Bolivian Language, Society & Culture

Language

Spanish is the main and official language of Bolivia. However there are some 39 other living languages used in the country spoken by people in different regions. Examples include Aymara, Chiquitano, Chiriguano and Guyara. Some 50% of the population have an indigenous language as their mother tongue.

Bolivian Spanish as a result of mixing with its indigenous rivals differs from region to region. The vocabulary and pronunciation differs according to where in Bolivia you are, i.e. highlands (Altiplano and valleys) or the lowlands (Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando).

Religion

Most Bolivians are born into Roman Catholicism. Religion tends to be a female dominated activity in terms of attending church and the lie. Catholicism to some extent has been “localized” as it became intertwined with local folklore and customs in its early years of taking root in the country.

The Family

The family is the axis of the social life and structure. Families are very tight knit and in rural areas, many generations still often live together in one house. The extended family or “familia” serves as a strong support and network system. Roles within the family are very traditional – “Machismo” is very much alive. The wife is generally responsible for domestic duties whereas the husband with be the bread winner. The machismo mentality often translates into a feeling of male superiority and a strong sense of honor which means maintaining face/dignity at all cost.