Venezuela

Languages

Akawaio ake

Bolívar state: upper Kamarang river; Monagas state: near Delta Amacuro border. Users: 180 in Venezuela (2001 census). Ethnic population: 1,070 (2011 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Acahuayo, Acawayo, Acewaio, Akawai, Akawayo, Kapon, Kapóng, Waicá, Waika Classification: Cariban, North Amazonian, Pemón, Pemón proper, Kapong

Arabic, North Levantine Spoken apc

Users: 127,000 in Venezuela (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic

Arawak arw

Bolívar and Delta Amacuro states; coastal area near Guyana. Users: 130 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,330 (2011 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Arhwak, Arowak, Aruaco, Lokono, Lokono Dian Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean

Arutani atx

Bolívar state: Paraqua and Uraricáa rivers’ headwaters below Karum river area. Users: No known L1 speakers in Venezuela. 6 semi-speakers (Labrada et al 2020). Ethnic population: 20 (2011 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Aoaqui, Auakê, Auaqué, Awaké, Oewaku, Uruak, Urutaní Classification: Language isolate

Baniva bvv

Amazonas state: Atabapo and Casiquiare regions; Colombia border area. Users: No known L1 speakers. Probably extinct by late 20th century. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Abane, Avani, Ayane, Banibo, Baniva Yavitero Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Central Upper Amazon, Yavitero

Baniwa bwi

Amazonas state: Colombia border area, between Curipaco [kpc] and Guarequena [gae] language areas. Users: 610 in Venezuela (2007 SIL), decreasing. Ethnic population: 3,500 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 6,420. Status: 8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Baniba, Banibo, Baniua do Içana, Baniva, Baniwa do Içana, Maniba Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Eastern Nawiki, Karu

Baré bae

Amazonas state: Maroa town; upper Río Negro from Brazil-Venezuela border to Casiquiare Canal, extreme southwest at Colombia border. Users: A few elders. 2 semi-speakers (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 5,040 (2011 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Arihini, Balé, Barauana, Barauna, Barawana, Cunipusana, Ihini, Maldavaca, Mitua, Yavita Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Central Upper Amazon, Baré

Barí mot

Zulia state: Sierra de Perijá southern zone, to Yukpa territory north and Catatumbo river south. Users: 1,520 in Venezuela (Crevels 2007). Significant number are still monolingual (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 2,840 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Motilone, Motilón Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian

Carib car

Anzoátegui, Bolívar, and Monagas states: Orinoco river mouth area; Guyana border; some in Delta Amacuro state. Users: 4,450 in Venezuela (2001 census). Ethnic population: 38,800 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 8,558. Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Caribe, Cariña, Galibi, Kalihna, Kalinya, Kari’nja, Kari’ña, Kariña Autonym: Karìna auran Classification: Cariban

Chaima ciy

Monagas state: south of Maturin; northeast border with Anzoátegui state; possibly also Sucre state. Users: 63 (2011 census). Ethnic population: 13,200 (2011 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Chayma, Guaga-Tagare, Sayma, Warapiche Classification: Cariban, Central, Cumaná

Chinese zho

Users: 400,000 in Venezuela. Status: Unestablished.

Cuiba cui

Apure state: upper Capanaparo river area and Riecito tributary. Users: 440 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Nearly all monolingual. Ethnic population: 400 (2011 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4), The Amorua dialect of Cuiba [cui] is listed separately in the statute. Alternate Names: Cuiva, Kuiva Classification: Guajiboan

Cumanagoto cuo

Sucre state: east coastal region. Users: No known L1 speakers (Campbell 1997). Probably extinct by late 20th century. Ethnic population: 20,900 (2011). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Cumanagota, Cumanogota, Cumaná, Kumanagoto, Kumaná Classification: Cariban, Central, Cumaná

Curripaco kpc

Amazonas state: San Fernando de Atabapo and Victorino zones. Users: 3,740 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 7,350 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Baniva-Kurripako, Baniwa del Isana, Curipaco, Kuripako, Kurripako, Wakuénai, “Yaverete-Tapuya” (pej.) Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Eastern Nawiki, Karu

