Kayapó

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A language of Brazil

ISO 639-3
txu
Alternate Names
Kokraimoro
Population

7,100 (Moore 2006). 3,950 monolinguals. 19 communities in regular contact with outsiders; also 3–4 isolated Kayapó groups of 30–100 people (Crevels 2007).

Location

Mato Grosso, Xingú Park, south Pará, both sides of the Xingú River, west up to the Iriri and tributaries, and west bank to the Fresco and Zinho rivers. 14 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Jean, Northern
Dialects

Kararaó, Kayapó-Kradaú, Xikrin (Diore, Xukru). Dialects only slightly different from village names.

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains, including initial education. Positive attitudes. 50 also use some Portuguese [por].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. 400 readers, 100 can write. Taught in primary schools. Grammar. NT: 1996.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kayapó
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Village names sometimes listed as dialects are: Txukuhamai (Txucarramãe), Gorotire, Kube-Kran-Kenh (Cabeca Pelada), Kokraimoro, Menkragnotire (Mentuktire, Kuben-Kragnotire, Gente Preta, Kubenkrangnoti, Kubenkrankegn, Menkrangnoti), Pacajá, and others. Traditional religion, Christian.