Colombia

Languages

Achagua aca

Casanare department; Meta department: Upper Meta River, between Puerto López and Puerto Gaitán, El Turpial reservation, and Umapo community. Users: 250 (2000 M. Lozano), decreasing. Ethnic population: 980 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ajagua, Xagua Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki, Piapoco

Andaqui ana

Caquetá department: upper reaches of Caquetá river; Cauca department, Fragua valley; Huila department: Suaza valley; southern highlands. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker probably died by the 1970s (Loukotka 1968). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Aguanunga, Andaki, Andaquí, Churuba Classification: Paezan

Andoque ano

Amazonas department: Aduche tributary of Caquetá, 15 km downriver from Araracuara; Caquetá department: Solano municipality. Users: 370 (2007 B. Pencue), decreasing. 10,000 in 1908 (Landaburu 1979). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 820 (2018 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Andoke, Businka, Cha’oie, Cho’oje, Paasi-ahá, Paasiaja, Paatsiaja, Patsiaehé, Poosioho Classification: Language isolate

Anserma ans

Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda departments. Users: No known L1 speakers. 7 families still spoke it in 1995 (Rendón 2011). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Ancerma, Anserna, Caramanta, Cartama, Humbra, Umbra Classification: Paezan, Coconuco

Arhuaco arh

Cesar and Magdalena departments: northeast and southern slopes of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Users: 8,000 (2009 P. Frank). 7,200 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 34,700 (2018 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Arauco, Arhuac, Aruac, Aruaco, Arwako, Auroguac, Bintucua, Bintuk, Bintukwa, Bíntuka, Bíntukua, Bítuncua, Ica, Ijca, Ijka, Ika, Ikan, Ike, Ikʉ Autonym: Iku Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian, Arhuacan, Southern and Eastern Arhuacan

Awa-Cuaiquer kwi

Nariño department: Barbacoas area; Cuaiquer del Alto Albí, Cuambíyaslambi, Cumbal, Mallama, and Ricaurte reservations; Pacific slopes of Andes. Users: 12,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008), decreasing. No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 44,500 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 14,100. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Awa, Awa Pit, Coaiquer, Cuaiquer, Kwaiker, Quaiquer, auapit, Înkal Awa Autonym: Awapit Classification: Barbacoan, Northern

Barasana-Eduria bsn

Amazonas department: Apaporis river south bank; Vaupés department: Cachivera Pina, Mitú, Sõnanã, Pacoa, Piedra Ñi, San Miguel; Pira-Paraná river and tributaries. Users: 1,890 (1993 census). Ethnic population: 1,030 (2018 census). 910 Barasano and 120 Eduria (2018 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banera yae, Barasano, Barasano del Sur, Came-Masa, Come masa, Comea, Comematsa, Hadera, Hanera, Hanera oka, Janena, Janera, Palanoa, Panenoa, Panera, Paneroa, Southern Barasano, Taibano, Taiwaeno, Taiwano, Teiuana, Yebamasa, Yepa-Mahsa, Yepa-Matso Autonym: Jãnerã-Eduria Oca Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Bará-Tuyuka

Barí mot

Cesar department: Chimichagua, La Gloria, and Pailitas municipalities; Norte de Santander department: Reserva Indígena Motilón-Barí and Resguardo Indígena Gabarra-Catalaura in Upper Catatumbo and Oro rivers and Serranía de los Motilones region. Users: 3,500 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 3,020 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 5,020. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baria, Barira, Cunausaya, Motilone, Motilón, “Dobocubi” (pej.) Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian

Bora boa

Amazonas department: Bora, Providencia on Igaraparana (tributary of the Putumayo); Miraña: lower Caquetá river, near Cahuinari river mouth. Users: 600 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,810 (2018 census). 1,050 Bora, 760 Miraña (2018 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Boro, Meamuyna, Miamunaa, Miranya, Miraña, Mirañã, Miriña Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Bora-Muinane

