Achi
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A language of Guatemala
ISO 639-3
Autonym
Qach’a’teem
Population
82,600 (2003 census). 5,000 monolinguals (2015 C. Barrera). Ethnic population: 106,000 (2003 census).
Location
Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, and El Progreso departments; El Quiché department: Uspantan municipality.
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2003, Law of National Languages, Decree 19).
Classification
Dialects
Cubulco Achi, Maya Achi (Rabinal Achi).
Typology
SVO.
Language Use
All ages, but fewer children learning it as L1. Also use Spanish [spa]. Up to 20% can use it to discuss more than common topics.
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 40%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75% in Spanish [spa]. Literacy rate for L2 in Cubulco Achi is 11%, in Rabinal Achi is 25%–40%; literacy rate for L1 in Cubulco Achi is 1%–5%, in Rabinal Achi is 15%–20%. Taught in primary schools. Radio. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1984–2009. Agency: Academy of Mayan Languages.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
