Page Type: languageWaorani | Ethnologue

AUC ISO 639-3

Waorani

Wao Tededö Autonym

A language of Ecuador

ISO 639
auc
Alternate Names
Huao, Huao Auca, Huaorani, Sabela, Wao, Wao Terero, Wao Tiriro, Waodäni, Waodäni Tededö, Waos, Waotededo, “Auca” (pej.)
Autonym
Wao Tededö
Population
1,650 (2004). Ethnic population: 2,420 (2010 census).
Location:
Orellana province: south from Tiputini river, including portions of Yasuní National Park; Pastaza province: Arajuno and Pastaza cantons including a small group near Puyo community; Napo province; eastern jungle between Napo and Curaray rivers.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Language isolate
Typology
SOV; 12 consonants and 20 vowels, contrasting in length and nasality.
Language Use
The language is considered to be endangered due to emerging Huaorani-Quichua bilingualism brought about by mixed marriages and bilingual education programs taught by Quichua teachers who do not speak Huaorani (Crevels 2007). Some of all ages. A few also use Napo Quichua [qvo]. A few also use Northern Pastaza Quichua [qvz]. A few also use Shuar [jiv]. A few also use Tena Lowland Quichua [quw], mostly those who are married to Quichua and their children. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Literature. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1992.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Waorani
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Mixed marriage families include mostly Quichua but also Shuar [jiv] and Záparo [zro] individuals who rely upon Spanish [spa] for communication (2015 P. Kelley). Spanish is more likely to extinguish the language because the mixed marriages tend to use both languages plus the attraction to Spanish-speaking towns and impact by non-Waorani teachers who are aggressive in denigrating Waorani (2015 J. Yost). Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Orellana province: south from Tiputini river, including portions of Yasuní National Park; Pastaza province: Arajuno and Pastaza cantons including a small group near Puyo community; Napo province; eastern jungle between Napo and Curaray rivers.