Wayuu
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A language of Colombia
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu, Wayuunaiki
Population
122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 199,000 (Crevels 2007). Total users in all countries: 321,000.
Location
La Guajira department: Guajira peninsula, Caribbean coast.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Typology
VSO.
Language Use
One of the most vigorously spoken indigenous languages in South America (Crevels 2007). Positive attitudes. Many also use Spanish [spa], especially younger generations (Crevels 2007).
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2002–2010.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].