PY
Republic of Paraguay
Paraguay
Summary
Official Name
Republic of Paraguay
International Conventions
CPPDCE (2007), CSICH (2006), ICCPR (1992), ILOCITP (1993), UNCRPD (2008), UNDRIP (2007)
Population
7,192,000
Principal Languages
Paraguayan Guaraní, Spanish
Literacy Rate
94% (2018 UNESCO)
General References
Adelaar 1991, Adelaar and Muysken 2004, Campbell 1997, Campbell and King 2011, Crevels 2007
Language Counts
The number of established languages listed for Paraguay is 23. All are living languages. Of these, 19 are indigenous and 4 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 3 are institutional, 6 are developing, 3 are vigorous, 10 are in trouble, and 1 is dying. Also listed are 3 unestablished languages and 1 macrolanguage.
Languages
- Aché guq
- Alto Paraná department: Narranja and Iruno districts; Caaguazú, Guairá, and Paraguarí departments: Colonel Oviedo to Colonel Villaricca, Lake Del Rio Yguazu area; dialects: Chupa Pou, Kontuwy, Kontuwywe, Arroyo Bandera, Cerro Moroti, Puerto Barra, Ypetimi. Users: 910 (Crevels 2012). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,240 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ache-Guayaki, Aché-Guayaki, Axé, “Guaiaqui” (pej.), “Guayakí” (pej.), “Guoyagui” (pej.) Autonym: Aché Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní
- Angaité aqt
- Presidente Hayes department: La Patria. Users: 1,030 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 3,690 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Kovalhvok, Koyaqteves Classification: Mascoyan
- Ayoreo ayo
- Alto Paraguay department: Arocojnadi, Cucaani, Guidaichai, and Isla Alta; Boquerón department: Campo Loro, Ebetogue, Jesudi, and Tunocojai. Users: 2,460 in Paraguay (2012 census), increasing. 1,000 monolinguals (2012). Total users in all countries: 4,650. Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ayoeo, Ayoré, Ayoweo, Coroino, Garaygosode, Guarañoca, Guidaigosode, Koroino, Moro, Morotoco, Poturero, Pyeta Yovai, Pyta Jovai, Samococio, Takrat, Totobiegosode, Yanaigua Classification: Zamucoan
- Chamacoco ceg
- Alto Paraguay department: (Tomárãho) Pitiantuta and Puerto María Elena, (Ybytoso) Inihta, Karchabalut, Misión Santa Teresita, Puerto Caballo, Puerto Diana, Puerto Esperanza. Users: 2,000 (Ciucci and Bertinetto 2015). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ishir, Ishiro, Jeywo Classification: Zamucoan
- Enlhet enl
- Alto Paraguay department; Boquerón department: Filadelfia; Presidente Hayes department: Paratodo and north. Users: 6,440 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 7,220 (2002 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Eenlhit, Enlhet Norte, Enlhet-Lengua, Enslet, Enthlit, Lengua, Lengua Norte, Northern Lengua, Powok, Vowak Autonym: Enlhet Classification: Mascoyan
- Enxet enx
- Presidente Hayes department: Lolita and east to the Paraguay river. Users: 3,840 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 5,840 (2002 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Enxet Sur, Lengua Sur Autonym: Enxet Classification: Mascoyan
- German, Standard deu
- Alto Paraná, Boquerón, and Guairá departments; some settlements in the Chaco area. Users: 62,700 in Paraguay (2020). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Alemán, Deutsch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German
- Guana gva
- Alto Paraguay department: Riacho Mosquito; Concepción department: San Lázaro district, Valle Mi on Apa river banks. Users: 28 (Crevels 2007). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 260 (Crevels 2012). Status: 8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Cashquiha, Kaskihá, Vana Classification: Mascoyan
- Guarani grn
- Users: Population total all languages: 6,652,790. Status:
- Guaraní, Ava nhd
- Alto Paraná, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, and San Pedro departments. Users: 6,310 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,900 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 16,350. Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Apytare, Ava, Ava-Chiripá, Ava-katu-ete, Chiripá, Chiripá-Guaraní, Tsiripá, Txiripá Autonym: Ava Guaraní Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
- Guaraní, Mbyá gun
- Widespread, east, central, and south. Users: 10,000 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 14,300 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ka’yngua, Mbua, Mbya, Mbya-apytere, Mbyá, Nhandeayvu Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
- Guaraní, Paraguayan gug
- Widespread. Users: 6,340,000 in Paraguay (2020), decreasing. 2,500,000 monolinguals (2002 census). Total users in all countries: 6,540,000. Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, No. 4251, Language Law, Article 3). Alternate Names: Avanye’e, Avañee, Guarani, Guaraní, Guaraní paraguaio Autonym: Avañe’ẽ Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
- Guarayo gui