Cabiyarí cbb

Amazonas and Vaupés departments: Cananarí river area, tributary of the Apaporis and Vaupés. Users: 270 (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 810 (2001 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Cabiuarí, Cabuyari, Cauyarí, Cuyare, Kabiyarí, Kauyarí, Kawiarí, Kawillary, Kawiri, Kawiyarí Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki

Cacua cbv

Vaupés department: Wacará, 30 km east of Mitú. Users: 220 (Crevels 2012). Many monolinguals, especially children. Ethnic population: 150 (2018 census). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Báda, Bára, Cakua, Kakua, Kákwa, Wacara, “Macu de Cubeo” (pej.), “Macu de Desano” (pej.), “Macu de Guanano” (pej.) Classification: Puinavean, Cacua

Caló rmq

Scattered. Users: Ethnic population: 5,000 (2005 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gitano, Roma, Romanó Classification: Mixed language, Iberian-Romani

Camsá kbh

Putumayo department: Sibundoy valley, near Ingas. Users: 4,000 (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 7,520 (2018 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Camëntxá, Coche, Kamemtxa, Kamsa, Kamse, Kamëntsa, Sibundoy, Sibundoy-Gaché Autonym: Camëntsá Classification: Language isolate

Carabayo cby

Amazonas department: halfway between San Bernardo and Pure rivers. At least 3 long houses. Users: 150. Ethnic population: 220 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Yuri, “Amazonas Macusa” (pej.) Classification: Unclassified

Caramanta crf

Antioquia department: Jardín municipality, near Andes and Cristianía cities. Users: No known L1 speakers. Extinct by mid 20th century. Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Paezan, Coconuco

Carapana cbc

Vaupés department: Cano Tí (tributary of middle Vaupés river) and upper Pirá-Paraná and Papurí rivers. Users: 460 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,040 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 523. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Carapana-Tapuya, Karapano, Karapaná, Karapanã, Mehtã, Mextã, Mi tea, Mochda, Moxdoa, Muxtea, Mõxtã, Möxdöá Autonym: Carapana Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Carapano

Carijona cbd

Guaviare department: Miraflores municipality southeast of Lake Espajo. Users: 6 (Crevels 2007). 6 speakers near La Pedrera and a few more near Miraflores (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 530 (2018 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Carifuna, Carihona, Hianacoto, Hianacoto-Umaua, Hianakoto, Huaque, Kaliohona, Karihona, Karijona, Koto, Omagua, Tsahá, Umawa Classification: Cariban, Tiriyó, Karihona

Chibcha chb

Boyacá: Altiplano Cundiboyacense. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last fluent speaker likely died in the late 1700s. Ethnic population: 9,000 (2018 B. Johnson). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Mosca, Muisca, Muysc Cubun, Muysca Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Chimila cbg

Cesar department: Valle du Par minicipality; La Guajira department: La Jagua del Pilar and Urumita municipalities; Magdalena department: lowlands south and west of Fundación. Users: 350 (2009 T. Malone), increasing. Ethnic population: 1,700 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Caca Weranos, Chimile, Ette Ennaka, Ette Taara, San Jorge, Shimizya, Simiza Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian

Cocama-Cocamilla cod

Amazonas department: Ronda Island in Amazon River opposite Leticia city, and in Naranjales, Palmeras, and San José villages. Users: No known L1 speakers in Colombia. Last known speakers in Colombia survived into the 1990s. Possibly only a few semi-speakers (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 3,220 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Cocama, Inikana, Kokama Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Tupí, Cocama

Colombian Sign Language csn

Scattered. Users: 151,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 101,000–201,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of the general population. Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Presidential Law 982). Alternate Names: LSC, Lengua de señas colombiana, Lengua manual colombiana Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language

Cubeo cub

Vaupés department: Cuduyari, Querarí, and Vaupés rivers and tributaries; possibly also in Guainía department. Users: 6,100 in Colombia (Civallero 2008), increasing. 610 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 14,100 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 6,260. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Lingua franca for the northwest Vaupes area in the beginning of the 19th century with the development of commerce, animal farming, agricultural production, manufacturing, and handicrafts. Used in church, literacy programs, and oral traditions. Alternate Names: Cuveo, Hehenawa, Hipnwa, Kobeua, Kobewa, Kubeo, Kubwa, Pamiwa Autonym: Pamié Classification: Tucanoan, Central Tucanoan

