The Secretariat for Language Policy (SPL) has launched the “Recording spoken Guaraní based on accounts from native speakers over the age of 60” project. Its objective is to build a linguistic corpus based on spontaneous stories from older adults. The project aims for stories based on spoken Guaraní language, covering themes such as rural life (past and present), popular wisdom, customs, beliefs, traditions, agriculture, gastronomy, and more. All efforts aim to preserve Guaraní language.
The project began in November 2024 and is now entering its second stage, with technicians from the General Directorate of Linguistic Research (DGIL) arriving in the department of Ñeembucú to continue documenting spoken Guaraní across the ten selected departments of the Eastern Region.
The aim: Preserve Guaraní language
The corpus is based on free and spontaneous narratives from native speakers, preferably monolingual Guaraní speakers. It includes interviews, both audio and video recordings, which will later be transcribed and published on the official website. The material collected will also serve as a foundation for the documentation, study, analysis, and characterisation of the language.
The project intends to reach the entire national territory. In its first stage, the selected departments were Guairá, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Paraguarí, Misiones, San Pedro, and Cordillera. In each department, three districts were visited, and approximately 60 elderly people were interviewed.
The departments selected for the second phase of the project are Alto Paraná, Concepción, and Ñeembucú. In each selected district, technicians interview two elderly speakers, aiming to preserve and document the expressive richness of traditional Guaraní.
Guaraní language in Paraguay
In Paraguay, the Guaraní language dates back to the first indigenous peoples who inhabited these lands. As an official language, it remains as relevant as ever and continues to be a vital part of the country’s cultural identity.
Recently, Guaraní language made an impression at the Buenos Aires Book Fair, showcasing how it continues to thrive across generations. Paraguay’s bilingualism is also reflected in the widespread use of “Jopara,” a blend of Guaraní and Spanish, commonly spoken by much of the population.
Impact and relevance of the project
The importance of this project lies in the preservation of Guaraní in its purest and most authentic form. At the same time, it supports the enforcement of Paraguay’s Language Law (Law 4251), which promotes the development of official languages and the protection of indigenous ones.
This initiative will help strengthen the enduring legacy of this sweet language. Through authentic storytelling, the true essence of Guaraní, including its hidden meanings, wisdom, and sociocultural richness, can finally come to light. By documenting these voices, the SPL contributes invaluable resources for future linguistic and educational research. At the same time, the creation of a spoken Guaraní corpus will enable the implementation of more effective language policies. And foster the promotion of bilingualism throughout Paraguay.
