Languages
There were 39 Zaparoan-speaking tribes at the beginning of the 20th century, every one of them presumably using its own distinctive language or dialect. Most of them have become extinct before being recorded, however, and we have information only about nine of them.
- Zaparo group
- Záparo–Conambo
- Záparo (a few speakers left)
- Conambo †
- Arabela–Andoa
- Arabela (50 speakers)
- Andoa †
- Záparo–Conambo
- Iquito–Cahuarano
- Iquito (35 speakers)
- Cahuarano †
- Unclassified
- Aushiri †
- ? Omurano †
Aushiri and Omurano are included by Stark (1985). Aushiri is generally accepted, but Omurano remains unclassified.
Read more about this topic: Zaparoan Languages
Famous quotes containing the word languages:
“I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigree of nations.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
“The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.”
—Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897–1934)
“People in places many of us never heard of, whose names we can’t pronounce or even spell, are speaking up for themselves. They speak in languages we once classified as “exotic” but whose mastery is now essential for our diplomats and businessmen. But what they say is very much the same the world over. They want a decent standard of living. They want human dignity and a voice in their own futures. They want their children to grow up strong and healthy and free.”
—Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)