While the Inca did not force people to abandon their native languages, they encouraged the use of Quechua for administration, trade, and communication between different regions.
Here's why Quechua was so important:
* Administrative Language: Quechua was used for official documents, laws, and communications between the Inca government and its subjects.
* Trade and Commerce: It facilitated trade and economic transactions across the empire.
* Cultural Unity: Quechua helped promote a sense of unity and shared identity amongst the diverse populations within the Inca Empire.
* Education: Quechua was used in the education system, particularly for teaching children of nobility.
While Quechua was the official language, many people continued to speak their own native languages. This resulted in a complex linguistic landscape within the Inca Empire, with Quechua serving as a unifying force.