Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a South American Indigenous people in Peru: This refers to an individual belonging to a specific ethnic group historically prominent in the Andean region, particularly known for being part of the former ruling class of the Inca Empire.
   • The language spoken by the Quechua people: This refers to the language family spoken by these Indigenous peoples, which was the administrative language of the Inca Empire and is still widely spoken today.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Referring to a person):

  • The kechua we met in Cusco was a skilled weaver.
  • He is a kechua, descended from a noble Inca lineage.

• Noun (Referring to the language):

  • She is studying kechua to better understand Andean culture.
  • Many traditional stories are preserved in kechua.

Advanced Usage

• Ethnolinguistic context: The term is often used in anthropological and historical contexts to discuss the culture, history, and linguistics of the Andean region.
  • The research focuses on kechua oral traditions from the colonial period.

Variants and Related Words

• Quechua: This is the more common and standardized modern spelling for both the people and the language.
  • Quechua is an official language in Peru and Bolivia.
• Kechuan (adjective): Pertaining to the Kechua people or their language.
  • Kechuan textiles are renowned for their intricate patterns.

Synonyms

• Quechua: The standard synonym for both the ethnic group and the language.
• Runa Simi: A native term meaning "people's speech," sometimes used to refer to the Quechua language.

Notes on Usage

• The spelling "kechua" is an older or variant form. In contemporary academic and general usage, "Quechua" is the preferred and more widely recognized spelling.
• When referring to the language family with many regional varieties, it is often specified (e.g., "Cusco Quechua," "Ayacucho Quechua").

Noun

1. the language of the Quechua which was spoken by the Incas
2. a community of South American Indians in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Incan Empire
3. a member of a South American Indian people in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Inca empire