| − | '''Quechua''' is a [[Native American]] language of [[South America]], and was the language spoken by the [[Inca]]s. Today it still survives in areas that were inhabited by the Incas, including [[Peru]], [[Bolivia]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Colombia]] | + | '''Quechua''' is a [[Native American]] language of [[South America]]. It was spoken by the [[Inca]]s<ref>[http://www.quechua.org.uk/Eng/Main/i_INTRO.HTM#HistoryUpToConquest Introduction to the Indigenous Languages of Latin America] (Origins: History up to the European Conquest)</ref> and still survives in areas that were inhabited by the Incas, including [[Peru]], [[Bolivia]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Colombia]]. However, it should be noted that the language predates the Incas by centuries.<ref>[http://www.quechua.org.uk/Eng/Main/i_MYTHS.HTM#DidQuechuaComeFromTheIncas Popular (and damaging) Myths about Quechua] (Did Quechua Come from the Incas?)</ref> |
| − | The grammar of Quechua is mainly isolating, making it typologically similar to [[Chinese]]. The exception is for mood and aspect, which are typically marked by adjectival inflection. The language also includes question particles, which is a significant anomaly, especially in languages of this type. | + | An interesting aspect of Quechua is that it uses a three-vowel system, omitting "e" and "o".<ref>[http://www.zompist.com/quechua.html A few words on Quechua]</ref> The grammar is mainly isolating, making it typologically similar to [[Chinese]]. The exception is for mood and aspect, which are typically marked by adjectival inflection.<ref>[http://www.zompist.com/kitgram.html The Language Construction Kit] - "Is your language inflecting, agglutinating, or isolating?"</ref> The language also includes question particles.<ref>[http://www.zompist.com/kitgram.html The Language Construction Kit] - "How do you form yes-no questions?"</ref> |
| − | Phonologically, Quechua has a typical two-vowel system. The consonants are distinguished by the presence of a fuller set of labial sounds than coronals and velars combined. Because the language is syntactically isolating, there are no important prosodic or intonational phenomena.
| + | ==References== |