Cuiba cui

Arauca department: Cravo Norte municipality; Casanare department: Betania, El Merey, Esmeralda, Mochuelo, San José de Ariporo, and Santa María on Capanaparo river and tributaries; Vichada department: Meta river south bank. Users: 2,200 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 1,440 (2018 census). 900 Cuiba, 520 Masiware, and 20 Chiricoa (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 2,640. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Cuiva, Hiwi, Kuiva, Maiben Autonym: Cuiba-Wámonae Classification: Guajiboan

Curripaco kpc

Guainía department: Barrio La Primavera and Inírida on Inírida and Isana rivers, headwaters of Río Negro; Vaupés department: Mitu and Papunahua minicipalities. Users: 7,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 11,900 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 12,070. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Baniva del Isana, Curipaco, Curripaco-Baniva, Karrupaku, Koripako, Kuripaco, Kuripako, Kurripaco, Kúrrim, Waquenia Autonym: Kurripako Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Eastern Nawiki, Karu

Desano des

Vaupes department: Vaupés river tributaries, Abiyu and Papurí rivers; Papurí tributaries Pacá, Macú Parana and others; Villa Fátima village and Acaricuara, Montfort, Piracuara, and Teresita missions. Users: 2,460 in Colombia (2001 census). Ethnic population: 3,640 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boleka, Dessana, Desána, Kotedia, Kusibi, Oregu, Wina, Wira, Wirã ya Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Desano-Siriano

Embera Baudó bdc

Chocó department: Baudó river basin and Pacific coastal rivers between Cabo Corrientes north towards Northern Embera language area. Users: 5,000 (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: Total Emberá in Colombia in 2001: 88,700 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Baudó, Catrú, Embena, Embera, Embera Bedea Baudó, Epena Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Southern Emberá

Embera Catío cto

Antioquia, Chocó, and Córdoba departments: Murri, San Jorge, San Pedro, and upper Sinu rivers. Users: 15,000 in Colombia (1992 SIL). 13,500 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 48,100 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 15,040. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Catio, Catío Emberá, Embena, Embera, Embera Bedea Katío, Emberá-Katío, Epena, Epẽrã, Eyabida, Katio, ẽbẽrã bed’ea–Katío Autonym: Ẽ́bẽra Katío Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Northern Emberá

Embera Chamí cmi

Antioquia, Caldas, Chocó, Quindío, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca departments; includes Caramanta municipality. Users: 45,000 (2022 SIL). Ethnic population: Total Emberá in Colombia in 2001: 88,700 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chami, Chamí Emberá, Embena, Embera, Embera Bedea Chamí, Epena Autonym: Ẽbẽra, Ẽbẽra bed̶ea Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Southern Emberá

Embera Tadó tdc

Chocó department: Tadó municipality. Users: 2,300 (2014 SIL). Ethnic population: Total Emberá in Colombia in 2001: 88,700 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cholo, Embena, Embera, Embera Pedea Tadó, Epena, Katío, Tadó, Êpêra Autonym: Ẽpẽra Pedea Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Southern Emberá

Emberá, Northern emp

Antioquia and Chocó departments: Atrato river basin; also inland from Cabo Corrientes north to Jurado on Pacific coast. Users: 49,700 in Colombia (2001 census). Ethnic population: Total Emberá in Colombia in 2001: 88,700 (Crevels 2012). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Atrato, Cholo, Darién, Eberã, Eberã Bed’ea, Embena, Embera, Emperã, Epena, Eperã Pedea, Epérã Pedée, Panama Embera, Pede, Pede Epenã, Sambú Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Northern Emberá

English eng

San Andrés and Providencia department; scattered elsewhere. Users: 2,023,900 in Colombia, all users. L1 users: 23,900 in Colombia (2020 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 2,000,000 (2019). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

