Language (speaking Spanish)
The official language in Perú is Spanish, though there are five
major dialects also spoken in Perú. Spanish has Latin roots and
an alphabet very similar to English. One difference between Spanish
and English is that
the five vowels make only one sound in Spanish, making it easy
to pronounce Spanish words.
You will be able to speak Spanish anywhere you travel in Perú,
although in more rural places where the Quechua, indigenous Perúvians, live
you will encounter their language, aptly named Quechua. Roughly 9 or 10 million
Perúvians speak Quechua.
Perúvian Spanish is considered to be some of the most well-spoken
Spanish, because all of the letters are pronounced, which makes it easier
for non-native speakers to understand. For example, in the Caribbean and
Central America, many speakers swallow the “s” sound.
Common Phrases
Como has amanecido – How did you sleep? Literally, it means how did
you dawn?
Que me cuentas?—What’s up? This phrase is more commonly used
in the younger generation.
Buenos dias, buenas tardes, buenas noches—Good
morning, good afternoon, good evening. These greetings are an
important part of everyday living in
Perú. When men and women greet each other, as well as when women greet
other women, they touch cheek-to-cheek and kiss the air. Men,
however, do not greet each other in this fashion. Instead they
settle for a handshake, which is also an important part
of greeting one another.
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