Wayuu
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Colombia
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Wahiro, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu
Autonym
Wayuunaiki
Population
122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Ethnic population: 150,000 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 416,000.
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. Texts. NT: 2002–2010.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].