Epena sja

Cauca, Nariño, and Valle del Cauca departments: 2 separate areas on South Pacific coast. Users: 3,500 in Colombia (2004 IMB), increasing. Ethnic population: 7,050 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 3,552. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Cholo, Embena, Embera, Emberá-Saija, Epena Pedee Saija, Epená Saija, Eperara, Epéna Pedée, Saija, Southern Empera Autonym: Eperã pedee Classification: Chocoan, Emberá, Southern Emberá

German, Standard deu

Users: 4,500 in Colombia (2020 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German

Guahibo guh

Arauca, Casanare, Guainía, Guaviare, Meta, and Vichada departments: plains region, border areas. Users: 23,000 in Colombia (Arango Ochoa and Sánchez Gutierrez 1998). 9,200 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 52,400 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 35,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Goahibo, Goahiva, Guaigua, Guajibo, Guayba, Hiwi, Jive, Wahibo, Wahivo, “Sicuani” (pej.), “Sikuani” (pej.) Autonym: Hivi Classification: Guajiboan, Guajibo

Guanano gvc

Vaupés department: Vaupés river south banks toward Mitu town. Users: 300 in Colombia (Arango Ochoa and Sánchez Gutierrez 1998). Ethnic population: 3,310 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Anana, Kotiria, Kótedia, Uanano, Wanana, Wanano Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan

Guayabero guo

Guaviare and Meta departments: upper Guaviare river. Users: 1,000 (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 2,960 (2018 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cunimía, Jiw, Mítua, Mítus Autonym: Jiwjame Classification: Guajiboan

Hupdë jup

Vaupés department: Papurí and Tiquié river systems. Users: 240 in Colombia (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 240 (Crevels 2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hup, Hupda, Hupdah, Ubdé, “Hupdá Makú” (pej.), “Jupdá Macú” (pej.), “Macú de Tucano” (pej.), “Makú-Hupdá” (pej.) Classification: Puinavean, Hupda

Inga inb

Nariño and Putumayo departments; some in Cauca department: Piamonte and Santa Rosa municipalities; 1,000 in Bogotá, some in regional capitals. Users: 18,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Dispersed in various regions; adopted commerce as a survival strategy (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 19,600 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 22,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Highland Inga Classification: Quechuan, Peripheral Quechua, Chinchay, Northern Chinchay

Inga, Jungle inj

Cauca, Nariño. and Putumayo departments: upper Caquetá and Putumayo rivers. Users: 11,200 (2007 OCIP). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ingano, Lowland Inga, Mocoa Classification: Quechuan, Peripheral Quechua, Chinchay, Northern Chinchay

Islander English Creole icr

San Andrés and Providencia. Users: 12,000 (1981 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bende, San Andrés Creole Classification: Creole, English based, Atlantic, Western

Kogi kog

La Guajira and Magdalena departments: north, east, and west slopes of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Users: 9,910 (2004 DNP). Nearly all monolingual. Ethnic population: 15,800 (2001 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cagaba, Coghui, Cogui, Kagaba, Kaggaba, Kawgian, Kogui Autonym: Kaugiañ Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian, Arhuacan

Koreguaje coe

Caqueta department: Caquetá and Orteguaza rivers and tributaries; Putumayo department: Puerto Guzman municipality. Users: 2,100 (Civallero 2008). Speakers of Koreguaje represent a fusion of various ethnic groups. Also spoken by Inga, Witoto, Carijona, and Tama (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 3,260 (2018 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Caquetá, Chaocha Pai, Coreguaja, Coreguaje, Coreguaxe, Correguaje, Ko’reuaju, Korebaju, Korewahe, Koʼrehuajʉ chʉʼo Autonym: Koʼrevajʉ chʉʼo Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan

Kuna, Border kvn

Antioquia department: north coast region near Panama isthmus, east and west banks of Gulf of Uraba; Chocó department: Arquía. Users: 2,600 in Colombia (2012 SIL). Ethnic population: 2,610 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 3,500. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Caiman Nuevo, Colombia Cuna, Cuna, Paya Kuna, Paya-Pucuro Autonym: Tule Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Cuna

