Comprehensive Yuracaré-Spanish Dictionary Published in Bolivia to Preserve Endangered Language

New Dictionary Marks Milestone for Yuracaré Language Preservation

A significant effort to safeguard the millennia-old Yuracaré language culminated this September with the publication of a comprehensive Yuracaré-Spanish dictionary in Bolivia. This extensive reference work, developed over a quarter-century, is designed to aid in the preservation of a language currently spoken by an estimated 900 individuals in the South American nation.

Decades of Dedication Yield Comprehensive Resource

The dictionary is the result of 25 years of dedicated work by a team of linguists and community members. French anthropologist Vincent Hirtzel and Dutch ethnolinguist Rik van Gijn led the project. They collaborated closely with four members of the Yuracaré community: Gerónimo Ballivián Asencio Chávez, Alina Flores, and Rufino Yabeta. The newly published dictionary boasts more than 6,000 entries and is considered the most complete lexicographical work for the language, uniquely offering a grammatical decoding. Unlike some previous linguistic efforts, this dictionary incorporates the 'ontological narratives' of the Yuracaré people, moving beyond solely missionary-focused translations.

The Endangered Yuracaré Language

The Yuracaré language is classified as an endangered language isolate, meaning it has no demonstrable genetic relationship with other languages. Its speakers primarily reside in the Cochabamba and Beni departments of Bolivia, inhabiting areas along rivers such as the Chapare, Ichilo, Isiboro, and Sécure. While estimates of the total number of speakers vary, recent reports tied to the dictionary's publication indicate approximately 900 active speakers. The language faces significant challenges, including a generational shift towards Spanish, which threatens its continued transmission.

A Tool for Cultural and Linguistic Survival

The publication of this dictionary represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve Yuracaré culture and language. The Yuracaré Educational Council played a supportive role in the dictionary's creation, reflecting a broader institutional commitment to indigenous language rights, which were formalized in Bolivia's 2009 Constitution. The dictionary is expected to serve as a foundational tool for teaching Yuracaré in local schools and for fostering a renewed sense of linguistic pride among younger generations, ensuring the survival of this unique part of Bolivia's cultural heritage.