Maléku Jaíka

A language of Costa Rica

ISO 639: gut
Alternate Names: Guatuso, Malécu lhaíca
Population: 300 (Yasugi 2007). Ethnic population: 1,070 (2000).
Location:: Alajuela province: Tonjibe and Margarita reservations; northern lowlands.
Language Status: 7 (Shifting). Recognized language (2014, Reforma del Subsistema de Educación Indígena N° 37801-MEP).
Classification: Chibchan, Chibchan B, Votic
Language Use: Adults only. Youth understand but do not speak it. Shifting to Spanish [spa].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools, as a subject in first through 6th grade. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts.

Location: Alajuela province: Tonjibe and Margarita reservations; northern lowlands.