Abya Yala
/ˈaβ.ja ˈja.la/noun
An Indigenous name increasingly used for the American continents, especially in decolonial and Indigenous contexts.
Did you know?The term comes from the Guna people of Panama and Colombia and was popularized in broader Indigenous political discourse in the late 20th century as an alternative to the colonial name “America.”
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian period
Guna
Abya Yala
“A traditional Guna place-name for the American landmass; its exact internal translation is debated.”
20th Century
Guna
Abya Yala
“Used within Guna cultural and political contexts as a name for the continent.”
1970s
Spanish/Indigenous discourse
Abya Yala
“Adopted more broadly by Indigenous activists seeking a non-European name for the Americas.”
1990s
Spanish
Abya Yala
“Spread through Indigenous organizations, conferences, and decolonial scholarship.”
Modern English
English
Abya Yala
“A proper noun referring to the Americas, particularly in Indigenous, anti-colonial, and academic usage.”