The importance of Quechua

The importance of Quechua in our association is very important. We are an association that supports the knowledge of the traditions. Quechua, German Ketschua (officially Qhichwa in Bolivia, mostly Qichwa in Peru, Kichwa in the eastern lowlands of Peru and Ecuador), is a group of closely related indigenous language varieties spoken in the Andean region of South America.

On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day and the 200th anniversary of the founding of Peru, we organized an international meeting on February 21. The goal was to reflect on the place of Quechua in Peruvian society. The Spanish-language program included inputs and lectures, as well as various musical Quechua interludes, which were simultaneously translated into German. After the welcome by Amanda Luna, the Peruvian ambassador first emphasized the importance of Quechua for Peruvian society. With almost 3.8 million speakers, which is equivalent to 13.6% of Peruvian society, the language has been able to maintain its importance even through the period of colonization.

Furthermore, it was shown how the importance of Quechua is related to the cultural heritage of the Inca. It is still of enormous importance in Peru today. As examples, the respectful treatment of nature and "Mita", the implementation of projects through community work, were mentioned. One speaker also said that this close connection of the Quechua with a specific worldview manifests itself above all in the sacred connection of people with the earth, which emanates from the energy "illa".

The musical contributions included, for example, the performance of the classic "El condor pasa" on the trombone. There would also be the performance of traditional songs from the province of Áncash.
The diverse speakers and artists from Peru succeeded in a creative way to show the importance of Quechua. The speakers and artists from Peru creatively demonstrated the importance of the Quechua language and the associated world view, while celebrating diversity culture.

Number of participants: 63
Language: Quechua, German, Spanish