This paper about the history and distribution of indigenous languages of Bolivia is divided into two parts. The first part deals with: (1) the developments of comparative work in South American Indian languages, (2) the phonological problems of comparative work in recently written languages, and (3) the apparent conflicts when dealing with early stages of discovering relationships. The second part is a survey of the extant languages of Bolivia with an updated map. Relationships that have been posited are summarized. A new hypothesis is suggested for intercontinental connections, relating the Aztec languages of Mexico with Quechua, Mapuche (Araucanian), Mosetene, Tacanan, Panoan, and the Fuegian languages. The appendix contains a word list of resemblances between the languages examined. (Author/NCR)