Timbira language


Timbira is a dialect continuum of the Jê languages of Brazil. The various tribal dialects are distinct enough to sometimes be considered separate languages. The principal varieties, Krahô , and Kanela , have 2000 speakers apiece, few of whom speak Portuguese. Kreye, however, is nearly extinct, with only 30 speakers in 1995.

Varieties

Loukotka divides the Timbira tribes into two groups, Timbirá and Krao. The majority are included under Timbira:
;Timbira : Mehin, Tajé, Kreapimkatajé, Krenjé, Remkokamekran, Aponegicran, Krenkatajé, Sakamekran, Purekamekran, Makamekran, Apinagé, Karaho, Menren, Meitajé
;Krao: Krahó, Krikati, Piokobjé, Kapiekran
Ramirez et al. considers Timbira-Kayapó to be a dialect continuum, as follows:
Apart from Kapiekran, all Krao varieties are recognized by the ISO. Under the Timbira group, Loukotka included several purported languages for which nothing is recorded: Kukoekamekran, Karákatajé, Kenpokatajé, Kanakatayé, Norokwajé. The Poncatagê are likewise unidentifiable.
Another common convention for division, though geographic rather than linguistic, is Western Timbira vs Eastern Timbira.
Gurupy is a river, sometimes used to refer to the Krenye.