An Introduction To Spoken Bolivian Quechua

The general language of the former Inca Empire, Quechua is today the most widely spoken indigenous American language. It is used by over six million people in the Andean region of South America - an area that includes southern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. Introduction to Quechua provides a uniquely accessible introduction to the language and culture of the Quechua speakers. This book is divided into three parts. Section I focuses on the spelling and pronunciation of the language. Section II consists of 494 Model Sentences in both Quechua and English, many in a helpful question-and-answer format that enables a person to communicate in situations typically encountered by the traveler. Literal translations are also included, to provide insight into the grammatical structures involved. These sentences cover a wide range of practical topics, from extending greetings and social courtesies to asking about transportation, describing things, expressing likes and dislikes, and requesting help. The models also show how to talk about time and past events and to express commands and conditional sentences. Many Model Sentences are followed by one or more Expansions to offer additional structures and/or vocabulary. Section III of the book offers important notes on the grammar of Quechua and includes model verb conjugations. This section is followed by extensive lists of practical vocabulary, going beyond the words used in the Model Sentences and their Expansions. Introduction to Quechua will prove to be an essential handbook and reference for any traveler, student, researcher, or businessperson who is interested in the Andean region and in communicating with Quechua speakers.

Kawsay Vida is a course book and interactive multimedia program on DVD for the teaching and learning of the Quechua language from beginner to advanced levels. The course book is based on contemporary Bolivian Quechua, while the multimedia program contains a section on Bolivian Quechua (beginner to intermediate levels) and a section on southern Peruvian Quechua (advanced level). The book provides a practical introduction to spoken Quechua through the medium of English, while the multimedia program offers a choice of English or Spanish as the medium of instruction. The video clips introduce us to Quechua speakers in the valleys of Northern Potosí (Bolivia) and Cuzco (Peru), giving a sense of immediacy that the printed page cannot achieve, and highlighting the social and cultural settings in which the language is spoken. The DVD is available for both PC and Macintosh platforms. The book contains twenty-two units of study. As students work through these, cross-references take them to relevant sections of the DVD. The Bolivian and Peruvian Quechua sections of the multimedia program are divided into thematically and grammatically ordered modules, which introduce users to different aspects of Andean life, while progressing language learning in a structured way. Users engage with the audio, video, and visual material contained in the DVD through a range of interactive exercises, which reinforce listening and comprehension skills. Once familiarity with the language is acquired, the multimedia program may be used independently from the book.

Quechua, the language of the great Inca Empire, is the most widely spoken Indian language of South America today with 7,000,000 speakers, mainly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. The book and audio kit provides the most thorough and accessible introduction to the language available. Travelers and anyone interested in indigenous language and culture will find: Fascinating facts about the land, people, and language Quechua sounds and sentences for everyday situations Clearly explained grammar and extensive word lists

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a country located in South America. It shares borders with Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, and Argentina. Bolivia's geography is diverse, with the Andes mountain range dominating the western portion of the country and the Amazon rainforest covering most of the east. Bolivia is known for its cultural heritage, which is heavily influenced by the native indigenous population. The official languages are Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua. Bolivia's economy is primarily centered around the natural resources of oil, gas, mining, and agriculture. Despite being ranked as one of the poorest countries in South America, Bolivia has a rich history and culture that continue to thrive today.