Yaru Quechua

The question of how to distinguish between entities that are dialects of a single language vs. those that are separate languages is particularly serious in the case of Quechuan languages and dialects, and much work remains to be done. Though it is well-known and very clear that there are a number of distinct languages in the Quechuan complex, some very distinct, the tendency to consider them all merely dialects of “Quechua” persists in many circles. (Cerrón-Palomino 1987.)Tarma (Quechua) is not an equivalent of Yaru Quechua, but part of it. North Junín Quechua, includes Tarma, and is more or less equivalent with Yaru Quechua. This variety extends into neighboring departments of Pasco and Lima. Several subdialects: Tarma Quechua, San Pedro de Cajas Quechua, Junín Quechua, Carhuamayo Quechua, etc. (Willem Adelaar personal communication).