Warao

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A language of Venezuela

ISO 639-3

wba

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarau, Guarauno, Warau, Warrau

Population

32,400 in Venezuela (Crevels 2012). Ethnic population: 36,000 (Crevels 2012). Total users in all countries: 32,800.

Location

Delta Amacuro, Monagas, and Sucre states: Orinoco river delta.

Language Maps

French Guiana and Suriname

Guyana

Venezuela

Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (2008, Indigenous Languages Law, Article 4).

Classification

Language isolate

Language Use

Extensively documented and taught at the university level (Crevels 2007). Used by all.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1974–2004.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Warao

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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Guyana

Language nameWarao

Population Full

Few speakers (Forte 1990). Ethnic population: 5,000 (2000 J. Forte).

Location

Barima-Waini, Pomeroon-Supenaam, and Essequibo Islands-West Demerara regions: near the coast, mixed with Arawak [ake] and Carib [car] speakers.

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warau, Warrau

Status

8a (Moribund).

Language Use

Those who live in closer contact to coastal society are more acculturated than those residing close to the border areas with Venezuela and, therefore, face more threat of the loss of their native language. But there is no immediate threat of extinction (Crevels 2007). Older adults only. Also use Guyanese Creole English [gyn].

View other languages of Guyana

Suriname

Language nameWarao

Population Full

400 in Suriname (2005 J. Leclerc).

Location

Nickerie district: near Guyana border.

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warrau

Status

8a (Moribund).

Language Use

Older adults only. Also use Guyanese Creole English [gyn].

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Christian.

View other languages of Suriname

Ethnologue

Warao

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A language of Venezuela

Also spoken in:

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