Page Type: languageYucuna | Ethnologue

YCN ISO 639-3

Yucuna

Yucuna Autonym

A language of Colombia

ISO 639
ycn
Alternate Names
Matapi, Yucuna-Matapí, Yukuna
Autonym
Yucuna
Population
770 (Crevels 2012). 10 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,580 (2018 census).
Location:
Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, 3 enclaves; Ararcuara, La Pedrera on lower Caquetá, Leticia, Mirití-Paraná; Caqueta department: part of westernmost enclave.
Language Status
5* (Developing).
Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki
Dialects
None known. In some traditional ceremonies ritual language used, mostly unintelligible even to those who have learned it.
Typology
SVO; 16 consonants and 5 vowels.
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. Oral and written use in religious services, and oral use in the traditional religion. Letter writing. Positive attitudes. Most also use Spanish [spa]. Some also use Tanimuca-Retuarã [tnc], because of intermarriage. Used as L2 by Tanimuca-Retuarã [tnc].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. 500 read Yucuna, 300 can write it. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1982–2014.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yucuna
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Local subversive activity caused some Yucuna to move to other areas. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Amazonas department: Puerto Santander municipality, 3 enclaves; Ararcuara, La Pedrera on lower Caquetá, Leticia, Mirití-Paraná; Caqueta department: part of westernmost enclave.