Epena

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
sja
Alternate Names
Cholo, Embera, Emberá-Saija, Epená Saija, Saija, Southern Empera
Population

3,500 in Colombia (2004 IMB), increasing. Population total all countries: 3,750.

Location

South Pacific coast, Caucá, Nariño, and Chocó departments. Also in Ecuador, Panama.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Chocoan, Emberá, Southern Emberá
Dialects

Basurudó.

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, religion, fiestas, ceremonies, commerce. Positive attitudes. All also use Spanish [spa]; some also use Woun Meu [noa].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. 400 readers, 50 can write. Movement toward using the language in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2005–2010.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Epena
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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