Macaguaje mcl

Putumayo department: Caquetá river tributaries. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker either died or shifted to Siona [snn] or Koreguaje [coe] by the 1970s. Ethnic population: 24 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Kakawahe, Makaguaje, Piojé, Secoya Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan, Macaguaje

Macaguán mbn

Arauca department: Puerto Rondon and Tame municipalities; Casanare department: Hato Corozal municipality; Casanare river, other scattered locations. Users: 300 (Civallero 2008). Most are monolingual. Ethnic population: 510 (2018 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Agualinda Guahibo, Hitnü, Jitnu, Macaguane, Macaguane-Hitnu Classification: Guajiboan, Guajibo

Macuna myy

Vaupés department: Apaporis tributaries, Mirití-Paraná, and lower Pira-Parana. Users: 1,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 1,960 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 1,032. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buhagana, Emoa, Ide, Jepa-Matsi, Makuna, Makuna-Erulia, Paneroa, Roea, Suroa, Tabotiro Jejea, Umua, Wuhána, Yeba, Yepá-Mahsá Autonym: Masa ye Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan

Malayo mbp

Cesar and La Guajira departments: south and east slopes of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Users: 1,850 (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 18,200 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Arosario, Arsario, Dəməna, Damana, Guamaca, Guamaka, Maracasero, Marocasero, Sancá, Sanja, Sanka, Wamaka, Wiwa Autonym: Dʉmʉna Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian, Arhuacan, Southern and Eastern Arhuacan, Guamaca-Atanque

Misak gum

Cauca department: Caldono, Jambaló, Silvia, Toribío, and Totoró municipalities, western slopes of Andean Cordillera Central on Piendamó river banks. Users: 21,000 (Civallero 2008), increasing. 2,100 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 39,800 (2018 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Coconuco, Guambia, Guambiano, Guanaca, Moguex, Nam Trik Autonym: Namdrik Classification: Paezan, Coconuco

Muinane bmr

Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, south of Caquetá river; Caqueta department: between Caqueta and Yari rivers. Users: 150 (2007 F. Cuéllar). Ethnic population: 2,110 (2018 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bora-Muinane, Muename, Muinana, Muinani Autonym: Muinane Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Bora-Muinane

Nasa pbb

Cauca, Huila, and Tolima departments: Popayán area, central Andes range. Users: 60,000 (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 243,000 (2018 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Nasayuwe, “Paes” (pej.), “Páez” (pej.) Autonym: Nasa Yuwe Classification: Paezan, Paezan

Nhengatu yrl

Guainía department: Rio Negro; Vaupés department: Caruru and Yavarate municipalities. Users: 8,000 in Colombia (2004 IMB). Ethnic population: 570 (2018 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Geral, Modern Tupi, Nheengatú, Nyengato, Waengatu, Yeral, Ñe’engatú Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Tupí, Tupí

Nonuya noj

Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, Peña Roja. Users: 2 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 290 (2018 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Nononota Classification: Witotoan

Nukak Makú mbr

Jungle region between Guaviare and Inírida rivers, up to Mapiripan. Near Charco Caimán. Users: 390 (Crevels 2012). 200 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 740 (2018 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Guaviare, Macusa, Nukak Classification: Puinavean, Cacua

Ocaina oca

Amazonas department: upper Igará-Paraná and tributaries. Users: 5 in Colombia (Patiño 2000). Ethnic population: 410 (2018 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Okaina Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Huitoto-Ocaina

Palenquero pln

Atlántico department: border area and 2 neighborhoods in Barranquilla; Bolivar department: San Basilio de Palenque village southeast of Cartagena. Users: 500 (Holm 1989). Ethnic population: 3,500. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lengua, Palenque Classification: Creole, Spanish based

Piapoco pio

Guainía department: Guaviare south bank border areas; Vichada department: between Vichada and Guaviare rivers. Users: 4,930 in Colombia (2007 Moyano). Ethnic population: 14,700 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 6,680. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Piapoko, Tsáçe Autonym: Wenewika Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki, Piapoco

