Ninam

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
shb
Alternate Names
Shiriana, Xirianá, Xirixana, Yanam
User Population

470 in Brazil (Crevels 2012). About evenly divided between northern and southern dialects. 15,700 for all Yanomam groups in Brazil (2006 FUNASA). Ethnic population: 470 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,030.

Location

Roraima state: Mucajaí and upper Uraricaá rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Yanomaman
Dialects

Southern Ninam (Mukajai, Shirishana), Northern Ninam (Shiriana, Uraricaa-Paragua).

Typology

13 consonants and 25 vowels, contrasting in length and nasality.

Language Use

Used by all. Many also use Portuguese [por], especially children. Used as L2 by Arutani [atx].

Language Development

Grammar. Bible portions: 1970.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Ninam
Writing

Latin script [Latn], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Distinct from the Arawakan Xiriâna [xir].

Also spoken in:

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