Exploring Quechua: Language and Culture Courses Expand Academic Offerings

In an exciting academic development, the University of Virginia, Duke University, and Vanderbilt University are set to broaden their linguistic horizons by introducing courses in less commonly taught languages. These initiatives, which have previously covered Cherokee, Haitian Creole, and Swahili, will now include Quechua, the language of the Andean region, starting next academic year.

Joshua Shapero, a linguistic anthropologist and lecturing fellow at Duke University, will lead the Quechua course. Shapero, who has a background in anthropology from the University of New Mexico, has dedicated his research to Ancash Quechua and its connections to environmental practices. He aims to offer students not just language skills but also insights into the cultural and environmental contexts of Quechua-speaking regions.

Why Study Quechua?

Shapero shared his motivations for teaching Quechua with UVA Today, emphasizing the importance of language in facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, especially in research settings. He noted that many researchers, such as glaciologists working on climate change in the Andes, often lack an understanding of Quechua. This course aims to bridge that gap by fostering a deeper dialogue across cultures.

Teaching Methodology

Shapero’s approach to teaching Quechua is distinctive due to its significant cultural component. He explained, “To really understand how it works and the contexts in which it’s spoken, you really need to understand more about the history, people, and geography.” He emphasizes the importance of engaging students with the unique linguistic features of Quechua, such as its evidential categories and its use of geographical orientation instead of directional terms like left and right.

Connecting Research and Teaching

Shapero’s teaching is deeply connected to his research interests, which focus on the interplay between language and environmental navigation in mountainous regions. He explores how linguistic practices reflect cultural adaptations to the environment, enriching both his classes and his academic inquiry.