Piaroa pid

Vichada department: Santa Rita municipality, between Vichada and Guaviare rivers. Users: 770 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,130 (2018 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adole, Ature, De’aruwã thiwene, Guagua, Kuakua, Maco, Quaqua Dearuwa, Wo’tiheh, Wöthüha Classification: Sálivan, Piaroa-Maco

Pijao pij

Tolima department. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker may have died by the 1960s (Zwisler 2018). Ethnic population: 51,600 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Piajao, Pijao Paniquita, Pijao Paniquitá, Pinao, Pixao Classification: Unclassified

Piratapuyo pir

Vaupés department: Yavarate municipality, Papurí and lower Vaupés rivers; most near Roman Catholic mission at Teresita. Users: 630 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,110 (2018 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Uaikena, Urubu-Tapuya, Waikino Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan

Playero gob

Arauca department: Venezuela border, Arauca river banks from Arauca to Gaviotas Island. Users: 150 in Colombia (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 160 (Crevels 2007). Total users in all countries: 350. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Guahibo Playero, Pepojivi, Rio Arauca Guahibo Classification: Guajiboan, Guajibo

Providencia Sign Language prz

San Andrés and Providencia: Providencia island. Users: 19 (Washabaugh 1986). Known by most people on Providencia, including 19 born deaf out of 2,500 to 3,000 population (Washabaugh 1986), approximately 0.6%–0.75%. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Sign language, Shared sign language

Puinave pui

Guainía and Vichada departments: Inírida river and tributaries. Users: 2,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 9,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 2,550. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Puinabe Classification: Puinavean

Quichua, Napo Lowland qvo

Putumayo river. Users: Undetermined number in Colombia. Ethnic population: 3,690 (2018 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kichua, Kichwa, Kichwa Shimi, Lowland Napo Quechua, Runa Shimi Classification: Quechuan, Peripheral Quechua, Chinchay, Northern Chinchay

Romani, Vlax rmy

Users: 4,850 in Colombia (2005 census). Several hundred thousand throughout Latin America (Hancock 1984a). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Vlax

Sáliba slc

Arauca, Casanare, Meta, and Vichadad departments: upstream from confluence of Meta and Casanare rivers. Users: 1,300 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 4,780 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 1,336. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Sáliva Classification: Sálivan

Siona snn

Putumayo department: El Tablero and Resguardo Buenavista, between Poñuna Blanca and Poñuna Negra on Putumayo river and tributaries. Users: 200 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 2,600 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 460. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Ceona, Ganteya, Ganteya bain, Kanú, Koka, Pioche-Sioni, Piohé, Pioje, Pioje-Sioni, Siona-Secoya, Sioni, Zeona Autonym: Gantëya coca Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan, Macaguaje

Siriano sri

Vaupés department: 3 separate areas near Vaupes river, south and west of Mitu town. Users: 200 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 1,660 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 217. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chiranga, Cirnga, Desana-Siriana, Si-Ra, Sura Masa Autonym: Sʉraya Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Desano-Siriano

Spanish spa

Users: 48,984,000 in Colombia, all users. L1 users: 48,900,000 in Colombia (2019). L2 users: 84,000 (2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1991, Constitution, Article 10). Alternate Names: Español Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian

Tama ten

Caquetá department: Vicente, Orteguaza river. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker probably died by the 1960s (Loukotka 1968). Ethnic population: 610 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Dujos, Jabaal Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan

Tanimuca-Letuama tnc

Amazonas and Vaupés departments: Guacayá and Oiyaka rivers (tributaries of the Mirití-Paraná), Apaporis, Mirití-Paraná, and Popeyaca rivers near mouth of Pira river below Popeyaca. Users: 1,800 (Crevels 2007). Retuarã more monolingual than Tanimuca. Ethnic population: 1,280 (2018 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Letuama, Letuhama, Ohañara, Opaina, Retuama, Retuarã, Tanimboka, Tanimuca-Retuarã, Uairã, Ufaina Autonym: Wejeñememaja Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan

