Permanencia y desplazamiento, hipótesis acerca de la vitalidad del mapuzugun

Abstract

This article examines the current situation of the mapuche language based upon the results of three sociolinguistic studies using wide coverage surveys. In every case we conclude that the vitality of mapuzugun is subject to a quick regress. The hypotheses that explain such a loss of vitality and displacement tendencies diverge. We discuss each of them and we propose a more comprehensive explanation scheme.