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Ethnologue: Languages of the World
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Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Americas > Nicaragua > Mískito

Mískito

A language of Nicaragua

ISO 639-3: miq

Population  154,000 in Nicaragua (1993 census). Population total all countries: 183,000. Ethnic population: 154,400 (1993).
Region  Zalaya Department, North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN), from Pearl Lagoon to Black River, coast and lowlands; a concentration in Puerto Cabeza City; Prinzapolka, Tronquera, San Carlos (Río Coco), Waspam, Leimus, Bocana de Paiwas, Karawala, Sangnilaya, Wasla, Sisin, Rosita, Bonanza, Siuna, Bihmuna, and all along the Río Coco area. Also in South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS). Also in Honduras.
Language map  Nicaragua
Alternate names   Marquito, Mískitu, Mísquito, Mosquito
Dialects  Honduran Mískito (Mam), Tawira (Tauira), Baymuna (Baymunana, Baldam), Wanki (Wangki), Cabo (Kabo). Most similar to Sumo-Mayangna [sum]. Wanki dialect is spoken around Puerto Cabeza; other dialects are in settlements to the southwest.
Classification  Misumalpan
Language use  Trade language. Many Hispanic people have learned Mískito. Educational materials in Wanki. Mainly adults. Also use Spanish or English.
Language development  Literacy rate in L1: 52%–58%. Taught in primary schools. Bible: 1999.
Writing system  Latin script.
Comments  SOV; articles, relatives after noun heads, word order distinguishes subject and object; verb affixes mark person and number; ergative; passive; CVC; nontonal. Agriculturalists; fishermen; government workers; education workers. Christian.

Also spoken in:

Honduras

Language name   Mískito
Population  29,000 in Honduras (Rivas 1993).
Region  Gracias a Dios Department.
Language map  El Salvador and Honduras
Alternate names  Marquito, Mískitu, Mísquito, Mosquito
Language use  Trade language. All ages.
Language development  Literacy rate in L1: 1%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–25%.