Allianllanchu, one word that means hello, but also means a thousand when you only know one. Arriving in Cusco, Peru, I quickly learned that I would not only be dealing with the high altitude, but also the language barrier between the locals and myself. Simple tasks of ordering a taxi or asking how much an item cost became difficult and a lesson in itself. However, I soon realized that Spanish was not the only language I would be struggling with but also Quechua. With previous Spanish classes in high school and Google Translate on my side, I was able to communicate enough to complete my daily tasks. However, Quechua was a greater challenge. No previous experience of this language created challenges when speaking to the native speakers. Quechua is the native language for indigenous people of the Inca Empire, and while its not practiced as often, smaller communities still use it as their primary language. The community of Cuper is a small town outside of Cusco, Peru. The primary language is Quechua, but some of the younger generations speak both Spanish and Quechua.

The homeowners didn’t fear our language barrier but instead they welcomed us with open arms. Allinllanchu was the only word I knew when entering the homes of the locals. The families were immediately happy to see us entering to help them with their kitchens. They welcomed us with flower necklaces, warm tea and traditional snacks to say thank you.

Building the clay stoves and ovens became challenging at times especially when communicating with the homeowners. Translators where available most of the time to communicate, but without them, we had to find creative ways to communicate. Even though we were not communicating with words, we were able to understand and connect in other ways through demonstrations, gestures and patience. The language barrier did not stop connections to form but rather reshaped them. Tupananchikkama — until we meet again.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Engineering in Peru: Global Service and Communities