Guarani In The Heart of South America: Language Stories Episode 12║Lindsay Does Languages Video

Summary

The video script details a personal journey of learning the Guarani language while traveling through Paraguay. The narrator shares their experiences, from taking lessons at a language school in Asunción to exploring the cultural significance of Guarani. The narrative includes historical insights, such as the impact of Jesuit missionaries and the War of the Triple Alliance, and highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Guarani through initiatives like language camps and apps. The story underscores the deep connection between language, identity, and cultural pride among Paraguayans.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The narrator's journey to learn a new language while traveling in the Americas revealed the widespread presence of indigenous languages like Guarani.
• 🇵🇾 Guarani has been a constant companion for the narrator, from dining at a Paraguayan restaurant in New York to taking online lessons and practicing daily.
• 📚 The narrator spoke with Romina Talia Goldberg, an expert on Paraguay, who advised on the practical use of Guarani and the importance of engaging locals in language learning.
• 🏫 The narrator attended a Guarani language school in Asunción, Paraguay, emphasizing the cultural significance of the language.
• 🏛️ The Jesuit missions in Paraguay, established in the late 1500s, played a crucial role in documenting the Guarani language, which was previously only oral.
• ⚔️ The War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) devastated Paraguay but the Guarani language survived, largely due to its transmission by women to their children.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Paraguayan women played a pivotal role in preserving the Guarani language and culture, especially after the war.
• 📱 Grow English is an app that teaches English to Guarani speakers and vice versa, helping spread the language globally.
• ❤️ For many Paraguayans, Spanish is the language of the head while Guarani is the language of the heart, deeply intertwined with their identity.
• 💬 Learning Guarani involves making mistakes and engaging with locals, creating a bond with the culture and people of Paraguay.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to learn a new language during their trip?

The speaker wanted to use the trip as an excuse to learn a new language, and they chose Guarani as it is widely spoken in Paraguay.

Why did the speaker decide to take Guarani lessons in Paraguay?

The speaker wanted to further their understanding of the language while in the country and felt that taking lessons at a local language school would help them immerse in the culture.

Who is Romina Talia Goldberg and what insight did she provide?

Romina Talia Goldberg is an author who wrote a book on Paraguay. She explained that Guarani is often mixed with Spanish and that it’s better to show a willingness to learn Guarani to get locals to help teach it.

What challenges did the Jesuit missionaries face when evangelizing in Paraguay?

The Jesuits faced challenges such as spreading diseases among the indigenous population and becoming targets for Portuguese slave traders, which forced them to move their missions further west.

How did the Jesuit missionaries contribute to the preservation of the Guarani language?

The Jesuit missionaries were the first to write down the Guarani language, which had been solely oral until then. This helped strengthen the language for future generations.

What impact did the War of the Triple Alliance have on Paraguay?

The War of the Triple Alliance, which took place between 1864 and 1870, led to the deaths of 60 to 90 percent of Paraguay's male population and 30 to 60 percent of its female population, pushing the country to the brink of destruction.

How did the Guarani language survive after the War of the Triple Alliance?

The language survived largely due to Paraguayan women who taught Guarani to their children, ensuring the transmission of the language and cultural values despite the massive population losses.

What role does Grow English play in promoting language learning in Paraguay?

Grow English is an app that teaches English to Guarani speakers and vice versa. It also organizes language camps and workshops to promote bilingualism among young people and teachers in Paraguay.

How did the speaker feel about learning and speaking Guarani in Paraguay?

The speaker felt reassured and excited to learn Guarani, noting that Paraguayans were very receptive and appreciated their efforts to speak the language, even if mistakes were made.

What significance does the Guarani language hold for Paraguayans?

For many Paraguayans, Guarani is the language of the heart, deeply intertwined with their identity and cultural heritage. It represents resilience and survival against historical challenges.