The following purported languages of South America are listed as unclassified in Campbell (2012), Loukotka (1968),
Ethnologue , and
Glottolog . Nearly all are extinct. It is likely that many of them were not actually distinct languages, only an ethnic or regional name.
Campbell & Grondona (2012)
Campbell & Grondona (2012:116–130) lists the following 395 languages of South America as unclassified. Most are extinct.
[1] Many were drawn from
Loukotka (1968)
[2] and
Adelaar & Muysken (2004).
[3] The majority are not listed in
Ethnologue . The list is arranged in alphabetical order.
Aarufi – Colombia
Aburuñe – Bolivia
Acarapi – Brazil
Aconipa (Tabancal, Tabancara) – Ecuador; only 5 words known
Aguano (Awano, Ahuano, Uguano, Aguanu, Santa Crucino) – Peru
Alarua – Brazil
Alon – Peru
Amasifuin – Peru
Amikoana (Amikuân) – Brazil
Amoeca – Brazil
Amuimo – Brazil
Anetine – Bolivia
Angara – Peru
Anicun – Brazil
Anserma (including Caramanta, Cartama) – Colombia
Aparea – Argentina
Apitupá – Brazil
Apiyipán – Bolivia
Aracadaini – Brazil
Arae – Brazil
Aramayu – Brazil
Aramurú – Brazil
Arapoá – Brazil
Arara do Beiradão (Arara do Rio Branco, Arara do Aripuanã) – Brazil
Ararau – Brazil
Arda – Peru, Colombia (a purported language isolate called "Arda" has no relation, but was a misidentified vocabulary of the West African language
Popo (Gen))
Arma-Pozo – Colombia (cf.
Arma )
Aroásene – Brazil
Artane – Bolivia
Atavila – Peru
Aticum (Araticum) – Brazil
Atunceta – Colombia
Aueiko – Brazil
Avis – Brazil
Axata Darpa – Paraguay
Ayacore – Peru
Bagua – Peru; only 3 words known
Baixóta – Brazil
Bakurönchichi – Brazil
Bauá – Brazil
Bikutiakap – Brazil
Bixarenren – Brazil
Boimé (Poyme) – Brazil
Bolona – Ecuador
Bracamoro (Papamuru) – Peru
Buritiguara – Brazil
Caapina – Brazil
Cachipuna – Peru
Cafuana – Brazil
Cagua – Colombia
Caguan (Kaguan) – Argentina
Cahan – Brazil
Cajamarca – Peru
Cajatambo – Peru
Camana (Maje) – Peru
Camaraxo – Brazil
Camaré – Brazil
Campaces – Ecuador; possibly Barbacoan, with Tsafiki, but unconfirmed
Canelo – Ecuador
Cañacure – Bolivia
Capueni – Brazil
Capua – Brazil
Cara (Scyri, Caranqui, Otavalo) – Ecuador; possibly Barbacoan
Carabayo (Yuri, "Amazonas Macusa")
Caraguata – Brazil
Carapacho – Peru
Carára – Brazil
Carari – Brazil, Amazonas. A short word-list.
Cararú (Cajurú) – Brazil
Caripó (Curupeche) – Brazil
Cascoasoa – Peru
Casigara – Brazil
Casota – Argentina
Cauacaua (Kawakawa) – Brazil
Cauauri – Brazil
Caucahue – southern Chile
Cauni – Brazil
Caupuna – Brazil
Cavana (Maje) – Peru
Caxago – Brazil
Cayú – Brazil
Ceococe – Brazil
Chachapoya (Chacha) – Peru
Chancay – Brazil
Chechehet ("Pampa") – Argentina; Loukotka (1968) gives the words chivil 'two', chu 'earth', and hati great.
