Chayahuita language


Chayahuita is an endangered Amazonian language spoken by thousands of native Chayahuita people in the Amazon basin of north-central Peru. Spoken along the banks of the Paranapura, Cahuapanas, Sillay, and Shanusi rivers, it is also known as Chayawita, Shawi, Chawi, Tshaahui, Chayhuita, Chayabita, Shayabit, Balsapuertino, Paranapura, and Cahuapa. There is a 1–5% literacy rate, compared with 5–15% for Spanish, and a dictionary since 1978. It can not be understood by Jebero speakers although there is some overlap in vocabulary, especially some Quechua terms.

Phonology

There are 4 vowels: /a, i, ɨ, u/.
BilabialAlveolarPostalveolarPalatalVelarGlottal
Stopptkʔ
Affricatet͡ʃ
Fricativeβsʃh
Nasalmn
Approximantjw
Flapɾ

Vocabulary

Selected Shawi animal names from Rojas-Berscia :