Warao

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A language of Venezuela

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarau, Guarauno, Warau, Warrau

User Population

32,400 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 48,800 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 32,900.

Delta Amacuro, Monagas, and Sucre states: Orinoco river delta.

Language Maps

French Guiana and Suriname

Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4).

Language isolate

11 consonants and 5 vowels.

Extensively documented and taught at the university level (Crevels 2007). Used by all.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1974–2004.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Warao

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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Guyana

Language NameWarao

User Population

Few speakers (Forte 1990). Ethnic population: 5,000 (2000 J. Forte).

Location

Barima-Waini, Pomeroon-Supenaam, and Essequibo Islands-West Demerara regions: near the coast, mixed with Arawak [ake] and Carib [car] speakers.

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warau, Warrau

Language Status

8a (Moribund).

Language Use

Those who live in closer contact to coastal society are more acculturated than those residing close to the border areas with Venezuela and, therefore, face more threat of the loss of their native language. But there is no immediate threat of extinction (Crevels 2007). Older adults only. Shifted to Guyanese English Creole [gyn].

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Suriname

Language NameWarao

User Population

500 in Suriname (2018).

Location

Nickerie district: near Guyana border.

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warrau

Language Status

8a (Moribund).

Language Use

Older adults only. Shifted to Guyanese English Creole [gyn].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian.

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