Tariana tae

Vaupés department: lower Papurí. Users: No known L1 speakers in Colombia. Last known speaker in Colombia likely survived into the 1990s. Ethnic population: 210 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Tariano, Tariána Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Eastern Nawiki

Tatuyo tav

Vaupés department: Pira-Paraná headwaters and upper Papurí. Users: 330 (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 330 (Crevels 2012). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Juna, Oa, Pamoa, Sina, Sura, Tatutapuyo, Wa’ikhana, jʉna ye Autonym: Tatuyo ye Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Carapano

Ticuna tca

Amazonas department: between Leticia and Perutate, north along the Amazon River. Users: 6,600 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 13,800 (2018 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ticunaga, Tikuna, Tucuna, Tukúna Classification: Language isolate

Tinigua tit

Meta department: Sierra de la Macarena. Users: 1 (2013 J. P. Tobal). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Tiniguas Classification: Tiniguan

Totoro ttk

Cauca department: Totoro, 17 km west of Silvia. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last known speakers survived into the first decade of the 2000s (Arango Ochoa and Sánchez Gutierrez 1998). Ethnic population: 8,920 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Paezan, Coconuco

Tucano tuo

Vaupés department: upper Papurí river and tributaries. Users: 7,020 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). 25 Pisamira and 7,000 Tucano (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 4,400 (2018 census). 4,075 Tucano, 196 Pisamira, and 127 Betoye (2018 census). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Tucano is the lingua franca for southeast Vaupés section and Cubeo [cub] is the lingua franca for the northwest area. Alternate Names: Betaya, Betoya, Betoye, Dachsea, Dasea, Dasea ye, Daxsea, Tukana, Tukano Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Tucano

Tunebo, Angosturas tnd

Arauca department: headwaters and southern tributaries of Casanare river. Users: 50. Ethnic population: All ethnic Tunebos: 10,600 (2018 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Uw Cuwa Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Tunebo, Barro Negro tbn

Arauca and Casanare departments: Barro Negro, San Lope (Casanare), and Tabías (Casanare), south of Tame Arauca; isolated in Andes foothills, eastern plains above Paz de Ariporo. Users: 300 (1981 SIL). Ethnic population: All ethnic Tunebos: 10,600 (2018 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Eastern Tunebo Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Tunebo, Central tuf

Arauca and Boyacá departments: Calafita, Cobaría (Boyacá), Satocá, Tegría (Boyacá) on north slopes of Sierra Nevada de Cocuy; Santander department: Capitanejo and Carcasi municipalities. Users: 2,500 in Colombia (2000 SIL). Ethnic population: All ethnic Tunebos: 10,600 (2018 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cobaría Tunebo, Lache, U’wa, Uwa-Tunebo Autonym: Uw Cuwa Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Tunebo, Western tnb

Norte de Santander and Santander departments: east of Floridablanca; some in Boyacá department. Users: 700 (1998). Ethnic population: All ethnic Tunebos: 10,600 (2018 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aguas Blancas, U’wa Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Tuyuca tue

Vaupés department: on Inambú, Papurí, and upper Tiquié along Comeyaca headwaters. Users: 640 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,470 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 1,440. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Borá-Tuyuka, Dochkafuara, Tejuca, Tuyuka Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Bará-Tuyuka

Waimaha bao

Vaupés department: Mitú, upper Papurí, mid and upper Pira-Paraná tributaries, and Tiquié. Users: 110 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Some monolinguals over 40. Ethnic population: 1,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 131. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Barasano, Barasano del Norte, Bará-Tuyuka, Northern Barasano, Waimasa, Waymasa, “Bará” (pej.) Autonym: Waimaja Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Bará-Tuyuka