E’ñapa Woromaipu pbh

Bolívar state: savannah and highland groups 240 km south of Caicara de Orinoco, west of Cuchivero river. 20 or more settlements. Users: 4,180 (Crevels 2012). 2,480 monolinguals. Nearly all women monolingual; men fairly bilingual in Spanish [spa]. Ethnic population: 4,690 (2011 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Abira, Eye, Eñapa, Eñepa, Mapoyo, Panare, Panari Autonym: E’ñepa Classification: Cariban, South Amazonian

English eng

Users: 29,400 in Venezuela (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: 4 (Educational). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

German, Colonia Tovar gct

Aragua state: southwest of Caracas. Users: 1,500 (2009 H. Collin). Ethnic population: 6,000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Alemán Coloniero, Patois Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Upper German, Alemannic

Guahibo guh

Amazonas, Apure, and Bolívar states; Upper Orinoco and Meta rivers, Orinoco river from Caicaro de Orinoco. Users: 12,000 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). 37% urban (2001 census). Ethnic population: 24,000 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Guajibo, Hivi, Hiwi, Jivi, Jiwi, Sikuani, Sikwani, Wahibo Classification: Guajiboan, Guajibo

Guarequena gae

Amazonas state: Guzmán Blanco on San Miguel river below Maroa. Users: 160 in Venezuela (2001 census). Ethnic population: 620 (2011 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Arequena, Baniva de Maroa, Guarekena, Uerequema, Urequema, Warekena Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki, Warekena

Hodï yau

Amazonas state: isolated groups on Iguana, an Asita river tributary, and on the Parucito, a Manapiare river tributary; Bolívar state: basin of the upper Kayamá river, a Cuchivero river tributary; small cluster of at least three local groups on left bank tributaries of the Caura River. Users: 1,500 (2019 S. Zent). Ethnic population: 1,500 (2020 S. Zent). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Chicano, Chikano, Ho, Hoti, Joti, Waruwaru, Yoana, Yuana, Yuwana Autonym: Jodï Classification: Language isolate

Inga inb

Scattered in cities. Users: 4,000 in Venezuela (1995 SIL). Ethnic population: 830 (2011 census). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Quechuan, Peripheral Quechua, Chinchay, Northern Chinchay

Japreria jru

Zulia state: north Sierra de Perija. Users: 170 (2002 census). 10 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 160 (2011 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Yapreria Classification: Cariban, Yukpa, Yucpa-Yapreria

Maco wpc

Amazonas state: Mariche, Marueta, Morocoto, Porvenir, Tavi-Tavi, and Wapuchi villages; Marueta, Paru, Wapuchi, and Yureba rivers, Ventuari river tributaries. Users: 1,100 (2011). Ethnic population: 1,330 (2011 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Itoto, Jojod, Maco-Piaroa, Mako, Maku, Sáliba-Maco, Wirö, Wirú, Wotuja Classification: Sálivan, Piaroa-Maco

Macushi mbc

Bolívar state: southeast border area, Caroni river, west of Pan American highway. Users: The number of Makushi speakers in Venezuela is not clear since 1992 Indigenous Census probably included them in the Pemon group (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 89 (2011 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Makushi, Makusi, Makuxi, Teweya Classification: Cariban, North Amazonian, Pemón, Pemón proper

Máku xak

Amazonas state: San Fernando de Atabapo zone, between the Padamo and Cunucunuma rivers. Users: No known L1 speakers in Venezuela. The last speaker died in 2001. Total users in all countries: none known. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Maku, Makú, Máko Classification: Language isolate

Mandahuaca mht

Amazonas state: Colombia border, extreme southwest on Baria river and Casiquiare canal, east of Baré [bae] language area. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speakers may have survived into the 1990s. Ethnic population: The size of the ethnic group is not clear since the usually cited number of 3,000 (1975 G. Indigenista) probably includes Baré [bae], Baniva [bwi] and Mandahuaca (Crevels 2007). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Arihini, Bale, Cunipusana, Ihini, Maldavaca, Mandauaca, Mandauáca, Mandawaca, Mandawaka, Mandawáka, Mitua, Yavita Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki, Warekena

