Mayo
PrintA language of Mexico
ISO 639-3
Population
32,900 (2000 INALI). 120 monolinguals (1995 census). Ethnic population: 100,000 (1983).
Location
South Sonora coast, Navojoa (Huatabampo) Area; north Sinaloa (Los Mochis, Guasave, San José Ríos, north of Guamuchil). 100 villages or more.
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Dialects
90% intelligibility of Yaqui [yaq].
Typology
SOV; medium word length, clitics, affixes; nontonal
Language Use
Government scholarships offered to young people who demonstrate Mayo proficiency. Mainly older adults. Negative to neutral attitudes.
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 2%. Literacy rate in L2: 20%. Radio programs. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1962–2000.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script.
Mayo people reticent to identify as Mayo. Monolinguals avoid contact with outsiders. Prefer Mayo. Traditional religion, Christian.