Dialects: Paniquita (Panikita), Pitayo.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 40,000 (Crevels 2007). Ethnic population: 119,000 (Crevels 2007).
Language Use: Many pass the language on, but some prefer to have children use only Spanish [spa] (Crevels 2007). Religious services, commerce. Most also use Spanish [spa], the predominant language of instruction in schools.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 10%–30%. Literacy rate in L2: 75% (2005 Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística ). Some attempts, mainly literacy courses, have been made to promote the language. Some private primary schools teach reading and writing in Páez along with Spanish [spa]. Taught in secondary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1980–2011.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Colombia
Other Comments: Christian.