Alacalufan languages


The Alacalufan languages or Kawesqaran languages are a small language family of South America. They have not been definitely linked to any other American language family.

Languages

Early vocabularies show that Alakaluf was three languages, with an extinct Southern Alakaluf and Central Alakaluf in addition to the critically endangered northern variety, Kawésqar.
Based on alleged toponymic evidence, a purported Kakauhua language has sometimes been included in the Alacalufan family.
Guaicaro may have been a dialect of Central Alakaluf or Kawesqar.

Mason (1950)

lists:
Chono, Caraica, and Poya may also belong.

Vocabulary

lists the following basic vocabulary items.