Wayuu

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
guc
Alternate Names
Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu
Autonym
Wayuunaiki
User Population

122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 380,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 416,000.

Location

La Guajira department: Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean
Typology

VSO; 15 consonants and 12 vowels (6 short, 6 long).

Language Use

One of the most vigorously spoken indigenous languages in South America (Crevels 2007). Positive attitudes. Many also use Spanish [spa], especially younger generations (Crevels 2007).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2002–2010.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Wayuu
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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