Alternate Names: Goajiro, Guajira, Guajiro, Uáira, Waiu, Wayu, Wayúu, Wayuunaiki
Genealogy:
Demographics: 122,000 in Colombia (Civallero 2008). Population total all countries: 321,000. Ethnic population: 144,000 (Crevels 2007).
Language Use: One of the most vigorously spoken indigenous languages in South America (Crevels 2007). Positive attitudes. Many, especially younger generations, understand and speak Spanish [spa] fluently (Crevels 2007).
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Below 1%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Dictionary. NT: 2002–2010.
Typology: VSO.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Colombia