The loss of the mapuche language in Chillwe

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the causes that made it possible for the Mapuche language to remain firm in Chillwe, in spite of the Spanish domination, and analyse the process of its disappearance. Although it is not a decisive factor, it is proposed that one of the causes is the demographic change that started by the end of the 18th century with the diminution of the Williche population. The second factor, and perhaps the most defining, are the Bourbonic reforms, particularly those that aim at the linguistic unification of the Spanish domains by imposing the Castilian language. This policy of linguistic assimilation will be further developed with the annexation of Chillwe to the rise Chilean State nation.