Alternate Names: A’i, Kofán, Kofane
Dialects: None known. Variously classified as Chibchan with Western Tucanoan features (Ferndon, Borman), Barbacoan (J. Mason), or Jivaroan (Ruhlen 1987). Some Witotoan influences.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 900 in Ecuador (2001 SIL), increasing. Population total all countries: 2,400. Many monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,500.
Language Use: Vigorous. Some Siona and Secoya have learned Cofán due to intermarriage, and their children learn Cofán. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Schools are in Spanish [spa], except for early grades which provide bilingual education. Also use Napo Lowland Quechua [qvo], Secoya [sey], Siona [snn].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 60%. Literacy rate in L2: 60%. Schools are in Spanish [spa], except for early grades which provide bilingual education. Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. NT: 1980–2007.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Ecuador
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.