, Txiripá Autonym: Ava Guaraní Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
Guaraní, Mbyá gun: Widespread, east, central, and south. Users: 10,000 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 14,300 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ka’yngua, Mbua, Mbya, Mbya-apytere, Mbyá, Nhandeayvu Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
Guaraní, Paraguayan gug: Widespread. Users: 6,340,000 in Paraguay (2020), decreasing. 2,500,000 monolinguals (2002 census). Total users in all countries: 6,540,000. Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, No. 4251, Language Law, Article 3). Alternate Names: Avanye’e, Avañee, Guarani, Guaraní, Guaraní paraguaio Autonym: Avañe’ẽ Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
Guarayo gui: Boquerón department: Barrio Guaraní, Guaraní Occidental, Macharetti, Manjui, San Agustín, Santa Teresita, Santa Teresita-Guaraní Occidental, Yvopey; Concepción department; San Pedro department: Palomita. Users: 2,530 in Paraguay (2007 R. Perik), decreasing. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Eastern Bolivian Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní Occidental, Guasurango, Ñandeva, “Chawuncu” (pej.), “Chiriguano” (pej.) Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní, Bolivian Guaraní
Japanese jpn: Users: 7,000 in Paraguay (2020). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Japonic
Korean kor: Users: 8,000 in Paraguay (2015). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Koreanic
Maka mca: Alto Paraná department: Micro Centro; Central department: Comunidad Maka (Corumba Kue); Cordillera department; possibly Itapúa department, Ita Paso; Presidente Hayes department: Villa Hayes and Kenkukek; San Pedro department; Paraguai river, northeast of Asuncion. Users: 1,040 (Crevels 2012). 400 monolinguals (2012). Ethnic population: 1,300 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Enimaca, Enimaga, Maca, Macá, Maká, Towolhi Autonym: Mak’á Classification: Matacoan
Manjui crq: Boquerón department: Campo Loa, Colonia 22, Estigarribia, Filadelfia, Mcal, Neuland, Pedro P. Pena, Platanilia, Santa Rosa, Yakaquash. Users: 370 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 450 (Crevels 2012). Status: 4 (Educational). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Chorote, Choroti, I’no’, Inkijwas, Manjuy, Yojwaja Classification: Matacoan, Chorote
Ñandeva tpj: Alto Paraguay department: northwest; Boquerón department: Toledo area; Presidente Hayes department: Barrio Obrero, Colonia 5, Laguna Negra-Belén, Laguna Negra-Canaán, Laguna Negra-Damasco, Laguna Negra-Emaús, Laguna Negra-Jerusalén, Laguna Negra-Ko Pyahu, Laguna Negra-Timoteo, Mariscal Estigarribia, Ñu Guasu, Pykasu, Santa Teresita-San Lázaro, Santa Teresita-Santa Elena, Santa Teresita-Virgen del Carmen, and Siracua. Users: 1,550 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,020 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,759. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Guasurango, Guasurangue, Nandeva, Tapiete, Tirumbae, Yanaigua, Ñanagua Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
Nivaclé cag: Boquerón department: southeast; Presidente Hayes department: west; Chaco region. Users: 10,100 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 12,200 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 10,320. Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ashlushlay, Axluslay, Axluxlay, Nivaklé, “Choropí” (pej.), “Chulupe” (pej.), “Chulupie” (pej.), “Chulupí” (pej.), “Chunupí” (pej.), “Churupí” (pej.) Autonym: Guisnai Classification: Matacoan
Pai Tavytera pta: Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepción, and San Pedro departments. Users: 6,360 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,400 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Avá, Kaiova, Kaiowa, Pai, Tavytera Autonym: Pai Tavyterã Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
Paraguayan Sign Language pys: Scattered. Users: 15,000 (2009 L. Parks), increasing. Approximately 0.2% of total population. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: LSPY, Lengua de Señas del Paraguay, Lengua de señas paraguaya Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Plautdietsch pdt: Boquerón and Presidente Hayes departments: Filadelfia, Loma Plata, Menno Colony, and Neuland; Chaco region and east. Users: 40,000 in Paraguay (Salminen 2007). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Low German Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Saxon
Portuguese por: Boquerón deparment: Chaco region into Filadelfia. Users: 235,000 in Paraguay (2020). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician
Sanapaná spn: Alto Paraguay and Boquerón departments; Presidente Hayes department: Anaconda north to La Palmera south. Users: 980 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 2,270 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Kasnapan, Kelya’mok, Sa’apan, Saapa’ang Autonym: Nenlhet Classification: Mascoyan
Spanish spa: Asunción department: urban areas. Users: 6,700,000 in Paraguay, all users. L1 users: 4,430,000 in Paraguay (2020). L2 users: 2,270,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 140(2)), co-official with Paraguayan Guarani. Alternate Names: Español Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian
Toba Qom tob: San Pedro department: Boquerón-Arasapety and Urukuy-Las Palmas; Presidente Hayes department: Cerrito-Cerriteño, Cerrito-Río Verde, Cerrito-Rosarino, Naiñec, and San José. Users: 1,180 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,500 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Emok-Lik, Namqom, Qom, Qom l’aqtac, Qom-Lik, Qoml’ek, Takshika Classification: Guaykuruan, Southern
Toba-Maskoy tmf: Alto Paraguay department: Puerto Guarani area south; Concepción and Presidente Hayes departments: Boquerón Kue, Casanillo-Aldea Campo Rayo, Casanillo-Aldea Capiatá, Casanillo-Aldea Casanillo, Casanillo-Aldea Linda Vista, Casanillo-Campo Aroma, Casanillo-San Rafael, Castilla, Estancia Laguna Porã, Livio Fariña-Pueblito, María Auxiliadora-Km 40, Pozo Amarillo, Riacho Mosquito, San Isidro-Km 39; confluence, Apa and Paraguai rivers. Users: 1,260 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. 1,250 Toba-Enenlhet and 12 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). All women and young children are monolingual. Ethnic population: 2,270 (Crevels 2012). 1,510 Toba-Enenlhet and 760 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Cabanatit, Enenxet, Machicui, Quilyilhrayrom, Toba of Paraguay, Toba-Enenlhet Autonym: Enenlhet Classification: Mascoyan, Mascoy

Languages by Status

1 (National)

Guaraní, Paraguayan

[gug] 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, No. 4251, Language Law, Article 3). 6,340,000 in Paraguay (2020), decreasing. 2,500,000 monolinguals (2002 census). Total users in all countries: 6,540,000.

