Celebrating the Guarani Language: A Pillar of Paraguay’s Cultural Identity

The Guarani language is not just a means of communication; it is a cornerstone of Paraguayan culture and identity, spoken by millions and revered as a symbol of national pride. In a world where many indigenous languages are fading, Guarani stands strong, a testament to the resilience of its people.

It is estimated that some 10 million people speak it, especially in Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. It is also an official language of the Mercosur trade bloc.

The language of resistance

Guarani has often been referred to as a "language of resistance ." Despite efforts to suppress indigenous cultures, the Guarani language has not only survived but thrived. It resisted the erasure of its people’s heritage, serving as a unifying force for the Paraguayan population.

During the oppressive periods of history such as the military dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954-1989), Guarani was socially prohibited and became the voice of the oppressed, a medium through which stories, traditions, and knowledge were preserved and passed down through generations.

"During the dictatorship it was socially prohibited — not by law, but it was considered an uneducated, backward, language of peasants and the poor; so many families preferred their children not to learn it. It was kept only for domestic and folklore use,” said Perla álvarez, a 52-year-old linguist from Paraguay during an interview with El País in 2023.

Today, Guarani continues to resist, standing firm against the homogenizing forces of globalization, embodying the spirit and resilience of the Paraguayan people. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), in Paraguay, there are currently 33.4% of the population aged 5 and over who speak Guaraní most frequently in the home. Meanwhile, 34.7% speak Guaraní and Spanish (bilingualism), and only 29.6% speak Spanish or Castilian more frequently. Another 2% speak foreign languages.

Guarani is also spoken in some regions of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Since 2006 it has also been one of the official languages of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). The "great Guarani nation" includes Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Guarani is an official language in Bolivia and in some Argentine provinces, while in Brazil the language is widely used.

Why Paraguay Celebrates National Guarani Day

Every August 25, Paraguay celebrates Guarani Language Day to honor and recognize the profound influence of the Guarani language in shaping the country's cultural, social, and historical fabric. This day commemorates the pivotal moment in 1967 when Guarani was officially recognized as a national language and granted legal status. Remarkably, Guarani is the only indigenous language in the Americas spoken by the majority of a non-indigenous population, making it a unique and vital part of Paraguayan identity.

This day is not just a commemoration of a language but a celebration of the identity and heritage of the Guarani-speaking people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous languages as living treasures that carry the wisdom, traditions, and collective memory of a people. By celebrating Guarani Language Day, Paraguayans reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding this linguistic heritage, ensuring that the Guarani language continues to thrive for generations to come.

Preserving and Promoting Guaraní

As we honor the Guarani language, it's important to recognize the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote it. At Ushuaia Solutions, we are proud to support this mission by offering professional translation services from and into Guarani. Whether for educational, cultural, or business purposes, our team is committed to bridging language barriers and fostering understanding through accurate and respectful translations.