Hixkaryána

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
hix
Alternate Names
Chawiyana, Faruaru, Hichkaryana, Hishkariana, Hishkaryana, Hixkariana, Hyxkaryana, Kumiyana, Parucutu, Parukoto-Charuma, Sherewyana, Sokaka, Wabui, Xereu, Xerewyana
Autonym
Hixkaryána
User Population

1,200 (2020 M. da Silva). Ethnic population: 1,200 (2012 SESAI).

Location

Pará and Amazonas states: upper Nhamunda river to Mapuera and Jatapu rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Cariban, Waiwai
Dialects

Reportedly similar to Waiwai [waw]. No dialectal variation. Some Hixkaryana who live among the Waiwai are called Sherewyana.

Typology

OVS; 18 consonants and 5 vowels.

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all. Many also use Portuguese [por]. Many also use Waiwai [waw].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%–20%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Hixkaryana literacy no longer taught in schools. Mother tongue literacy only taught by some parents in home. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1976.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Hixkaryána
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

In 1959 the population was about 100, with few children, high infant mortality, low will to live. By 1977 it was 237. Through modern medicine, intermarrying with the Waiwai [waw], and government help in setting up a Brazil nut industry, they continue to grow.