Chedua – Peru
Chicha – Bolivia
Chincha – Peru
Chinchipe – Peru
Chipiajes – Colombia
Chitarero – Colombia
Cholto – Peru
Chongo – Peru
Chono – Chile
Chumbivilca – Peru; possibly a variety of Puquina; might be Aymaran
Chunanawa – Peru
Churima – Bolivia
Chusco – Peru
Ciaman – Colombia
Cognomona – Peru
Colima
[4] – Ecuador; possibly Cariban
Comanahua – Peru
Comaní – Brazil
Comechingón – near Córdoba, Argentina; possibly Huarpean
Copallén (Copallín) – Peru; only 4 words known
Coritananhó – Brazil
Coxima (Koxima) – Colombia
Culaycha – Argentina
Cumayari – Brazil
Cumbazá (Belsano) – Peru
Curanave – Brazil
Curi – Brazil
Curiane – northeastern South America; precise location unknown
Curierano – Brazil
Curizeta – Peru
Curubianan – Brazil
Curumiá – Brazil
Curumro (Kurumro) – Paraguay
Curuzirari – Brazil
Cutaguá – Brazil
Cutría – Brazil
Cuximiraíba – Brazil
Cuxiuára – Brazil
Damanivá – Brazil
Dawainomol – Paraguay
Demacuri – Brazil
Diaguita (Cacan, Kakán) – northwest Argentina; subdivisions are Calchaquí, Capayán, Catamarcano, Hualfín, Paccioca [Pazioca], Pular, Quilme, Yacampis
Divihet – Argentina
Dokoro – Brazil
Duri – Brazil
Egualo – Argentina
Eimi – Peru
Emischata – Argentina
Envuelo – Colombia
Erema – Brazil
Ewarhuyana – Brazil; possibly 12 speakers in Pará State
Foklása – Brazil
Gadio – Brazil
Galache – Brazil
Gambéla – Brazil
Gorgotoqui – Bolivia
Goyana – Brazil
Guaca (and Nori) – Colombia
Guacará – Argentina
Guadaxo – Brazil
Guaimute – Brazil
Guajarapo (Guasaroca) – Bolivia
Guanaca – Colombia; possibly a relative of Guambiano (Barbacoan)
Guane – Colombia; possibly Chibchan
Guanarú – Brazil
Guanavena – Brazil
Guarino – Brazil
Guenta – Colombia
Guyarabe – Brazil
Hacaritama – Colombia
Harritiahan – Brazil
Hiauahim (Javaim) – Brazil
Himarimã – Brazil; uncontacted group
Huacavilca – Ecuador; extinct
Huambuco – Peru; might be a misspelling of Huánuco
Huayana – Peru
Huayla – Peru
Humahuaca (Omaguaca) – Argentina; apparent subdivisions are Fiscara, Jujuy, Ocloya, Osa, Purmamarca, Tiliar; Mason (1950:302) proposed an "Ataguitan" grouping that includes Humahuaca, Diaguita, and Atacameño
Iapama – Brazil
Ibabi Aniji – Peru
Idabaez
[5] – Colombia; only 1 word and a chief's name are known; Pacific coast,
Bahía Solano to Cape Marzo in Colombia (Loukotka 1968)
Imaré – Brazil
Ina – Brazil
Iñajurupé – Brazil
Irra – Colombia
Iruri – Brazil
Isolados do Massaco (?) – Brazil
Isolados do Tanarú (?) – Brazil
[6]
Itipuna – Brazil
Itucá (Cuacá) – Brazil
Jacariá – Brazil
Jaguanai – Brazil
Jaguanan – Brazil
Jamundi – Colombia; may be Yurimangui, but no data
Jeticó (Jiripancó) – Brazil
Jitirijiti – Colombia; may be Chocó, but no data
Jurema – Brazil
Juruena – Brazil
Jururu – Brazil
Kaimbé (Caimbé, Caimbe) – Brazil; extinct
