Yámana

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A language of Chile

ISO 639-3
yag
Alternate Names
Tequenica, Yagán, Yaghan, Yahgan
Population

1 in Chile (2003). In the 1990s, the last speaker was over 60 years old (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 1,690 (2002 census).

Location

Patagonia, Isla Navarino, Puerto Williams, Ukika hamlet. Also in Argentina.

Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct).

Classification
Language isolate
Dialects

Most similar to Qawasqar [alc], and had some relationship to Siane [snp] (Tovar 1961). Earlier there were up to 5 dialects.

Language Use

Reportedly still in use near the Beagle Canal Naval Base in Chile. Shifted to Spanish [spa]. Elderly only.

Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 1881–1886.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yámana
Writing
Latin script.

Also spoken in:

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