SHB ISO 639-3
Ninam
A language of Brazil
- ISO 639
- shb
- Alternate Names
- Shiriana, Xirianá, Xirixana, Yanam
- Population
- 470 in Brazil (Crevels 2012). About evenly divided between northern and southern dialects. 15,700 for all Yanomam groups in Brazil (2006 FUNASA). Most are monolingual. Ethnic population: 470 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 1,030.
- Location:
- Roraima state: Mucajaí, Paragua, Roraima, and upper Uraricaá rivers.
- Language Status
- 6a (Vigorous).
- Classification
- Yanomaman
- Dialects
- Southern Ninam (Mukajai, Shirishana), Northern Ninam (Shiriana, Uraricaa-Paragua).
- Typology
- 13 consonants and 25 vowels, contrasting in length and nasality.
- Language Use
- Used by all. Many also use Portuguese [por], especially children. Used as L2 by Arutani [atx].
- Language Development
- Grammar. Bible portions: 1970.
- Language Resources
- OLAC resources in and about Ninam
- Writing
- Latin script [Latn], no longer in use.
- Other Comments
- Distinct from the Arawakan Xiriâna [xir].
Also Spoken in
- Location
- Bolívar state: Karun and Paragua rivers.
- Dialects
- Northern Ninam, Southern Ninam.
- Language Status
- 6b (Threatened) View other languages of Venezuela
Language Name
Ninam
User Population
560 in Venezuela (2010 L. Campbell). Ethnic population: 420 (2011 census).
Map
Location: Roraima state: Mucajaí, Paragua, Roraima, and upper Uraricaá rivers.
Size and Vitality
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