Mapoyo mcg

Amazonas state: confluence of Orinoco and Toro rivers and downstream; Bolívar state: Palomo community and savanna between Caño Caripo north and Villacoa river south, near Caicara del Orinoco road to Puerto Ayacucho. Users: 2 (2014), decreasing. A few semi-speakers left (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 420 (2011 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Mapayo, Mapoio, Mapoye, Mopoi, Nepoye, Wanai Classification: Cariban, Central, Mapoyo-Yavarana

Maquiritari mch

Bolívar and Amazonas states: Brazilian border area on upper Auaris, Caura, Cuntinamo, Cunucunuma, Erebato, Matacuni, Padamo, mid-Paragua, and upper Ventuari rivers. Users: 6,200 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 8,000 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 6,630. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Cunuana, De’cuana, De’kwana, De’kwana Carib, Maiongong, Maquiritai, Maquiritare, Pawana, Soto, Ye’cuana, Ye’kwana, Yekuana Autonym: Ye’kuana Classification: Cariban, Central, Makiritare

Nengatu yrl

Amazonas state: Brazil border area, Río Negro area, lower Guainía department, San Pedro and Bultón. Users: Very few, if any, speakers left in Venezuela (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 2,130 (2011 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Geral, Modern Tupi, Nheengatu, Waengatu, Yeral, Ñengatú Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Tupí, Tupí

Ninam shb

Bolívar state: Karun and Paragua rivers. Users: 560 in Venezuela (2010 L. Campbell). Ethnic population: 420 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Shiriana, Yanam Classification: Yanomaman

Paraujano pbg

Zulia state: Lake Maracaibo, near Guajiro. Users: 1 (Álvarez 2009). Ethnic population: 20,800 (2011). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Anun, Añú, Parahujano Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean

Patamona pbc

Bolívar state: Guyana and Brazil east border area. Users: Ethnic population: 200 (Crevels 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Kapon Classification: Cariban, North Amazonian, Pemón, Pemón proper, Kapong

Pemon aoc

Bolívar state: Gran Sabana and adjacent areas. Users: 23,100 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 30,100 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 24,080. Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4), Three dialects listed separately: Kamarakoto, Arekuna, and Taurepan. Alternate Names: Pemong Autonym: Kamarakotos Classification: Cariban, North Amazonian, Pemón, Pemón proper

Pémono pev

Amazonas state: Upper Majagua village, with Yabarana [yar] speakers. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speaker likely died in the mid-2000s (2000 M. Muller). Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Cariban, Central, Mapoyo-Yavarana

Piapoco pio

Amazonas state: San Fernando de Atapapo area along the Orinoco. South of Vichada department. Users: 1,750 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 3,710 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Amarizado, Chase, Dzaze, Enegua, Kuipaco, Piapoko, Piapoko Dejá, Tsáçe, Wenewika, Wenéwika, Yapoco Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki, Piapoco

Piaroa pid

Amazonas state: Orinoco river south bank, inland from Paguasa river to Manapiare; into southwestern Bolívar state. Users: 13,000 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 19,300 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 13,770. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Statutory language of provincial identity in Amazonas and Bolivar states (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Amorua, Dearwa, Deruwa, Deá’ru’wa, Piaroa-Mako, Uhothha, Uwotjüja, Wo’tiheh, Wotjüja, Wu’tjuja, Wöthüha Autonym: De’aruwã thiwene Classification: Sálivan, Piaroa-Maco

Playero gob

Apure state: western zone, to north of Arauca river and Colombian Pepojivi settlements. Users: 200 in Venezuela (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 200 (Crevels 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Guahibo Playero, Pepojivi Classification: Guajiboan, Guajibo

Portuguese por

Users: 254,000 in Venezuela (2005). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician

Puinave pui

Amazonas state: lower Guaviare and Inírida river basins down to San Fernando de Atabapo region. Users: 550 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,720 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Puinare, Wanse, Wãnsöhöt Classification: Puinavean

Pumé yae

Mainly eastern Apure state; Bolívar and Guárico states: Apure, Meta, Orinoco, and Sinaruco rivers. Users: 7,900 (2001 census). 590 urban, 7,310 rural. Ethnic population: 9,480 (2011 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Llaruro, Yaruro, Yaruru, Yuapín Autonym: Pumé Classification: Unclassified

