Tiwa, Southern

A language of United States

ISO 639: tix
Alternate Names: Tigua, Tiwa
Population: 1,600 (Golla 2007), decreasing. 1,500 Isleta, 100 Sandia speakers (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 4,500 (Golla 2007). , including 4,000 Isleta and 500 Sandia (Golla 2007).
Location:: New Mexico: Isleta and Sandia pueblos, north and south of Albuquerque.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened). Language of registered tribe: Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Sandia, Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
Classification: Kiowa-Tanoan, Tanoan
Dialects: Sandia, Isleta (Isleta Pueblo).
Language Use: Vigorous in a few families. Diminishing vigor at Isleta except among older adults. Commerce on tribal land, traditional ceremonial life. Some young people, all adults. Only middle-aged or elderly are fluent but some younger people use the language and at least a few children acquire it (Golla 2007). Positive attitudes. People are apprehensive about losing their culture if the language is not revived. All also use English [eng].
Language Development: Grammar. Bible portions: 1981–1987. Attempt to reestablish use of Southern Tiwa at Sandia Pueblo and Ysleta del Sur, El Paso, Texas.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Tiwa, Southern
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.

Location: New Mexico: Isleta and Sandia pueblos, north and south of Albuquerque.