Yámana
PrintA language of Chile
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Tequenica, Yagán, Yaghan, Yahgan
Population
1 in Chile (2003). In the 1990s, the last speaker was over 60 years old (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 1,690 (2002 census).
Location
Patagonia, Isla Navarino, Puerto Williams, Ukika hamlet. Also in Argentina.
Language Status
8b (Nearly extinct).
Classification
Dialects
Most similar to Qawasqar [alc] (Tovar 1961). Earlier there were up to 5 dialects.
Language Use
Reportedly still in use near the Beagle Canal Naval Base in Chile. Shifted to Spanish [spa]. Elderly only.
Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 1881–1886.
Writing
Latin script.