Siriano

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
sri
Alternate Names
Chiranga, Cirnga, Desana-Siriana, Si-Ra, Sura Masa
User Population

200 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 1,660 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 217.

Location

Vaupés department: 3 separate areas near Vaupes river, south and west of Mitu town.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Desano-Siriano
Dialects

None known. Lexical similarity: 90% with Desano [des], but the 2 languages diverge in their use of grammatical suffixes (Crevels 2007).

Typology

SOV; 11 consonants and 12 vowels (6 oral, 6 nasal).

Language Use

Some young people, all adults. All also use Spanish [spa], and at least one other Tucanoan language.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. NT: 1998–2009.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Siriano
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Ethnic differences are important due to the system of exogamy, and persons are identified by L1 of father. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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