Chinantec, Sochiapam

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A language of Mexico

ISO 639-3
cso
Alternate Names
Chinanteco del oeste, Sochiapan Chinantec
Population

3,590 (2000 INALI). 730 monolinguals (1990 census). Ethnic population: 6,300.

Location

North Oaxaca, Cuicatlán, San Pedro Sochiapan, Retumbadero, San Juan Zautla, Santiago Quetzalapa, and San Juan Zapotitlán.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Otomanguean, Western Otomanguean, Oto-Pame-Chinantecan, Chinantecan
Dialects

66% intelligibility of Tlacoatzintepec [ctl] (most similar), 56% of Chiltepec [csa], 45% of Usila [cuc], 11% of Tepetotutla [cnt].

Typology

VSO; short words, affixes, clitics; tonal

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. 10 to 20 also use some English [eng].

Language Development
20% can read, 10% can write–all in San Pedro Sochiapam. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1986.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chinantec, Sochiapam
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Self-name is tsá2 há2lí13–people (where) wild flowers (grow). Transients go to Mexico City to work as maids, gardeners, or laborers, but the majority return and settle down in the villages. Christian, traditional religion.