The Quechua Language
  • 1. The Quechua language, often considered one of the most significant indigenous languages of South America, is primarily spoken by the Quechua peoples across the Andes mountains in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. With an estimated 8 to 10 million speakers, it stands as a vital cultural and linguistic heritage of the region. Historically, Quechua was the language of the Inca Empire, where it served as a lingua franca that facilitated communication among the diverse ethnic groups within the vast empire, allowing for the administration of a highly centralized political structure. The language is characterized by its agglutinative structure, which means it forms words by combining various morphemes, giving rise to expressive and nuanced meanings. Additionally, Quechua has several regional dialects, which can vary significantly, reflecting the diverse cultures and identities of its speakers. Despite facing challenges such as marginalization and decline due to colonization and globalization, recent efforts to revitalize the language through educational programs and media have regained momentum, fostering pride among speakers and encouraging new generations to learn and use Quechua in both spoken and written forms. The language is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices, traditions, and worldview of the Quechua peoples, encompassing rich oral literature, folklore, and a profound connection to the land they inhabit.

    What family of languages does Quechua belong to?
A) Romance languages
B) Sino-Tibetan languages
C) Quechuan languages
D) Semitic languages
  • 2. In which countries is Quechua primarily spoken?
A) Brazil, Argentina, Chile
B) Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay
C) Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador
D) Mexico, Panama, Honduras
  • 3. What is the status of Quechua in Peru?
A) Official language
B) Foreign language
C) Minority language
D) Regional dialect
  • 4. Quechua has influenced which other language?
A) English
B) Spanish
C) French
D) Italian
  • 5. What writing system does Quechua primarily use?
A) Arabic script
B) Latin alphabet
C) Cyrillic alphabet
D) Devanagari script
  • 6. What is the Quechua word for 'water'?
A) Inti
B) Wasi
C) Sumaq
D) Yaku
  • 7. What does 'Pachamama' mean in Quechua?
A) Mother Earth
B) Sacred Mountain
C) Great Spirit
D) Father Sky
  • 8. Which famous empire spoke Quechua?
A) Mayan Empire
B) Aztec Empire
C) Roman Empire
D) Inca Empire
  • 9. What does 'Inti' mean in Quechua?
A) Star
B) Sky
C) Moon
D) Sun
  • 10. What is the Quechua word for 'house'?
A) Yaku
B) Sumaq
C) Ukhu
D) Wasi
  • 11. Which organization promotes the use of Quechua?
A) UNESCO
B) WHO
C) IMF
D) NATO
  • 12. What does 'Sumaq' mean?
A) Wise
B) Strong
C) Beautiful
D) Happy
  • 13. In which continent is Quechua mainly spoken?
A) Asia
B) North America
C) South America
D) Europe
  • 14. What form of language preservation is commonly used for Quechua?
A) Technological seminars
B) Cultural programs
C) Political debates
D) Military training
  • 15. Which institution in Peru has made efforts to promote Quechua?
A) Universidad Nacional de San Marcos
B) Instituto Geográfico
C) Academia Mayor de la Lengua Quechua
D) Escuela Militar
  • 16. Quechua is closely related to which other language?
A) Guarani
B) Nahuatl
C) Aymara
D) Mapudungun
  • 17. How is the Quechua language classified in relation to its speakers?
A) Indigenous language
B) Global language
C) Lingua franca
D) Constructed language
  • 18. What is the Quechua word for 'food'?
A) Inti
B) Mikhuy
C) Wasi
D) Yaku
  • 19. What is the popular festival celebrated by Quechua-speaking people?
A) Carnaval
B) Inti Raymi
C) Oktoberfest
D) Diwali
  • 20. What does the Quechua word 'runa' mean?
A) Plant
B) Animal
C) Person
D) Thing
  • 21. The Quechua word 'Wasi' translates to what in English?
A) Water
B) Road
C) Food
D) House
  • 22. 'Chaska' means what in Quechua?
A) Star
B) Breeze
C) Flower
D) Mountain
  • 23. In Quechua, 'Ñawi' means?
A) Hand
B) Ear
C) Foot
D) Eye
  • 24. What type of language is Quechua considered in terms of grammar?
A) Agglutinative
B) Synthetic
C) Flexional
D) Isolating
  • 25. What does the Quechua term 'Qori' signify?
A) Gold
B) Iron
C) Copper
D) Silver
  • 26. What is 'Kawsay' in Quechua?
A) Death
B) Life
C) Love
D) Food
  • 27. Does Quechua include loanwords from Spanish?
A) Only a few
B) Yes
C) No
D) Only in Peru
  • 28. What is the Quechua term for 'sky'?
A) Ñawi
B) Hanaq pacha
C) Ukhu pacha
D) Wasi
  • 29. How do you say 'goodbye' in Quechua?
A) Tupananchiskama
B) Adios
C) Sayonara
D) Au revoir
  • 30. Which famous archaeological site is associated with the Quechua culture?
A) Pyramids of Giza
B) Machu Picchu
C) Colosseum
D) Stonehenge
  • 31. Which is a common Quechua textile pattern feature?
A) Geometric designs
B) Abstract art
C) Floral motifs
D) Photorealism
  • 32. How many speakers does the Quechua language approximately have?
A) 20-30 million
B) 50 million
C) 1-2 million
D) 8-10 million
  • 33. What is the term for the Quechuan concept of 'ayni'?
A) Exchange
B) Bartering
C) Selfishness
D) Reciprocity
  • 34. When did the Peruvian government recognize Quechua as an official language?
A) 1975
B) 1960
C) 2000
D) 1990
  • 35. Which of the following phrases means 'thank you' in Quechua?
A) Merci
B) Gracias
C) Gracias mucho
D) Sulpayki
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