Waorani

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A language of Ecuador

ISO 639-3
auc
Alternate Names
“Auca” (pej.), Huaorani, Sabela, Waodani
Population

1,650 (2004). Ethnic population: 1,800 (2012 SIL).

Location

Eastern jungle between Napo and Curaray rivers; Orellana Province, central, south from Tiputini, into Pastaza Province, Arajuno and northern Pastaza cantons; very small area in Napo Province.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Language isolate
Typology

SOV.

Language Use

The language is considered to be endangered due to emerging Huaorani-Quichua bilingualism brought about by mixed marriages and bilingual education programs taught by Quichua teachers who do not speak Huaorani (Crevels 2007). All ages. A few also speak Quichua; mostly those who are married to Quichua and their children. (2007 C. Peeke).

Language Development
Grammar. NT: 1992.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Waorani
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

“Auca”, non-Quichua, in Quichua. Traditional religion, Christian.