Kamba (Camba) – Brazil; possibly Tupian, extinct
Kambiwá (Cambiuá, Cambioá) – Brazil; extinct
Kantaruré
[7] – Brazil
Kapinawá – Brazil; extinct
Karahawyana – Brazil; possibly Cariban
Katembri (Kariri de Mirandela) – Brazil
Kiapüre (Quiapyre) – Brazil
Kohoroxitari – possibly Tocanoan; may be the same as Baniwa
Kokakôre – Brazil
Komokare – Brazil
Korubo (Caceteiros) – Brazil; possibly Panoan; may be the same as Marúbo, or related to
Yanomámi (
Yanomaman )
Koshurái – Brazil
Kururu – Brazil
Lache – Colombia; may be Chibchan, but no data
Lambi – Brazil
Lili – Colombia; may be Yurimangui, but no data
Llamish – Peru
Macamasu – Brazil
Macarú – Brazil
Macuani – Brazil
Macuaré – Brazil
Macuja – Brazil
Macuruné – Brazil
Mairajiqui – Brazil
Malaba – Ecuador; may be Barbacoa (Chibchan), but no data
Malibú – Colombia; possibly Chibchan
Malquesi – Paraguay
Manesono (Mopeseano) – Bolivia
Manta – Ecuador; possibly Chimú, but only a few patronyms are known
Maracano – Brazil
Marapaña – Brazil
Maricoxi – Brazil
Maricupi – Brazil
Maripá – Brazil
Maruquevene – Brazil
Masa – Argentina
Masarari – Brazil
Masaya – Colombia
Mashco – Peru; uncontacted, possibly related to Piro (Arawakan), or "Preandine" (Arawakan)
Matará – Argentina
Maynas (Mayna, Maina, Rimachu) – Peru; past attempts to link it to Jivaroan, Cahuapanan, Zaparoan, and Candoshi
Maxiena (Ticomeri) – Bolivia
Mayu – Brazil; possibly the same as
Mayo (Panoan) or
Morike (Arawakan); mayu is the Quechuan word for 'river, water'
Menejou – Brazil
Minhahá – Brazil
Miarrã – Brazil
Mocana – Brazil; may be related to Malibú, but only 2 words known
Moheyana – Brazil
Morcote – Colombia; may be Chibchan, but no data
Moriquito – Brazil
Morua – Brazil
Moyobamba (Moyo-Pampa) – Peru
Muriva – Brazil
Muzapa – Peru
Muzo
[8] – Colombia; may be Pijao (Cariban), but only 3 words known
Natagaimas – Colombia; extinct
Nacai – Brazil
Nambu – Bolivia
Nauna – Brazil
Nindaso – Peru
Nocadeth – Brazil
Nomona – Peru
Ñumasiara – Brazil
Ocra – Peru
Ocren – Brazil
Ohoma – Argentina; may be the same as Hohoma or Mahoma
Oivaneca – Brazil
Olmos – Peru; possibly connected with Sechura
Onicoré – Brazil
Onoyóro – Brazil
Orí – Brazil
Ortue – Bolivia
Otecua – Peru
Otegua – Colombia
Otí (Eochavante, Chavante) – Brazil; Greenberg classifies it as Macro-Gé, though this is unlikely according to Ribeiro (2006:422)
Pacabuey – Colombia; may be Malibú (Chibchan), but no data
Pacarará (Pakarara) – Brazil
Pacimonari – Venezuela
Paguara – Brazil
Panatagua (Pantahua) – Peru; extinct, possibly Arawakan
Panche
[9] – Colombia; possibly Cariban
Pankararé (Pankaré) – Bahía, Brazil; extinct
Pantágora (Palenque) – Colombia
Pao – Venezuela
Papamiän – Brazil
Papana – Brazil
Papavô – Brazil; uncontacted, may be Arawakan or Panoan (?)
Paragoaru – Brazil?
