Page Type: languageCuiba | Ethnologue

CUI ISO 639-3

Cuiba

Cuiba-Wámonae Autonym

A language of Colombia

ISO 639
cui
Alternate Names
Cuiva, Hiwi, Kuiva, Maiben
Autonym
Cuiba-Wámonae
Population
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.
Location:
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.
Language Status
5* (Developing).
Classification
Guajiboan
Dialects
Chiricoa, Masiware (Masiguare), Chiripo (Siripu, Wupiwi), Yarahuuraxi-Capanapara, Mayayero, Mochuelo-Casanare-Cuiba, Tampiwi (Mariposas), Amaruwa (Amorua). 8 dialects in Venezuela and Colombia.
Typology
17 consonants and 8 vowels.
Language Use
Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 45%. Literacy rate in L2: 45%. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1988–2010.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Cuiba
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Seminomadic bands.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Cuiba
User Population
440 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Nearly all monolingual. Ethnic population: 400 (2011 census).
Location
Apure state: upper Capanaparo river area and Riecito tributary.
Dialects
Chiricoa, Amaruwa (Amorua), Masiguare, Siripu, Yarahuuraxi-Capanapara, Mella, Ptamo, Sicuane (Sicuari).
Language Status
5 (Developing)
Other Comments
Seminomadic bands.
View other languages of Venezuela

Map

Location: 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.