Languages of Colombia: A Rich Brocade

Colombia, one of Latin America’s largest and most ethnically diverse nations, boasts extraordinary biodiversity matched only by its linguistic richness. While Spanish dominates daily communication, Colombia’s languages reveal a far deeper story of heritage and demography. From pre-Columbian indigenous tongues to African Creole dialects born of resistance, the country shelters one of the world’s most vibrant linguistic ecosystems.

How Many Languages Are Spoken in Colombia?

Estimates vary depending on the criteria, but linguists confirm that over 70 languages are spoken in Colombia nowadays. The ethnological database mentions 101 languages, others 65-70 living indigenous languages, 12 language families, and 10 unclassified or isolated languages.

They comprise:

• Indigenous languages of Chibchan, Arawakan, Cariban, and Quechuan families.
• Creole languages are derived from Afro-Caribbean culture.
• The Romani language is spoken by Colombia’s Romani (Gypsy) people.
• The dominant language is Spanish, spoken by over 99% of Colombians.

Official Languages of Colombia

The official language of Colombia under the Colombian Constitution is Spanish. The languages of ethnic groups are also officially recognized and applied in education and government within the regions where they reside. English, for example, is an official language and is used together with Spanish in the island cities of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina due to the UK’s historical ties to the islands.

Spanish in Colombia

Colombian Spanish is notoriously well-known for its cutting pronunciation, one of the most beautiful and expressive in all of Latin America. It varies drastically from area to area, forming multiple dialects based on location, history, and ethnic diversity.

Some of the main Spanish dialects spoken in Colombia are:

• Paisa (coffee region)
• Rolo/Cachaco (Bogotá)
• Costeño (Caribbean coast)
• Valluno (Cauca River valley)

Andean, Opita, Llanero, and Chocó (each related to a different cultural region)

Island dialect (Providencia and San Andrés)Bogotá, the capital city, boasts a conservative yet high-regard Spanish. Organizations such as the Caro y Cuervo Institute advance Colombian Spanish and literature across the Americas.

Slang terms used in Colombia

Colombian slang is colorful and full of many regional dialects. In the Medellín and Paisa region, there is a slang called Parlache that is nationally used by urban youth and prevalent in popular culture. Some of the common words are:

• Brutal – cool/intense
• Cojo – stupid/weak
• Plata – money
• Tombo – police officer
• Chevere – excellent/cool
• Abrirse – to leave or break away
• Levantar – to flirt or “pick someone up”

Colombian Indigenous languages

Amid Spanish dominance, Colombia is a melting pot of indigenous languages. 850,000 people speak native languages, many of which belong to language families such as:

• Chibchan – probably Central American
• Arawakan – Wayuunaiki, Achagua, Piapoco
• Cariban – Yukpa, Carijona
• Tupian, Quechuan, and so on

Seven regional families: Chocó, Guahibo, Saliba, Macu, Witoto, Bora, and Tucano.

Ten unclassified or isolated languages—like Ticuna, Páez, and Yagua—are spoken by tiny communities and have no proven relationship with any language family, so the linguistic identity of Colombia is even more unique.

Creole Languages of Colombia

San Andrés Creole

This English-based Creole is spoken on the Providencia and Santa Catalina islands, as well as San Andrés. This Creole has strong Spanish influences; the Raizal culture indigenous to the region supports this language form, which once had ties to British colonial history.

Palenquero

This Spanish-based Creole language was born in the palenques, or walled villages, of fugitive African slaves. San Basilio de Palenque, a village recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is the last stronghold of Palenquero, spoken today by only some 3,000 people. It’s almost incomprehensible to Spanish speakers, yet it’s a powerful icon of Afro-Colombian heritage and struggle.

Colombia: A True Linguistic Mosaic

Colombia’s language landscape is not a novelty; it is living proof of the country’s cultural resilience, multicultural heritage, and historical richness. With more than 60 indigenous languages, two Creoles, Romani, and regional Spanish varieties, Colombia is a linguistic tapestry in which language is not only a tool for communication but a statement of identification.

We, at TransLinguist, understand that language is a heritage of culture. Whether you’re working with Colombian Spanish, with native languages, or with Creoles, we guide you through this cultural linguistic diversity with respect and professionalism.

Need Colombian translation services from an expert? Get in touch with TransLinguist, where language meets cultural insight.

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