Sáliba slc

Amazonas state: Cedoño municipality. Users: 36 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 340 (2011 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Sáliva Classification: Sálivan

Sanumá xsu

Amazonas and Bolívar states: Caura, Erebato, and Ventuari rivers; Upper Auaris west to upper Padamo river area. Users: 3,040 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 1,440 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 3,500. Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Caura, Chirichano, Guaika, Samatali, Samatari, Sanema, Sanɨma, Sanima, Sanma, Sanïma, Tsanɨma, Tsanuma, Xamatari Autonym: Sanöma Classification: Yanomaman

Sapé spc

Bolívar state: 3 small settlements on Karuna and Paragua rivers. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last fluent speaker, Ramón Quimillo Lezama, died in November 2018. Ethnic population: 9 (2011 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Caliana, Chirichano, Kaliána, Kariana Classification: Language isolate

Spanish spa

Users: 28,162,000 in Venezuela, all users. L1 users: 27,500,000 in Venezuela (2019). L2 users: 662,000 (2019). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1999, Constitution, Article 9). Alternate Names: Español Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian

Tamanaku tmz

Amazonas state: north, near Mapoyo [mcg] and Yabarana [yar] language areas. Users: No known L1 speakers. Probably extinct by the 20th century. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Tamanaco, Tamañkú Classification: Cariban, Central, Mapoyo-Yavarana

Tunebo, Central tuf

Apure state: Paéz district, Urdaneta municipality, south of San Cristobal, on Arauca river, near Colombian border, east of Guahibo [guh] language area. Users: No known L1 speakers in Venezuela (Crevels 2007). Possibly extinct in Venezuela (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 9 (2011 census). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Tunebo, Uw Cuwa, Uwa-Tunebo Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Southern Colombian, Cundicocuyese

Venezuelan Sign Language vsl

Scattered. Users: 86,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 57,000–114,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of total population. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Chapter 5, Article 81). Alternate Names: Lengua de Señas Venezolana Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language

Warao wba

Delta Amacuro, Monagas, and Sucre states: Orinoco river delta. Users: 32,400 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 48,800 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 32,900. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Guarao, Guarau, Guarauno, Warau, Warrau Classification: Language isolate

Wayuu guc

Mérida, Trujillo, and Zulia states: Guajira peninsula and surrounding Lake Maracaibo. Users: 294,000 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 413,000 (2011 census). Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Wayuunaiki Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean

Yabarana yar

Amazonas state: Manapiare river basin, above San Juan de Manapiare. Users: 150 (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 440 (2011 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Yauarana, Yavarana, Yawarana Classification: Cariban, Central, Mapoyo-Yavarana

Yanomamö guu

Amazonas state: Orinoco-Mavaca area; Eastern dialect: Parima mountains, east of Batau river; Western dialect: Manaviche, Ocamo, and upper Orinoco rivers, Padamo river basin; south of Orinoco river, Cauaburi and Marania rivers’ headwaters; large villages in Siapa river area south. Users: 12,200 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 9,570 (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 16,200. Status: 5* (Developing). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Cobari Kobali, Cobariwa, Guaharibo, Guaica, Guajaribo, Ianomami, Shamatari, Yanoama, Yanoamae, Yanoamï, Yanomame, Yanomami, Yanomamï Autonym: Yanomamɨ Classification: Yanomaman

Yavitero yvt

Amazonas state: Yavita region. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker survived into the 2000s. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Paraene, Parene, Yavitano Classification: Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Central Upper Amazon, Yavitero

Yukpa yup

Zulia state: Cesar region, north Sierra de Perijá, on the Colombia border, between Palmar river north and Tucuco river south. Users: 3,020 in Venezuela (2007). 2,220 urban; 800 rural. Ethnic population: 10,600 (2011 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4). Alternate Names: Macoíta, Manso, Northern Motilone, Northern Motilón, Yucpa, Yuko, Yukpa-Japería, Yupa Classification: Cariban, Yukpa, Yucpa-Yapreria