diglossia, perhaps a relic of an earlier time when general
languages coexisted with the particular languages used in
each locale. Harris has also noted, however, that many
areas of Potosi traditionally considered to be Quechua
speaking are inhabited by Aymara-speaking groups for

whom Quechua does not appear to be becoming the dominant
language. For example, the valleys of San Pedro de

Buena Vista in northern Potosi? and the area of Llica in
western Potos? near the Uyuni salt flats are Aymara
speaking.

In some cases, according to Harris, the designation
of a given ayllu (clan group) as Aymara or Quechua speak-
ing is inappropriate; language cuts across ayllu lines.
For example, Harris found that the Machas, who live near
the border of Chuquisaca department and are generally
considered to be Quechua speaking, speak Aymara in the
most remote part of their valley, near Carasi, province
of Charcas. The situation of the Laymis, on the other
hand, is the reverse: in the high puna near Uncia they
all know Aymara while in the remote parts of their
valley they speak Quechua.

These are examples of the complexities that need
further study to determine the exact areas where Aymara
is spoken today. The mobility of the Aymara must also
be taken into account. Predominantly farmers or herders,

the Aymara have traditionally traded over a wide area.