- Boquerón department: Barrio Guaraní, Guaraní Occidental, Macharetti, Manjui, San Agustín, Santa Teresita, Santa Teresita-Guaraní Occidental, Yvopey; Concepción department; San Pedro department: Palomita. Users: 2,530 in Paraguay (2007 R. Perik), decreasing. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Eastern Bolivian Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní Occidental, Guasurango, Ñandeva, “Chawuncu” (pej.), “Chiriguano” (pej.) Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní, Bolivian Guaraní
- Japanese jpn
- Users: 7,000 in Paraguay (2020). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Japonic
- Korean kor
- Users: 8,000 in Paraguay (2015). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Koreanic
- Maka mca
- Alto Paraná department: Micro Centro; Central department: Comunidad Maka (Corumba Kue); Cordillera department; possibly Itapúa department, Ita Paso; Presidente Hayes department: Villa Hayes and Kenkukek; San Pedro department; Paraguai river, northeast of Asuncion. Users: 1,040 (Crevels 2012). 400 monolinguals (2012). Ethnic population: 1,300 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Enimaca, Enimaga, Maca, Macá, Maká, Towolhi Autonym: Mak’á Classification: Matacoan
- Manjui crq
- Boquerón department: Campo Loa, Colonia 22, Estigarribia, Filadelfia, Mcal, Neuland, Pedro P. Pena, Platanilia, Santa Rosa, Yakaquash. Users: 370 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 450 (Crevels 2012). Status: 4 (Educational). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Chorote, Choroti, I’no’, Inkijwas, Manjuy, Yojwaja Classification: Matacoan, Chorote
- Ñandeva tpj
- Alto Paraguay department: northwest; Boquerón department: Toledo area; Presidente Hayes department: Barrio Obrero, Colonia 5, Laguna Negra-Belén, Laguna Negra-Canaán, Laguna Negra-Damasco, Laguna Negra-Emaús, Laguna Negra-Jerusalén, Laguna Negra-Ko Pyahu, Laguna Negra-Timoteo, Mariscal Estigarribia, Ñu Guasu, Pykasu, Santa Teresita-San Lázaro, Santa Teresita-Santa Elena, Santa Teresita-Virgen del Carmen, and Siracua. Users: 1,550 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,020 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,759. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Guasurango, Guasurangue, Nandeva, Tapiete, Tirumbae, Yanaigua, Ñanagua Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
- Nivaclé cag
- Boquerón department: southeast; Presidente Hayes department: west; Chaco region. Users: 10,100 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 12,200 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 10,320. Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Ashlushlay, Axluslay, Axluxlay, Nivaklé, “Choropí” (pej.), “Chulupe” (pej.), “Chulupie” (pej.), “Chulupí” (pej.), “Chunupí” (pej.), “Churupí” (pej.) Autonym: Guisnai Classification: Matacoan
- Pai Tavytera pta
- Amambay, Canindeyú, Concepción, and San Pedro departments. Users: 6,360 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,400 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Avá, Kaiova, Kaiowa, Pai, Tavytera Autonym: Pai Tavyterã Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guaraní, Guaraní
- Paraguayan Sign Language pys
- Scattered. Users: 15,000 (2009 L. Parks), increasing. Approximately 0.2% of total population. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: LSPY, Lengua de Señas del Paraguay, Lengua de señas paraguaya Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
- Plautdietsch pdt
- Boquerón and Presidente Hayes departments: Filadelfia, Loma Plata, Menno Colony, and Neuland; Chaco region and east. Users: 40,000 in Paraguay (Salminen 2007). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Low German Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Saxon
- Portuguese por
- Boquerón deparment: Chaco region into Filadelfia. Users: 235,000 in Paraguay (2020). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician
- Sanapaná spn
- Alto Paraguay and Boquerón departments; Presidente Hayes department: Anaconda north to La Palmera south. Users: 980 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 2,270 (2002 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Kasnapan, Kelya’mok, Sa’apan, Saapa’ang Autonym: Nenlhet Classification: Mascoyan
- Spanish spa
- Asunción department: urban areas. Users: 6,700,000 in Paraguay, all users. L1 users: 4,430,000 in Paraguay (2020). L2 users: 2,270,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 140(2)), co-official with Paraguayan Guarani. Alternate Names: Español Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian
- Toba Qom tob
- San Pedro department: Boquerón-Arasapety and Urukuy-Las Palmas; Presidente Hayes department: Cerrito-Cerriteño, Cerrito-Río Verde, Cerrito-Rosarino, Naiñec, and San José. Users: 1,180 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,500 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Emok-Lik, Namqom, Qom, Qom l’aqtac, Qom-Lik, Qoml’ek, Takshika Classification: Guaykuruan, Southern
