Quechua

Bolivia Landscape, David Adam Kess

Quechua is the most commonly spoken indigenous language of the Americas, spoken by approximately 10 million people in the Andean region as well as in diaspora communities around the world. Through Quechua language and culture study, learn about other ways of understanding the world, issues of indigeneity, and the expressions of Quechua as a global language, with both rich local diversity and shared pan-Andean traits. Further, studying Quechua complements a focus on Latin America or the learning of Spanish, leading to a more holistic and deeper understanding. Consider our introductory level and continuing Quechua language courses, as well as our electives such as Global Quechua, taught by Alana DeLoge, a linguist who has worked in Bolivia since 2002. We look forward to seeing you in our classes! 

Courses Offered:

Please see Quechua Course Descriptions for information about Quechua courses offered at the University of Pittsburgh.

Why Study Quechua?

  • Prepare for travel to the Andes and South America
  • Complement your Spanish and expand your understanding of Latin America beyond Hispanic Influence 
  • Learn a language indigenous to the Americas

Use Quechua to Earn Pitt Credentials 

What do students say?

"I did not know that it would have such a profound impact on my academic career, but I am thankful that Quechua courses are offered at Pitt." -Travis '13
"Seven years out from my graduation, I am more grateful than ever that I invested the time and energy - and more importantly, that Pitt understands the value of less-commonly-taught languages and itself allocates resources to their preservation and elevation." -Anne Marie, '10
"I studied abroad in a Quechua-speaking part of the world, and I now plan to do research and hopefully work in a field that engages with indigenous political oppression and activism in Latin America." -Kristen, '19