Tarahumara, Central | Ethnologue

A language of Mexico

ISO 639: tar
Alternate Names: Alta Tarahumara, Ralámuli de la Tarahumara Alta, Samachique Tarahumara, Tarahumara de Cumbres, Tarahumara del Centro
Autonym: Ralámuli raicha
Population: 29,700 (2000 INALI). Total Tarahumara speakers: 91,600 (2020 INEGI). 10,000 monolinguals.
Location:: Chihuahua state: Balleza north, Chinantu southeast, Cuautemoc southwest to Creel down Urique river, east up Sinforosa canyon.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Uto-Aztecan, Southern Uto-Aztecan, Taracahitic, Tarahumaran, Tarahumara
Language Use: Parents pass the language on to children in rural areas. Some older Spanish [spa] speakers who live there speak Tarahumara for work or trade. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. All also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 1%. Literacy rate in L2: 20%. 5,000 readers, 1,000 can write. Taught in primary schools. Radio. Dictionary. NT: 1972.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Tarahumara, Central
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Many migrated to Chihuahua city for jobs. Traditional religion, Christian.

Location: Chihuahua state: Balleza north, Chinantu southeast, Cuautemoc southwest to Creel down Urique river, east up Sinforosa canyon.