Carijona

A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Carifuna, Carihona, Hianacoto-Umaua, Huaque, Kaliohona, Karijona, Koto, Omagua, Umawa

Population

6 (Crevels 2007). 6 speakers near La Pedrera and a few more near Miraflores (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 290 (Crevels 2007).

Location

Upper Vaupés Department, Yarí, and lower Caquetá rivers, south of Miraflores, around Puerto Nare.

Language Maps

Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct).

Classification

Dialects

Possibly 2 separate languages, Hianacoto-Umaua and Carijona (1973 M. Durbin). The 2 groups had no contact for many years.

Typology

OVS

Language Use

Intermarry with other tribes. Some also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development

Some interest in literacy.

Language Resources