Kichwa

Kichwa is a variety of the Quechuan language spoken primarily in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, with related forms used in neighboring regions. In Ecuador it is commonly referred to as Kichwa or Quichua, and it is part of the wider Quechuan language family. Like other Quechuan languages, Kichwa is an indigenous language with a long oral and literary tradition that has adapted through contact with Spanish.

Geographic and dialectal variation: In Ecuador, Kichwa is spoken in numerous provinces, including Imbabura, Pichincha, Cañar, Azuay, Chimborazo, Pastaza, Napo, and Morona-Santiago, among others. It comprises several dialect groups, and pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar can vary between communities. There are also related Kichwa varieties in the Andean region of neighboring countries, sometimes referred to collectively as Quichua.

Status and education: Kichwa has official recognition in Ecuador alongside Spanish, with support for intercultural bilingual education, media, and public life. The language is taught in some schools and used in local administration and cultural events, though the extent of bilingual implementation varies by region.

Writing and revitalization: Kichwa is written with the Latin alphabet. Orthographies differ by organization, and dictionaries and language programs support revitalization efforts. Speakers maintain traditional oral literature, music, and ceremonies, while many communities use Kichwa in daily life, education, and media.