Waimaha
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A language of Colombia
110 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Some monolinguals over 40. Ethnic population: 1,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 131.
Vaupés department: Mitú, upper Papurí, mid and upper Pira-Paraná tributaries, and Tiquié.
5 (Developing).
Eastern Waimaha, Pamoa Bara.
SOV; 10 consonants and 12 vowels (6 oral, 6 nasal).
Passed on from fathers to children. Most domains, home, family, religion, local commerce, community. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use Spanish [spa], especially in school and with government officials. Also use Barasana-Eduria [bsn]. Also use Carapana [cbc]. Also use Macuna [myy]. Also use Tatuyo [tav]. Also use Tucano [tuo]. Also use Tuyuca [tue]. Also use Wajiara [yui]. All use 2 to 4 of the other languages due to marriage patterns across language boundaries. Children speak the language of each parent, but identify with the father’s language. Used as L2 by Tuyuca [tue].
Literacy rate in L1: 25%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–40%. Letter writing between communities. Written and oral forms used in religious services. Taught as subject in primary schools. Literature. NT: 2010.
Christian, traditional religion.