While Boruca is spoken by only a handful of elders, language preservation is an important part of Boruca’s efforts to maintain its identity. Over time, Spanish became the dominant language and the number of villagers fluent in the native Boruca language diminished. Now only four or five speakers remain.

The language experienced a revival in the 1970s when efforts for cultural preservation began. Today, the language is taught in schools through the fifth grade. Take a look and hear some original Boruca sayings and words.