Ona
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Argentina
Alternate Names
Aona, Choon, Selknam, Shelknam
User Population
No known L1 speakers. The ethnic group disintegrated by early 20th century (Crevels 2007). The last speakers died in the 1980s (Moseley 2010).
Location
Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur province: Patagonia.
Language Status
10 (Extinct).
Typology
23 consonants and 3 vowels.
Language Use
Now speak Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar.
Lost their land to outside settlers, mines, and cattle. In 2000, there were reports of a group of 450 persons claiming Selknam ethnic affiliation.