Nasa

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
pbb
Alternate Names
Nasayuwe, “Paes” (pej.), “Páez” (pej.)
Autonym
Nasa Yuwe
User Population

60,000 (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 243,000 (2018 census).

Location

Cauca, Huila, and Tolima departments: Popayán area, central Andes range.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Paezan, Paezan
Dialects

Pitayo, Paniquita (Panikita).

Typology

SOV; 35 consonants and 24 vowels, contrasting in nasality, length and creaky voice.

Language Use

Many pass the language on, but some prefer to have children use only Spanish [spa] (Crevels 2007). Religious services, commerce. Most also use Spanish [spa], the predominant language of instruction in schools.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 75% (2005 Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística). Some attempts, mainly literacy courses, have been made to promote the language. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1980–2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nasa
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.