What Language Is Spoken In Argentina?

How Many People Speak Spanish in Argentina?

✅ Spanish is the official language of Argentina (though not declared official de jure) and is spoken by almost everyone.
✅ Argentinian Spanish is unique, with a distinct accent, vocabulary, and grammar compared to Spain.

📌 Fun Fact: Argentine Spanish uses "vos" instead of "tú" for informal "you" (a feature called "voseo").

Argentinian Spanish: What Makes It Unique?

Spanish in Argentina has a special pronunciation and many Italian influences due to large-scale immigration.

Key Features of Argentinian Spanish

🔹 "LL" and "Y" sound like "sh" → "lluvia" (rain) sounds like "shuvia".
🔹 "Voseo" instead of "tú" → "Tú hablas" (You speak) → "Vos hablás".
🔹 Italian-style intonation → Many Argentinians have a musical, expressive way of speaking.
🔹 Lunfardo Slang → Buenos Aires has its own unique slang, influenced by Italian and indigenous words.

✅ If you visit Argentina, you’ll notice the difference in how Spanish sounds!

Indigenous Languages in Argentina

Before the Spanish arrived, Argentina was home to many indigenous groups. Today, some of their languages are still spoken, mainly in rural areas.

Most Spoken Indigenous Languages in Argentina

✅ Quechua was the language of the Inca Empire and is still spoken in Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.
✅ Guaraní is an official language in Paraguay, and many people in northeastern Argentina speak it.
✅ Mapudungun is the language of the Mapuche people in Argentina and Chile.

📌 Did you know? In Corrientes Province, Guaraní is a co-official language with Spanish!

Immigrant Languages in Argentina

Argentina has a long history of immigration, mainly from Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Middle East. This has influenced the languages spoken in the country.

✅ Italian had a huge influence on Argentinian Spanish, especially in Buenos Aires.
✅ German is spoken in Bariloche and some Mennonite communities in the north.
✅ Welsh is still spoken in Patagonia, where Welsh settlers arrived in the 19th century.

📌 Did you know? Some towns in Patagonia, like Gaiman and Trelew, still celebrate Welsh traditions!

English and Other Foreign Languages in Argentina

While Spanish dominates, other languages are commonly studied or used in business and tourism.

✅ English is the most common second language, especially among younger generations.
✅ Portuguese is spoken near the Brazilian border, in Misiones and Corrientes.

📌 Did you know? Many Argentinians watch English movies and TV shows with subtitles instead of dubbing them, helping them learn English!

Why Does Argentina Have So Many Languages?

1️⃣ Indigenous Heritage – Before Spanish rule, Argentina had many native languages.
2️⃣ Spanish Colonization – Spanish became dominant, but some indigenous languages survived.
3️⃣ Mass Immigration – Italian, German, and other immigrants brought their languages.
4️⃣ Border Influence – Argentina shares borders with Paraguay (Guaraní) and Brazil (Portuguese).

Common Mistakes & Misconceptions

❌ "Everyone in Argentina speaks only Spanish."
✅ False! Indigenous and immigrant languages still exist.

❌ "Argentinian Spanish is the same as Spanish from Spain."
✅ No! It has Italian influences, "voseo," and unique pronunciation.

❌ "Welsh is only spoken in Wales."
✅ There are Welsh-speaking communities in Patagonia!

FAQs – Common Questions About Languages in Argentina

What is the official language of Argentina?

Spanish is the official language of Argentina.

How many people speak Spanish in Argentina?

About 44 million people (96% of the population) speak Spanish.

What are the most spoken indigenous languages in Argentina?

The most spoken indigenous languages are Quechua, Guaraní, and Mapudungun.

Does Argentina have a second official language?

Spanish is the only official language, but Guaraní is co-official in Corrientes Province.

Do people in Argentina speak English?

Yes, many younger Argentinians and people in tourist areas speak English.