TUPI-GUARANI LANGUAGES

one of the most widespread groups of South American Indian languages (after Arawakan). It is divided by some scholars into two major divisions: Tup in eastern Brazil and Guaran in Paraguay and Argentina. These languages were used by the first European traders and missionaries as contact languages in their dealings with the Indians. Guaran became the national language of Paraguay, although not with official status; persons not speaking Guaran are in a minority in that country. The language is also a literary language for works of a popular character, especially for songs. Some scholars classify Tup-Guaran with a number of other less important groups in a Tupian grouping.