Paraparixana – Brazil
Parapicó – Brazil
Patagón – Peru; possibly Cariban
Patiti – Brazil
Payacú – Brazil
Payanso – Peru
Pehuenche (Peguenche) – Argentina
Peria (Poria) – Brazil
Perovosan – Bolivia
Piapia – Brazil
Pijao (Piajao, Pixao, Pinao) – Colombia
Pipipan – Brazil
Pocoana – Brazil
Porcá – Brazil
Porú (Procáze) – Brazil
Pubenza (
Popayan ) – Colombia
Puná (Puná Island) – Ecuador
Puquina – Peru, Bolivia, Chile
Quelosi – Argentina
Querandí (Carendie)
[10] – Argentina, near Buenos Aires; may be related to Gününa Küne. Loukotka (1968) gives the words zobá 'moon' and afia 'bow'
Quiquidcana (Quidquidcana, Kikidkana) – Peru
Quijo (Kijo) – Ecuador; may be Barbácoa (Chibchan), but only 3 words are known
Quillacinga (Quillasinga)
[11] – Ecuador; may be Sebondoy; Fabre (1998:676) reports that the Kamsa (
Camsá , speakers of
a language isolate ) are descended, at least in part, from the Quillasinga
Quimbaya – Colombia; may be Chocó, but only 1 word is known
Quimbioá – Brazil
Quindío (Quindio) – Colombia
Quingnam – Peru; extinct, possibly the same as Lengua (Yunga) Pescadora of colonial sources; according to Quilter et al. (2010), a list of numbers was recently found
Qurigmã – Brazil
Rabona – Ecuador; possibly Candoshi (Murato), but there are similarities with Aguaruna (Jivaroan)
Roramí (Oramí) – Brazil
Sácata (Sacata, Zácata, Chillao) – Peru; extinct; may be Candoshi or Arawakan, but only 3 words known
Sacosi – Bolivia
Sacracrinha (Sequaquirihen) – Brazil
Sanavirón – Argentina, near Córdova. Loukotka classified it as an isolate, but there is insufficient data to justify this.
Sapeiné – Peru
Seden – Brazil
Siberi – Bolivia
Sintó (Assek, Upsuksinta) – Paraguay
Sinú (Zenú) – Colombia; may be Chocó, but no data
Sipisipi – Peru
Socorino – Bolivia
Stanatevogyet – Paraguay
Supuselo – Argentina
Surucosi – Bolivia
Suruim – Brazil
Tacunbiacu – Bolivia
Taguaylen – Argentina
Tacarúba (Tacarua) – Brazil
Taluhet – Argentina
Tamacosi – Bolivia
Tamaní – Colombia
Tamaquéu – Brazil
Tamararé – Brazil
Tambaruré – Brazil
Taminani – Brazil
Tanquihua – Peru
Tapacurá – Brazil
Tapeba – Brazil
Tapuisú – Brazil
Tarairiú (Tarairiu, Ochucuyana) – Brazil
Tarimoxi – Brazil
Taripio – Brazil, Suriname
Tavúri – Brazil
Tchagoyána – Brazil
Tchicoyna – Brazil
Tegua – Colombia
Tepqui – Peru
Tevircacap – Brazil
Tiboi – Bolivia
Timaná – Colombia; may be Andaquí (Chibchan)
Tingán – Peru
Tingui-Boto – Brazil; extinct; also known as Tingui, Tingui-Botó, Carapató, Karapató
Tobachana – Brazil
Tohazana – Venezuela
Tomata – Bolivia
Tomina – Bolivia
Tonocoté – Argentina, Chaco region
Tororí – Brazil
Truká – Brazil
Tremembé (Teremembé, Taramembé) – Brazil
Tubichaminí
Tucumanduba – Brazil
Tulumayo – Peru
Tupijó – Brazil
Tupiokón – Brazil
Tutura – Bolivia
Uairua – Brazil
Uauarate – Brazil
Uranaju – Brazil
Urucuai – Brazil
Uruma – Brazil
Uru-Pa-In – Brazil
Urupuca – Brazil
Ururi – Brazil, Mato Grosso
Vanherei – Brazil
Vouve – Brazil
Waitaká (Guaitacá, Goyatacá, Goytacaz) – Brazil; subdivisions: Mopi, Yacorito, Wasu, Miri
Wakoná (Wacona, Acona) – Brazil
Walêcoxô – Brazil
Wasu (Waçu, Wassu) – Brazil
Wau – Peru
Xaquese – Bolivia
Xaray – Bolivia
Xibata – Brazil
Xipará – Brazil
Xiroa – Ecuador; mentioned in early sources, and may be a variant spelling of Jívaro
Xokó – Brazil; only 4 words are known; also known as Chocó, Shoco, Shokó, Chocaz
Yalcón – Colombia; may be Andaquí (Chibchan), but no data
Yamesí – Colombia; may be Andaquí (Chibchan), but no data
Yampará – Bolivia
Yaperú (Naperú, Apirú) – Paraguay
Yarí – Colombia; may be a Carijona (Cariban dialect), West Tucanoan, or Huitoto(an)
Yariguí (Yarigüí) – Colombia; may be Opone (Karaib), but no data (
Yarigui people )
Yauei – Brazil
Yenmu – Colombia
Yoemanai – Brazil
Yufiua – Brazil
Yumbo – Ecuador; may be Barbácoa (Chibchan), but no data
Zapazo – Peru
Zuana – Brazil
Yurimagua (Zurimagua, Jurimagua) – Peru
Zurina – Brazil
Loukotka (1968)
Loukotka (1968) lists the following languages of South America as unclassified. They are extinct unless otherwise noted.