Spanish

[spa] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 140(2)), co-official with Paraguayan Guarani. 6,700,000 in Paraguay, all users. L1 users: 4,430,000 in Paraguay (2020). L2 users: 2,270,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).

4 (Educational)

Manjui

[crq] 4 (Educational). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 370 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 450 (Crevels 2012).

5 (Dispersed)

German, Standard

[deu] 5* (Dispersed). 62,700 in Paraguay (2020).

5 (Developing)

Aché

[guq] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 910 (Crevels 2012). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,240 (Crevels 2012).

Ayoreo

[ayo] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,460 in Paraguay (2012 census), increasing. 1,000 monolinguals (2012). Total users in all countries: 4,650.

Chamacoco

[ceg] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,000 (Ciucci and Bertinetto 2015).

Maka

[mca] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,040 (Crevels 2012). 400 monolinguals (2012). Ethnic population: 1,300 (Crevels 2012).

Nivaclé

[cag] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 10,100 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 12,200 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 10,320.

6a (Vigorous)

Enlhet

[enl] 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,440 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 7,220 (2002 census).

Enxet

[enx] 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 3,840 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 5,840 (2002 census).

Paraguayan Sign Language

[pys] 6a (Vigorous). 15,000 (2009 L. Parks), increasing. Approximately 0.2% of total population.

6b (Threatened)

Angaité

[aqt] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,030 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 3,690 (2002 census).

Guaraní, Ava

[nhd] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,310 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,900 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 16,350.

Guaraní, Mbyá

[gun] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 10,000 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 14,300 (2002 census).

Guarayo

[gui] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,530 in Paraguay (2007 R. Perik), decreasing.

Ñandeva

[tpj] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,550 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,020 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,759.

Pai Tavytera

[pta] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,360 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,400 (Crevels 2012).

Plautdietsch

[pdt] 6b* (Threatened). 40,000 in Paraguay (Salminen 2007).

Sanapaná

[spn] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 980 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 2,270 (2002 census).

Toba Qom

[tob] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,180 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,500 (Crevels 2012).

Toba-Maskoy

[tmf] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,260 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. 1,250 Toba-Enenlhet and 12 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). All women and young children are monolingual. Ethnic population: 2,270 (Crevels 2012). 1,510 Toba-Enenlhet and 760 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012).

8a (Moribund)

Guana

[gva] 8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 28 (Crevels 2007). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 260 (Crevels 2012).

Unestablished

Japanese

[jpn] Unestablished. 7,000 in Paraguay (2020).

Korean

[kor] Unestablished. 8,000 in Paraguay (2015).

Portuguese

[por] Unestablished. 235,000 in Paraguay (2020).

Maps

Paraguay

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Paraguay with respect to their level of language vitality. Each individual language that has an entry for Paraguay is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of vitality. The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level.
The vitality levels and the color coding of the bars match the scheme used in the guide on How many languages are endangered? In this scheme, the levels and colors are as follows:
- Dark green = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Light green = Stable (EGIDS 5-6a) — The language is not being sustained by formal institutions, but It is still the norm in the home and community that all children learn and use the language.
- Red = Endangered (EGIDS 6b-9) — It is no longer the norm that children learn and use this language.
These three summary levels have been derived by grouping levels in the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS), which is the more fine-grained scale that Ethnologue uses to assess the status of every language in terms of development versus endangerment; see the Language Status page for a description of the levels of that scale. See also the pages on Development and Endangerment for more discussion.
Language Status Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Paraguay with respect to their status of language development versus language endangerment. Each individual language that has an entry for Paraguay is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of development or endangerment as measured on the EGIDS scale. (See the pages on Development and Endangerment for a fuller explanation.) The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level. Consult the Status listings for Paraguay in order to see the specific languages for each level.
The color coding of the bars matches the color scheme used in the summary profile graphs on the navigation maps for the site. In this scheme, the EGIDS levels are grouped as follows:
- Purple = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Blue = Developing (EGIDS 5) — The language is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some though this is not yet widespread or sustainable.
- Green = Vigorous (EGIDS 6a) — The language is unstandardized and in vigorous use among all generations.
- Yellow = In trouble (EGIDS 6b-7) — Intergenerational transmission is in the process of being broken, but the child-bearing generation can still use the language so it is possible that revitalization efforts could restore transmission of the language in the home.
- Red = Dying (EGIDS 8a-9) — The only fluent users (if any) are older than child-bearing age, so it is too late to restore natural intergenerational transmission through the home; a mechanism outside the home would need to be developed.
- Black = Extinct (EGIDS 10) — The language has fallen completely out of use and no one retains a sense of ethnic identity associated with the language.

Resources

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Digest of the languages of Paraguay ($149.95, 32 page PDF)

Paraguay

Summary

Languages

Languages by Status

Maps

Paraguay

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile

Language Status Profile

Resources

Contributions

Editorial Action