About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela. However,
Spanish, the country's official language, is the most common. The most
widely spoken indigenous languages are Wayuu, Warao, Piaroa, Yanomami,
Kahlihna, Manduhuaca, Panaré, Pemón, Guahibo and Nhengtu.
Most of these languages originated in the languages of the Caribs, the
Arawaks and the Chibcha.
As more indigenous people move to the cities, many
of their languages are becoming extinct. Languages such as Sapé
and Mapoyo have five or fewer speakers. Anthropologists are trying to learn
these languages and the stories of these peoples before the last people
who speak these languages die. When a language becomes extinct, knowledge
and a unique way of seeing the world disappear. |
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Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic and English
are the most common foreign languages spoken in Venezuela. Some English
words, such as "parking," have found their way into Venezuelan Spanish.
Venezuelans often speak less formally than
people in most other Spanish-speaking countries. There are two forms of
the pronoun "you" in Spanish: the informal tú and the formal
usted. Normally tú is used only for close friends
and children. Some Venezuelans, however, may use it for general acquaintances
and colleagues. |
Deaf
and hearing-impaired people use Venezuelan sign language. State-run schools
for deaf people have been operating since 1937, and many go to college
or university with a sign language interpreter. |
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Many Venezuelans also use affectionate nicknames
with people that they do not know well. For instance, it is not strange
to be called "my love" (mi amor) by an acquaintance. Many nicknames
are given on the basis of a person's appearance. Some Venezuelan nicknames
might seem rude to people who do not realize that Venezuelans are using
them affectionately.
Venezuelans tend to have a more relaxed view of
time than many Canadians. They even say that they are on Venezuelan time
(hora venezolana). This may be because Venezuelans consider it important
to finish conversations, even if it means they arrive a little later at
their next destination. |
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English |
Spanish |
Hi |
Hola |
Good morning/good day |
Buenos días |
How are you? (formal) |
como está usted? |
I am fine, thank you. |
Estoy bien, gracías. |
Please |
Por favor |
Thank you very much |
Muchas gracías |
You are welcome |
De nada |
My name is... |
Me llamo... |
What is your name?(formal) |
Cómo se llama usted? |
Pleased to meet you |
Mucho gusto |
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