Yucuna

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
ycn
Alternate Names
Matapi, Yucuna-Matapi, Yukuna
Population

1,800 (2001 SIL). 10–20 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,800.

Location

Amazonas Department, Mirití-Paraná (tributary Caquetá); La Pedrera on lower Caquetá, Ararcuara; Leticia.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Upper Amazon, Western Nawiki
Dialects

In some traditional ceremonies ritual language used, mostly unintelligible even to those who have learned it.

Typology

SVO

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Oral and written use in religious services, and oral use in the traditional religion. Letter writing. Positive attitudes. Most also use Spanish [spa]. Some who have married Tanimuca speakers also speak Tanimuca [tnc].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. 500 read Yucuna, 300 can write it. Dictionary. NT: 1982–2011.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yucuna
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Local subversive activity caused some Yucuna to move to other areas. Traditional religion, Christian.