Page Type: languageChimila | Ethnologue

CBG ISO 639-3

Chimila

A language of Colombia

ISO 639
cbg
Alternate Names
Caca Weranos, Chimile, Ette Ennaka, Ette Taara, San Jorge, Shimizya, Simiza
Population
350 (2009 T. Malone), increasing. Ethnic population: 1,700 (2018 census).
Location:
Cesar department: Valle du Par minicipality; La Guajira department: La Jagua del Pilar and Urumita municipalities; Magdalena department: lowlands south and west of Fundación.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Chibchan, Chibchan B, Eastern Chibchan, Colombian, Northern Colombian
Typology
16 consonants and 20 vowels, contrasting in length and nasality.
Language Use
Some young people, all adults. Very few children speak Chimila. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 1%–2%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%. Grammar. Texts. Bible portions: 2009.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chimila
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
2 major separated groups.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Cesar department: Valle du Par minicipality; La Guajira department: La Jagua del Pilar and Urumita municipalities; Magdalena department: lowlands south and west of Fundación.