Wapishana

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A language of Guyana

ISO 639-3
wap
Alternate Names
Uapixana, Vapidiana, Wapichan, Wapichana, Wapisana, Wapishshiana, Wapisiana, Wapitxana, Wapixana
User Population

6,000 in Guyana (2000 J. Forte). Ethnic population: 6,900 (Crevels 2007). Total users in all countries: 12,500.

Location

East Berbice-Corentyne and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo regions: southwest, south of the Kanuku mountains, a few villages northwest of the Waiwai [waw] language area.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Wapixana
Dialects

Amariba. Lexical similarity: 10% with Mapidian [mpw].

Typology

18 consonants and 4 vowels.

Language Use

Amariba dialect may have no remaining speakers. Also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Atorada [aox], Taruma [tdm].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2012.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Wapishana
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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