Wajiara yui

Vaupés department: Upper Paca river (Papurí river tributary); Caño Yi and Caño Tuy rivers (Vaupes river tributaries). Users: 1,100 in Colombia (2011 SIL), increasing. Few monolinguals. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Juriti, Juriti-Tapuia, Juruti, Luruty-Tapuya, Patsoka, Totsoca, Wadzana, Waijiara masa-wadyana, Waikana, Waimasá, Wayhara, Yuriti, Yuruti, Yuruti-Tapuya, Yurutiye Autonym: Wajiaraye Classification: Tucanoan, Eastern Tucanoan, Tucano

Wayuu guc

La Guajira department: Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast. Users: 122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 380,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 416,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayuunaiqui, Wayúu Autonym: Wayuunaiki Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean

Witoto, Minika hto

Amazonas and Caquetá departments: Putumayo River basin, along the Igaraparaná River (22 communities, of which the most populated is La Chorrera); Putumayo department: Leguizamo minicipality. Users: 1,500 (2008 K. Wojtylak). Ethnic population: 2,400 (2008 K. Wojtylak). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Huitoto Meneca, Meneca, Meneka, Mɨnɨca, Mɨnɨca Huitoto, Minika, Noaiko-Muína, Southern Witoto, Witoto Meneca Autonym: Huitoto Mɨnɨca Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Huitoto-Ocaina, Early Huitoto, Proto-Minica-Murai

Witoto, Murui huu

Amazonas, Caquetá, and Putumayo departments: between Putumayo and Caquetá rivers, north of Porto Arturo. Users: 600 in Colombia (2008). Ethnic population: 12,000 (2019). Total users in all countries: 1,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bue, Central Witoto proper, Huitoto, Huitoto Murui, Komïne, Murai, Murai Huitoto, Murui Huitoto, Uitoto, Witoto Autonym: Murui Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Huitoto-Ocaina, Early Huitoto, Proto-Minica-Murai

Witoto, Nipode hux

Caquetá department: Angosturas, Araracuara, Cuemaní, Monochoa, and Puerto Sábalo. Users: 200 in Colombia (2017 K. Wojtylak). Ethnic population: 480 (Griffiths et al 2001). Total users in all countries: 250. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Nipode, Nipode Huitoto, Nüpode, Nüpode Huitoto Classification: Witotoan, Proto-Huitoto-Ocaina, Early Huitoto

Woun Meu noa

Chocó department: middle and lower San Juan river banks, especially north of Buenaventura; some in Valle del Cauca. Users: 4,000 in Colombia (Aikhenvald 2007). Ethnic population: 14,800 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 10,800. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chocó, Noanama, Waumeo, Waun Meo, Waunana, Waunméu, Waunán, Woun Meo, Wounaan Autonym: Woun Meu, Wounaan Meu Classification: Chocoan

Yagua yad

Amazonas department: Tucuchira river near Leticia. Users: 300 in Colombia (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 980 (2018 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Nijya̱mi̱ Niquejada, Yawa Classification: Yaguan

Yahuna ynu

Amazonas department: Apaporis and Mirití rivers. Users: No known L1 speakers. Survived into the early 1900s. Ethnic population: 110 (2018 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Jaúna, Yayuna, Yaúna Classification: Tucanoan, Western Tucanoan

Yucuna ycn

Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, 3 enclaves; Ararcuara, La Pedrera on lower Caquetá, Leticia, Mirití-Paraná; Caqueta department: part of westernmost enclave. Users: 770 (Crevels 2012). 10 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,580 (2018 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Matapi, Yucuna-Matapí, Yukuna Autonym: Yucuna Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki

Yukpa yup

Cesar department: Augustín Codazzi municipality and municipalities north and south, Colombia-Venezuela border in Serranía de Perijá mountain range. Río Casacará dialect in Agustín Codassi municipality along Casacará river and Caño Iroka. Yukpa sur dialect, Becerril municipality. Users: 3,000 in Colombia (2009 W. Largo). 600 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 3,610 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 6,020. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Carib Motilón, Japrería, Macoíta, Northern Motilone, Northern Motilón, Yuco, Yucpa, Yuko, Yukpa-Japería, Yupa Autonym: Yukpa Classification: Cariban, Yukpa, Yucpa-Yapreria