LANGUAGE
The current population of Paraguay is the result of the blending of two ethnically and culturally diverse groups: one American, the other European, also know as Guarani and Spanish. This population has characteristics that differ to those found in other American regions. The interaction between the reduced number of Spanish and the large indigenous population has taken place since the beginning of Paraguay's conquest and colonization. This is mainly due to its geographical isolation and the absence of precious metals. Nowadays, the total Paraguayan population is practically a mixture of the two groups.
With respect to the majority use of Guaraní, a Native American language, Paraguay is the only case of this type in South America. While the Spanish language is used by the ruling class almost across the entire continent and has been used since the country's origin, only a little more than half the population speaks it. In Paraguay, 90% of the population speak Guaraní and 55% Castellan, according to the 1982 census. We will have to conclude that there are 2 national cultures. Practically all Paraguayans belong to the culture that expresses itself as Guarani and more than half the population would be bicultural, possessing both national cultures. However, it can be maintained that the only true national Paraguayan calls himself Guarani.
The social acceptance that Guaraní always had continues nowadays and continues to grow, ultimately by its use in education, the media and its recent enactment as the country's official language.
Since the beginning of Paraguay's colonization, Castellan was the superior language in the region. It was used in official documents and government relations while Guaraní was used in personal, family and work relations. Nowadays, although there are as many speakers of both languages in urban areas as well as rural, bilingualism prevails and monolingual Spanish is first and Guaraní is last. Guaraní is still considered as a language used in informal settings but its position is beginning to change with less respect to its legal status by its inclusion as the official language in 1992 National Constitution as it is by its inclusion of the article regarding its use in education. Castellan continues to be the language of prestige in Paraguay because the inhabitants are aware of its knowledge being indispensable for the relations with neighboring countries. Nevertheless, Guaraní raises feelings of pride and linguistic loyalty in the people.
Paraguayans continue to be Nationalists and much of that emotion seems to be related to the feelings about the language.
In Paraguay, neither of the two languages has prevailed, making one disappear and apparently, it does not seem possible in the long run.
There is a dialect known as Jopara. It cannot be considered as a new language because of the interference of Castellan on Guarani but possibly with time it can be.
Source: Natalia Krivoshein de Canese in Guaraní Ñandutí Rogue
(http://www.uni-mainz.de/~lustig/guarani)
Translations and editing by: JoAnn Arbore Mainardi
