Wayuu

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
guc
Alternate Names
Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu, Wayuunaiki
Population

122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Population total all countries: 321,000. Ethnic population: 199,000 (Crevels 2007).

Location

La Guajira Department, Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Maipurean, Northern, Maritime, Ta-Maipurean
Typology

VSO.

Language Use

One of the most vigorously spoken indigenous languages in South America (Crevels 2007). Positive attitudes. Many, especially younger generations, understand and speak Spanish [spa] fluently (Crevels 2007).

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 1%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2002–2010.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Wayuu
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

Expand All Collapse All