Yagua
PrintA language of Peru
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Llagua, Nijyamïï Nikyejaada, Yahua, Yava, Yegua
Population
5,690 in Peru (2000). 2,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 6,000.
Location
Northeast Amazon river area, Loreto Region, from Iquitos to Brazil border. Also in Colombia.
Language Maps
Language Status
6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1993, Constitution, Article 48).
Classification
Dialects
2 dialects.
Typology
VSO
Language Use
Children who live near big mixed villages usually no longer acquire Yagua, but those that live in more isolated areas still do (2007). Many monolingual speakers in isolated areas. All domains. Some use in religious ceremonies and services. Neutral to negative attitudes. Most along main rivers prefer children learn Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 1%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. 8 bilingual schools. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1994–2008.
Writing
Latin script.
Some go to urban centers like Iquitos for economic reasons, and occasionally to Brazil. Christian, traditional religion.