Sirionó

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A language of Bolivia

ISO 639-3
srq
Alternate Names
Mbia Chee, Mbya
Population

400 (Adelaar 2004), increasing. 50 monolinguals. More than half the ethnic group is under 15 years old (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 420 (Adelaar 2004).

Location

Eastern Beni and northwestern Santa Cruz Departments, Ibiato (Eviato) village; along the Río Blanco in farms and ranches, Salvatierra village.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Tupian, Tupí-Guaraní, Guarayú, Sirionó
Dialects

Similar to Yuqui [yuq].

Typology

Whistle speech reported

Language Use

Parents pass Sirionó on to children, but want them to learn Spanish [spa]. More and more of the children do not acquire the language (Crevels 2007). Religious services. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 40%. 250 can read, 50 can write. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. NT: 1977.
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian.