Yagua | Ethnologue

A language of Peru

ISO 639: yad
Alternate Names: Llagua, Nijyamii, Nijyamïï Nikyejaada, Yahua, Yava, Yegua
Autonym: Nijya̱mi̱ Niquejada
Population: 5,000 in Peru (2016 T. Payne). No monolinguals (2016). Ethnic population: 5,680 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 5,300.
Location:: Loreto region: Iquitos to Brazil border; northeast Amazon river area.
Language Status: 6b* (Threatened).
Classification: Yaguan
Dialects: 2 dialects.
Typology: VSO; 11 consonants and 12 vowels (6 oral, 6 nasal).
Language Use: Children who live near big mixed villages usually no longer acquire Yagua, but those that live in more isolated areas still do (Crevels 2007). Most along main rivers prefer that children learn Spanish [spa]. All domains. Some use in religious ceremonies and services. Mixed attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. 8 bilingual schools. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1994–2008.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Yagua
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Some go to urban centers like Iquitos for economic reasons, and occasionally to Brazil. Christian, traditional religion.