Study in this hall, the official languages of South American countries. Learn which languages are nationally recognized, how they reflect cultural diversity, and where indigenous languages hold official status.
Official Languages in South American Countries
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How Many Official Languages Are in South America?
- List of South American Countries and Their Official Languages
- Indigenous Languages with Official Status
- Language Diversity in South America
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
South America is a linguistically rich continent where Spanish and Portuguese dominate, but they are not the only official languages spoken. With 12 sovereign countries, South America is home to both European colonial languages and indigenous languages that hold national or regional official status. Understanding the official languages in South American countries gives insight into the region’s cultural heritage, colonial history, and modern efforts to preserve native identities.
2. How Many Official Languages Are in South America?
There are 6 major official languages recognized at the national level in South America:
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- English
- Dutch
- French
- Quechua
When we include regionally co-official indigenous languages, the number rises to 9 or more, as several countries grant official status to native tongues such as Aymara, Guaraní, and others alongside colonial languages.
3. List of South American Countries and Their Official Languages
Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of the official languages in South America:
| No. | Country | Official Language(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | Spanish |
| 2 | Bolivia | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and 33 other indigenous languages |
| 3 | Brazil | Portuguese |
| 4 | Chile | Spanish |
| 5 | Colombia | Spanish (plus 65 indigenous languages recognized regionally) |
| 6 | Ecuador | Spanish, Quechua, Shuar (in intercultural contexts) |
| 7 | Guyana | English |
| 8 | Paraguay | Spanish, Guaraní |
| 9 | Peru | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (in some regions) |
| 10 | Suriname | Dutch |
| 11 | Uruguay | Spanish |
| 12 | Venezuela | Spanish (and indigenous languages where spoken) |
| — | French Guiana | French (as an overseas department of France) |
French Guiana is not an independent country but is included due to its geopolitical presence on the continent.
4. Indigenous Languages with Official Status
Several indigenous languages in South America have co-official status, either nationally or regionally:
- Quechua – spoken in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador
- Aymara – official in Bolivia and Peru
- Guaraní – co-official in Paraguay and spoken in parts of Argentina and Bolivia
- Shuar – recognized in Ecuador
- Other Indigenous Languages – Bolivia recognizes 36 official languages in total, reflecting a deeply multicultural identity
These languages are often used in local governance, education, and media to preserve indigenous heritage.
5. Language Diversity in South America
While Spanish is the most widely spoken official language across the continent, Portuguese is the most spoken by population due to Brazil’s size. The presence of Dutch (Suriname), English (Guyana), and French (French Guiana) reflects South America’s colonial diversity beyond Spain and Portugal.
Multilingualism is also promoted in various countries through intercultural education programs and language preservation policies, especially in Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Ecuador, where indigenous voices are integrated into national identity.
READ ALSO – List of South American Countries and their Capitals – [Full List]
Revision Questions and Answers
- How many sovereign countries are there in South America?
There are 12 countries. - What are the two most widely spoken official languages in South America?
Spanish and Portuguese. - Which South American country has Portuguese as its only official language?
Brazil. - What is the only official language of Suriname?
Dutch. - Which South American country has 36 official languages, including Spanish?
Bolivia. - What are the two official languages of Paraguay?
Spanish and Guaraní. - Name a South American country where English is the official language.
Guyana. - What indigenous languages are officially recognized in Peru?
Quechua and Aymara (in some regions). - Is French an official language in any part of South America?
Yes, in French Guiana (an overseas department of France). - Why are indigenous languages gaining official recognition in South America?
To preserve cultural identity and promote linguistic inclusion in education and governance.
Conclusion
The official languages of South America reflect a complex mix of colonial influence, modern governance, and ancestral heritage. Spanish and Portuguese remain dominant, but indigenous languages are gaining official recognition and protection in several countries. This multilingual framework not only supports cultural preservation but also enhances national unity in one of the world’s most diverse continents.
Whether you’re a student, traveler, or language enthusiast, understanding which languages are official in South America gives you a deeper appreciation of the region’s identity, history, and people.