Yucuna

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
ycn
Alternate Names
Matapi, Yucuna-Matapí, Yukuna
Autonym
Yucuna
User Population

770 (Crevels 2012). 10 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,580 (2018 census).

Location

Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, 3 enclaves; Ararcuara, La Pedrera on lower Caquetá, Leticia, Mirití-Paraná; Caqueta department: part of westernmost enclave.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki
Dialects

None known. In some traditional ceremonies ritual language used, mostly unintelligible even to those who have learned it.

Typology

SVO; 16 consonants and 5 vowels.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Oral and written use in religious services, and oral use in the traditional religion. Letter writing. Positive attitudes. Most also use Spanish [spa]. Some also use Tanimuca-Letuama [tnc], because of intermarriage. Used as L2 by Tanimuca-Letuama [tnc].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. 500 read Yucuna, 300 can write it. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1982–2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yucuna
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Local subversive activity caused some Yucuna to move to other areas. Traditional religion, Christian.