Hixkaryána

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
hix
Alternate Names
Chawiyana, Faruaru, Hichkaryana, Hishkaryana, Hixkariana, Hyxkaryana, Kumiyana, Parucutu, Parukoto-Charuma, Sherewyana, Sokaka, Wabui, Xereu, Xerewyana
Population

600 (2000 SIL). Ethnic population: 680 (Moore 2006).

Location

Amazonas, upper Nhamunda river to Mapuera and Jatapú rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Cariban, Waiwai
Dialects

Similar to Waiwai [waw]. No dialectal variation. Some Hixkaryana who live among the Waiwai are called Sherewyana.

Typology

OVS

Language Use

Vigorous.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. NT: 1976.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Hixkaryána
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

In 1959 the population was about 100, with few children, high infant mortality, low will to live. By 1977 it was 237. Through modern medicine, intermarrying with the Waiwai [waw], self-confidence through literature in Hixkaryana, Hixkaryana teachers running a school for children ages 5 to 14, and government help in setting up a Brazil nut industry, they continue to grow.