Quichua, Santiago del Estero
PrintA language of Argentina
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Santiagueño Quichua
Population
60,000 (2000 SIL), decreasing. No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 50,000 to 60,000.
Location
North central Argentina, Santiago del Estero Province, departments of Figueroa, Moreno, Robles, Sarmiento, Brigadier J. F. Ibarra, San Martín, Silipica, Loreto, Atamisqui, Avellaneda, Salavina, Quebrachos, Mitre, Aguirre; southeast Salta Province, western Taboada department along Salado river; Buenos Aires.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Classification
Dialects
Lexical similarity: 81% with Bolivian or other Quechua.
Language Use
Vigorous. Increased use by media, musical groups. Chair of Quichua in the National University. Positive attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Promotion and teaching in schools authorized. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1990.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script.
Christian, traditional religion.