Chimila

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
cbg
Alternate Names
Caca Weranos, Chimile, Ette Ennaka, Ette Taara, San Jorge, Shimizya, Simiza
User Population

350 (2009 T. Malone), increasing. Ethnic population: 1,700 (2018 census).

Location

Cesar department: Valle du Par minicipality; La Guajira department: La Jagua del Pilar and Urumita municipalities; Magdalena department: lowlands south and west of Fundación.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian
Typology

16 consonants and 20 vowels, contrasting in length and nasality.

Language Use

Some young people, all adults. Very few children speak Chimila. Also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–2%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%. Grammar. Texts. Bible portions: 2009.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chimila
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

2 major separated groups.