Matsigenka

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A language of Peru

ISO 639-3
mcb
Alternate Names
Machiguenga, Matsiganga, Matsigenga, Matsiguenga, Mañaries, Niagantsi
Autonym
Matsigenka
User Population

21,400 (2019 Ministerio de Cultura). Ethnic population: 21,400 (2019 Ministerio de Cultura).

Location

Cusco, Madre de Dios, and Ucayali regions: Camisea, Kompiroshiato, Picha, Manu, Mishagua, Tigompinia, Timpia, and Urubamba rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Maipurean, Southern, Campa, Machiguenga
Dialects

There are minor dialects. Most closely related to Nanti [cox].

Typology

18 consonants and 10 vowels (5 short, 5 long).

Language Use

Quechua and Spanish [spa] are replacing Matsigenka in some areas where children no longer acquire the language. Not endangered on the Manu River, where teachers from Urubamba River area are interested in implementing a formalized bilingual education program (Crevels 2007). Used by all. Also use Spanish [spa]. Used as L2 by Caquinte [cot], Nanti [cox], Yine [pib].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Dictionary. NT: 1976–2018.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Matsigenka
Writing

Latin script [Latn].