Abstract

This paper examines the present situation of the Aymara language in Tarapacá (Region I), the traditional territory inhabited by a group of indigenous people in Chile. The main objective here is to analyze the usage, knowledge and the characteristics of the gradual displacement of the Aymara language by Spanish, the dominant local language. The current levels of competence, conditions and contexts of usage and learning, both of the Aymara and Spanish languages are described. Finally, the dynamics of continuity and sociolinguistic change are discussed.