Kayapó

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
txu
Alternate Names
Cayapo, Kokraimoro, Mebêngokrê, Put Karot
Autonym
Mẽbêngôkre kabẽn
User Population

7,270 (Crevels 2012). 19 communities in regular contact with outsiders; also 3–4 isolated Kayapó groups of 30–100 people (Crevels 2007). 3,950 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 7,270 (Crevels 2012).

Location

Mato Grosso and Pará states: Xingú Park, both sides of Xingú river, west up to the Iriri and tributaries; west bank to Fresco and Zinho rivers; 14 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Jean, Northern
Dialects

Xikrin (Diore, Xukru), Kararaó, Kayapó-Kradaú. Dialects only slightly different from village names.

Typology

SOV; 16 consonants and 17 vowels, including 7 nasal vowels.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains, including initial education. Used by all. Positive attitudes. A few also use Portuguese [por]. Used as L2 by Panará [kre].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. 400 readers, 100 can write. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Literature. Grammar. NT: 1996.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kayapó
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

The village names sometimes listed as dialects are: Txukuhamai (Txucarramãe), Gorotire, Kube-Kran-Kenh (Cabeca Pelada), Kokraimoro, Menkragnotire (Mentuktire, Kuben-Kragnotire, Gente Preta, Kubenkrangnoti, Kubenkrankegn, Menkrangnoti), Pacajá, and others. Traditional religion, Christian.