Akawaio

A language of Guyana

Acahuayo, Acewaio, Akawai, Akawayo, Ingariko, Kapóng

Autonym

Kapon

User Population

4,500 in Guyana (2002 SIL). Ethnic population: 5,000 (Crevels 2007). Total users in all countries: 6,380.

Location

Cuyuni-Mazaruni region: Mazaruni river basin, north of Patamona.

Language Maps

6b* (Threatened).

Cariban, North Amazonian, Pemón, Pemón proper, Kapong

Dialects

Reportedly similar to Macushi [mbc]; marginally intelligible with Arecuna dialect of Pemon [aoc].

Typology

10 consonants and 11 vowels, including 4 long vowels.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2010.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Akawaio

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Important differences in vocabulary from Patamona [pbc]. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Brazil

Language NameIngarikó

User Population

1,700 in Brazil (Instituto Socioambiental 2020). Ethnic population: 1,700 (Instituto Socioambiental 2020).

Location

Roraima state: Terra Indígena Raposa or Serra do Sol, near Cotingo river.

Alternate Names

Acahuayo, Acewaio, Akawai, Akawaio, Akawayo, Akwaio, Kapon, Kapóng, Patamona

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Language Use

Used by all. Many also use Portuguese [por] (Instituto Socioambiental 2020).

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Venezuela

Language NameAkawaio

User Population

180 in Venezuela (2001 census). Ethnic population: 1,070 (2011 census).

Location

Bolívar state: upper Kamarang river; Monagas state: near Delta Amacuro border.

Alternate Names

Acahuayo, Acawayo, Acewaio, Akawai, Akawayo, Kapon, Kapóng, Waicá, Waika

Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Language Use

Positive attitudes. Shifting to Spanish [spa].

Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Kapon, by both Akawaio and Patamona [pbc].

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Akawaio

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A language of Guyana

Also spoken in:

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