Yagua

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A language of Peru

ISO 639-3
yad
Alternate Names
Llagua, Nijyamii, Nijyamïï Nikyejaada, Yahua, Yava, Yegua
Autonym
Nijya̱mi̱ Niquejada
User Population

5,000 in Peru (2016 T. Payne). No monolinguals (2016). Ethnic population: 5,680 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 5,300.

Location

Loreto region: Iquitos to Brazil border; northeast Amazon river area.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Yaguan
Dialects

2 dialects.

Typology

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

Language Use

Children who live near big mixed villages usually no longer acquire Yagua, but those that live in more isolated areas still do (Crevels 2007). Most along main rivers prefer that children learn Spanish [spa]. All domains. Some use in religious ceremonies and services. Mixed attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. 8 bilingual schools. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1994–2008.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yagua
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Some go to urban centers like Iquitos for economic reasons, and occasionally to Brazil. Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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