Yanesha’

A language of Peru

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Amage, Amagues, Amaje, Amajo, Amoishe, Amueixa, Amuese, Amuesha, Amuetamo, Lorenzo, Omage

Population

9,830 (2000). Ethnic population: 10,000 (2000 W. Adelaar).

Location

Central and east Pasco Region; Junín Region, western jungle, headwaters of Pachitea and Perené rivers.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (1993, Constitution, Article 48).

Classification

Language Use

There is a bilingual education program but in some areas (Lower Palcazú) children no longer acquire the language (2007).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1978–2008.

Language Resources

Writing

Latin script.

Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Yanesha.