GUC ISO 639-3
Wayuu
Wayuunaiki Autonym
A language of Colombia
- ISO 639
- guc
- Alternate Names
- Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu
- Autonym
- Wayuunaiki
- Population
- 122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 380,000 (2018 census). Total users in all countries: 416,000.
- Location:
- La Guajira department: Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast.
- Language Status
- 5* (Developing).
- Classification
- Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean
- Typology
- VSO; 15 consonants and 12 vowels (6 short, 6 long).
- Language Use
- One of the most vigorously spoken indigenous languages in South America (Crevels 2007). Positive attitudes. Many also use Spanish [spa], especially younger generations (Crevels 2007).
- Language Development
- Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2002–2010.
- Language Resources
- OLAC resources in and about Wayuu
- Writing
- Latin script [Latn].
Also Spoken in
- Location
- Mérida, Trujillo, and Zulia states: Guajira peninsula and surrounding Lake Maracaibo.
- Language Status
- 5 (Developing) View other languages of Venezuela
Language Name
Wayuu
User Population
294,000 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 413,000 (2011 census).
Map
Location: La Guajira department: Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast.
Size and Vitality
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