- Toba-Maskoy tmf
- Alto Paraguay department: Puerto Guarani area south; Concepción and Presidente Hayes departments: Boquerón Kue, Casanillo-Aldea Campo Rayo, Casanillo-Aldea Capiatá, Casanillo-Aldea Casanillo, Casanillo-Aldea Linda Vista, Casanillo-Campo Aroma, Casanillo-San Rafael, Castilla, Estancia Laguna Porã, Livio Fariña-Pueblito, María Auxiliadora-Km 40, Pozo Amarillo, Riacho Mosquito, San Isidro-Km 39; confluence, Apa and Paraguai rivers. Users: 1,260 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. 1,250 Toba-Enenlhet and 12 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). All women and young children are monolingual. Ethnic population: 2,270 (Crevels 2012). 1,510 Toba-Enenlhet and 760 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). Alternate Names: Cabanatit, Enenxet, Machicui, Quilyilhrayrom, Toba of Paraguay, Toba-Enenlhet Autonym: Enenlhet Classification: Mascoyan, Mascoy
Languages by Status
Guaraní, Paraguayan
[gug] 1 (National). Statutory national language (2010, No. 4251, Language Law, Article 3). 6,340,000 in Paraguay (2020), decreasing. 2,500,000 monolinguals (2002 census). Total users in all countries: 6,540,000.
Spanish
[spa] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1992, Constitution, Article 140(2)), co-official with Paraguayan Guarani. 6,700,000 in Paraguay, all users. L1 users: 4,430,000 in Paraguay (2020). L2 users: 2,270,000 (Instituto Cervantes 2019).
Manjui
[crq] 4 (Educational). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 370 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 450 (Crevels 2012).
German, Standard
[deu] 5* (Dispersed). 62,700 in Paraguay (2020).
Ayoreo
[ayo] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,460 in Paraguay (2012 census), increasing. 1,000 monolinguals (2012). Total users in all countries: 4,650.
Nivaclé
[cag] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 10,100 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 12,200 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 10,320.
Chamacoco
[ceg] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,000 (Ciucci and Bertinetto 2015).
Aché
[guq] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 910 (Crevels 2012). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,240 (Crevels 2012).
Maka
[mca] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,040 (Crevels 2012). 400 monolinguals (2012). Ethnic population: 1,300 (Crevels 2012).
Enlhet
[enl] 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,440 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 7,220 (2002 census).
Enxet
[enx] 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 3,840 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 5,840 (2002 census).
Paraguayan Sign Language
[pys] 6a (Vigorous). 15,000 (2009 L. Parks), increasing. Approximately 0.2% of total population.
Angaité
[aqt] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,030 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 3,690 (2002 census).
Guarayo
[gui] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 2,530 in Paraguay (2007 R. Perik), decreasing.
Guaraní, Mbyá
[gun] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 10,000 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 14,300 (2002 census).
Guaraní, Ava
[nhd] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,310 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,900 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 16,350.
Plautdietsch
[pdt] 6b* (Threatened). 40,000 in Paraguay (Salminen 2007).
Pai Tavytera
[pta] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 6,360 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,400 (Crevels 2012).
Sanapaná
[spn] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 980 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 2,270 (2002 census).
Toba-Maskoy
[tmf] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,260 (Crevels 2012), decreasing. 1,250 Toba-Enenlhet and 12 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012). All women and young children are monolingual. Ethnic population: 2,270 (Crevels 2012). 1,510 Toba-Enenlhet and 760 Toba-Maskoy (Crevels 2012).
Toba Qom
[tob] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,180 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,500 (Crevels 2012).
Ñandeva
[tpj] 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 1,550 in Paraguay (Crevels 2012), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,020 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,759.
Guana
[gva] 8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2010, Languages Act, No. 4251, Article 2). 28 (Crevels 2007). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 260 (Crevels 2012).
Language Vitality Profile

Click to enlarge with explanation
Language Status Profile

Click to enlarge with explanation
