Language

Language in Paraguay

Paraguay has one of Latin America's most unique linguistic situations - it's genuinely bilingual, with both Spanish and Guarani as official languages.

The Linguistic Landscape

Statistics:

• Guarani only at home: 40%
• Spanish only at home: 26.5%
• Both languages at home: 30%
• Other languages: 3.5%

Jopara: Many Paraguayans speak "Jopara" - a blend of Spanish and Guarani words mixed together naturally.

Spanish for Expats

Spanish is absolutely essential:

• Government offices operate in Spanish
• Banking, healthcare, utilities all in Spanish
• Very few English speakers even in Asuncion
• Google Translate will be your friend initially

Paraguayan Spanish characteristics:

• Uses "vos" instead of "tu" (like Argentina)
• Influenced by Guarani pronunciation
• Generally clear and understandable for Spanish learners
• Less slang than some other Latin American countries

Learning Spanish in Paraguay

Language Schools:

• IDIPAR - Established since 1982, offers Spanish and Guarani to foreigners
• Instituto de Espanol Asuncion (IDEA) - Spanish courses with cultural immersion
• Private tutors - Available for $10-20/hour

Online before arrival:

• Duolingo, Babbel, SpanishPod101
• Focus on Latin American Spanish
• Even basic Spanish helps enormously

The Guarani Factor

Why it matters:

• Guarani is not just symbolic - it's widely spoken
• Many conversations mix Spanish and Guarani
• Street vendors, markets often primarily Guarani
• Deep cultural significance

Should expats learn Guarani?

• Not required for daily life in Asuncion
• Highly appreciated by locals if you try
• Even a few words create instant rapport
• Useful for deeper cultural integration

Basic Guarani phrases:

• Mba'eichapa - Hello/How are you?
• Ipora - Good/Fine
• Aguyje - Thank you
• Jaha - Let's go
• Terere - Cold mate tea (national drink)

Resources:

• Duolingo has a Guarani course
• "Guarani Ayvu" app for translations
• "Maitei" online platform from National University

Communication Tips for Expats

1. Learn Spanish before arriving - even basics help enormously
2. Don't expect English - very rare even in businesses
3. Use translation apps - Google Translate works offline
4. Learn food vocabulary first - for restaurants and shopping
5. Practice numbers - for prices, addresses, dates

Social Integration

Paraguayans are friendly and patient with language learners:

• They appreciate any attempt at Spanish
• Trying Guarani delights them
• Don't be embarrassed by mistakes
• Language exchange partners easy to find

In the Workplace

If working locally:

• Business conducted in Spanish
• Legal documents in Spanish
• Some international companies use English internally
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) highly valued