Nambikuára, Southern

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
nab
Alternate Names
Nambicuara, Nambikuára, Nambikwara, Nambikwara do Sul, Nambiquara, Southern Nambikwara
User Population

720 (Moore 2006). Ethnic population: 720 (Moore 2006).

Location

Mato Grosso state: along Porto Velho-Cuiabá highway. 10 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Nambikwara, Nambikwara Complex
Dialects

Manduka, Khithaulhu (Kitãulhu, ki³thãu³lhu²), Halotesu, Saxwentesu, Wakalitesu, Serra Azul, Hahaintesu, Wasusu, Alatesu, Waikisu, Galera, Sarare, Alaketesu, Anunsu.

Typology

SOV; 13 consonants and 18 vowels, contrasting in nasality and creaky voice; tonal.

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Portuguese [por].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1992.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nambikuára, Southern
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Manduca are semi-integrated. Population reduced from 10,000 to 600 in 1920s, 1930s, and 1950s by measles and other epidemics. Settlers from outside bring in agriculture, lumber, and mining which threaten the Nambikuára way of life. Manairisu is a subgroup. Traditional religion, Christian.