What Languages do People Speak in Colombia?

Colombia is one of Latin America's largest countries with a linguistically and ethnically diverse
population. Spanish is the most spoken language in Colombia but there are many other languages
spoken in the country including dozens of Amerindian languages.

How Many Languages Are Spoken in Colombia?

There are more than 100 languages spoken in Colombia although Spanish is the most common,
spoken by more than 99% of Colombians. There are 65 Amerindian languages are also spoken by
indigenous peoples of Colombia, 2 Creole languages, and the Romani language spoken in the
country.

Official Languages of Colombia

Colombia's official language is Spanish which is spoken by most of the country's 45 million people.
Colombian Spanish is unique, however, varying from traditional Spanish in other Spanish-
speaking countries with very clear pronunciation. Various regions of Colombia also have their own
dialect of Spanish.

While Spanish is the official language of Colombia, some regions of the country have their own
official languages. English is an official language in the San Andres y Providencia, two island
groups off mainland Colombia.

Other Languages of Colombia

There are 65 minor Amerindian languages spoken in Colombia by indigenous groups. These
languages are grouped into 12 different language families. Major indigenous language families
include:
Chibchan, a great language family originating in Central America Arawakan including the
languages Wayuunaiki, Achagua, Kurripako, Cabiyari, and Piapoco. Cariban including the
languages Yukpa and Carijona. Tupian Quechuan Seven regional language families: Chocó,
Guahibo, Saliba, Macu, Witoto, Bora, and Tucano

Two Creole languages are also spoken in Colombia. San Andrés Creole is spoken in the Catalina,
Providencia, and San Andrés regions. While related to English-based Creole languages of
the Caribbean islands, San Andrés Creole has a strong Spanish influence. This language is
spoken on the islands of Saint Andrew, Providencia, and Santa Catalina which have historic ties to
the United Kingdom. Before the 1970s, the English language played a large role in the culture of
the Creole-speaking people of the islands. This culture, known as the Raizal culture, belonged to
the Afro-Caribbean ethnic group of the area.

Palenquero is another Creole language of Colombia and comes from the escaped slaves who
were brought to the region during Spanish colonization. The slaves created walled communities
known as palenques that developed their own languages. While most palenques eventually fell
and their languages became extinct, the Palenquero language of San Basilio de Palenque
remained after repelling attacks for a century and being declared a Free City in the 18th century.
This language is still spoken in the city of San Basilio and nearby neighborhoods.

Just 3,000 people in Colombia speak the Palenquero language. Most Spanish speakers can't
understand the language.

There are about 5,000 people in Colombia who speak Vlax Romani, the largest dialect of the
Romani language. Most Romani speakers in Colombia are foreign-born.
 Phase 1.
a- What do you know about Colombia?
b- What are the border countries of Colombia?
c- How do you think Colombia got its name?
d- Talk about the climate, weather, geography, native animals of Colombia.

Phase 2

a- How many languages are in Colombia?

b- extract relevant information from text.

Phase 3
a- Search some fun and surprising facts about Colombia.

https://www.lifeder.com/tribus-indigenas-colombia/
https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries/colombia.html