Avá-Canoeiro

A language of Brazil

ISO 639: avv
Alternate Names: Abá, Avá, Awana, Canoa, Canoe, Canoeiro, Canoeiros, Cara Preta, Carijó, Indios Negros
Location:: Goiás state: Terra Indigena Ava-Canoeiro; Tocantins state: Bananal island, upper Tocantins river valley.
Language Status: 8a (Moribund).
Classification: Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Tenetehara
Dialects: The groups in Tocantins and Goias speak different dialects, and have lived apart for over 100 years.
Typology: 12 consonants and 12 vowels (6 oral, 6 nasal).
Language Use: Some also use Karajá [kpj] (Instituto Socioambiental 2020). Some also use Portuguese [por] (Instituto Socioambiental 2020).
Language Development: Grammar.
Other Comments: A portion of the group is called ‘recem-contatados’, or recently contacted (1970s and 1980s). One group on the Tocantins river, contacted in 1973, had 10 people, later reduced to 5. The other group on the Araguaia river, contacted in 1983, had 4 people. Another portion is officially recognized as ‘isolados’, or self-isolating seminomadic groups with highly restricted access. Population of these later groups unknown, but several small groups could exist, the largest estimated at some 25 people. Total population estimates not possible due to the unknown number who remain uncontacted (2020 ISA). Traditional religion.

Location: Goiás state: Terra Indigena Ava-Canoeiro; Tocantins state: Bananal island, upper Tocantins river valley.