Q’eqchi’ | Ethnologue

A language of Guatemala

ISO 639: kek
Alternate Names: Cacche’, Kekchi’, Kekchí, Ketchi’, Kʼekchiʼ, Quecchi’
Autonym: Q’eqchi’
Population: 1,130,000 in Guatemala (2019 census), increasing. Ethnic population: 1,370,000 (2019 census). Total users in all countries: 1,147,600.
Location:: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, and Quiché departments; Izabal department: north from the lake; Petén department: south of Flores.
Language Status: 4 (Educational). Recognized language (2003, Law of National Languages, Decree 19).
Classification: Mayan, Yucatecan-Core Mayan, K’ichean-Mamean, K’ichean
Dialects: Alta Verapaz Cobán. Only slight dialect differences.
Typology: VOS; negatives before verb; verbal affixation marks person and gender, passives and voice; 19 consonant and 15 vowel phonemes; nontonal.
Language Use: All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa]. Used as L2 by K’iche’ [quc], Poqomchi’ [poh].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 10%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 22%. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Literature. Radio. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1988–2019. Agency: Academy of Mayan Languages.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Q’eqchi’
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.

Belize

Location: Southwest corner, inland following east slopes, Maya Mountains, Toledo and Stann Creek districts; also in Cayo District, Belmopan area.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous)

Location: Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, and Quiché departments; Izabal department: north from the lake; Petén department: south of Flores.