Chayahuita

A language of Peru

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Balsapuertino, Cahuapa, Chawi, Chayabita, Chayawita, Chayhuita, Paranapura, Shawi, Shayabit, Tshaahui

Population

7,870 (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 12,000 (Crevels 2007).

Location

Paranapura, Cahuapanas, Sillay, and Shanusi rivers.

Language Status

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

Classification

Dialects

Cahuapana, Chayahuita. Not intelligible with Jebero [jeb].

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Bilingual education in some communities (2007). All ages.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. NT: 1978–2011.

Language Resources

Writing

Latin script.