Alternate Names: Lengua, Palenque
Dialects: None known. Linguistic influences from Koongo , in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Hancock 1987).
Genealogy:
Demographics: 500 (Holm 1989). Ethnic population: 3,500.
Language Use: 10% of those under 25 speak it (1998 A. Schwegler). Most speakers are older, but younger people are increasingly learning it as L2 and marker of identity (2011 A. Schwegler). Positive attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].
Nation of Origin: Colombia
Other Comments: People are culturally distinct from nearby Spanish , speakers. Palenque is Spanish for a fortified village of runaway slaves.