Warao

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A language of Venezuela

ISO 639-3

wba

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warrau

Population

32,400 (Crevels 2011). Ethnic population: 36,000 (Crevels 2011). 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). All ages.

Language Development

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. Also use Guyanese Creole English [gyn].

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Suriname

Language nameWarao

Population Full

400 (2005 J. Leclerc).

Location

Nickerie district: near Guyana border.

Alternate Names

Guarao, Guarauno, Warrau

Status

8b (Nearly extinct).

Language Use

Mainly older adults. 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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