Terêna language


Terêna or Etelena is spoken by 15,000 Brazilians. The language has a dictionary and written grammar. Many Terena people have low Portuguese proficiency. It is spoken in Mato Grosso do Sul. 20% are literate in their language, 80% literate in Portuguese.
Terêna has an active–stative syntax.

Varieties

There were once four varieties, Kinikinao, Terena proper, Guaná, and Chané, which were sometimes considered to be separate languages. Carvalho has since demonstrated that all four of them are the same language. Only Terena proper is still spoken.

Language contact

Terena originated in the Northwestern Chaco. As a result, many Northern Guaicuruan loanwords can be found in Terena.
There are also many Tupi-Guarani loanwords in Terena and other southern Arawakan languages.

Phonology

Consonants

Vowels