Wayana

Actively spoken in geographically distant and isolated villages (Crevels 2007). Also use Sranan Tongo [srn], especially in trade relations (Crevels 2007).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Grammar. NT: 1979.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Wayana

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Brazil

Language NameWayana

User Population

290 in Brazil (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 450 (Moore 2006). Wayana and Aparai are registered as a single group of 420 members (1998).

Location

Pará state: Parque Indígena do Tumucumaque, and Terra Indígena Rio Paru D’Este, mainly on Paru de Leste river.

Alternate Names

Alukuyana, Aparaí, Oayana, Oiana, Oyana, Uaiana, Upurui, Waiana, Wayâna

Dialects

Rucuyen (Roucouyenne), Urucuiana (Urucena).

Language Status

8a (Moribund).

Language Use

Most Wayana speak their native language but it is not known how many are among the combined ethnic group (Crevels 2007). Shifted to Portuguese [por]. Also use Apalaí [apy]. Used as L2 by Apalaí [apy].

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French Guiana

Language NameWayana

User Population

1,000 in French Guiana (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,000 (Crevels 2012).

Location

Southwestern border area, along upper Maroni river.

Alternate Names

Alukuyana, Guayana, Oayana, Uaiana, Upurui, Wayâna

Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

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Wayana

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A language of Suriname

Also spoken in:

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