Southern South America and Chacos Region
Divisions A (South) and B (Chaco) (Loukotka 1968: 63):
Aperea – unknown language of the old mission of
Santiago Sánchez in the province of Corrientes, Argentina.
Axata Darpa – unknown language of an unknown tribe of the
Gran Chaco of Paraguay.
Casota – unknown language of the old mission of
Santa Lucía, Corrientes , Argentina.
Culaycha – unknown language of the old mission of
Santa Lucía, Corrientes , Argentina.
Dawainomol – unknown language from the
Gran Chaco of Paraguay.
Divihet –
Colorado River and
Sauce Chico River , province of La Pampa, Argentina.
Egualo – unknown language of the old mission of
Santiago Sánchez , province of Corrientes, Argentina.
Emischata – unknown language of the old mission of
Santa Lucía, Corrientes , Argentina.
Jaguanan –
Iguape , Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Kaguan – mission of
Santiago Sánchez , Corrientes, Argentina.
Kurumro – language of an unknown tribe of the Paraguayan
Gran Chaco .
Malquesi – western shore of
Laguna Porongos , province of Córdoba, Argentina.
Masa – unknown language of the old mission of
Santiago Sánchez .
Ohoma – extinct and unknown language near the old mission of Homa or Ohoma, province of Corrientes, Argentina.
Peguenche non-araucano – a lost language of the Neuquén province, Argentina.
Quelosi – unknown language east of the
Mar Chiquita , province of Córdoba, Argentina.
Sintó or Assek or Upsuksinta – language of an unknown tribe in the interior of the
Gran Chaco of Paraguay, north of the
Choroti tribe.
Stanatevogyet – unknown language of the Paraguayan
Gran Chaco .
Supeselb – lost language of the old mission of
Santa Lucía, Corrientes province.
Taguaylen – lost language of the old mission of
Santa Lucía, Corrientes province.
Central Brazil
Division C (Central Brazil) (Loukotka 1968: 86–87):
Arae – unknown language left bank of the
Araguaia River south of
Bananal Island .
Buritiguara – unknown language state of Mato Grosso near the confluence of the
Araguaia River and
Manso River .
Cahan – Iguatimí River (
Iguatemi River ) and
Espocil River , state of Mato Grosso.
Curumiá – sources of the
Brilhante River , Mato Grosso.
Cutaguá – state of Mato Grosso on the
Dourados River .
Gaelio – state of Espirito Santo, exact locality unknown.
Guadaxo – upper course of the
Anhandui River , Mato Grosso.
Guaimute – near the falls of Salto Grande, Espirito Santo.
Guariteré – Mato Grosso, exact locality unknown.
Imaré –
Taquari River , state of Mato Grosso.
Ina – unknown language,
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Iñajurupé – lost language of the old mission of
Gracioso, Goiás state.
Jurema – unknown language of Piauí state, exact locality unknown.
Kokakôre – Mato Grosso state along the
Tocantins River .
Komokare – unknown language of Goiás state, exact locality unknown.
Koróge – Pogúbe River (
Poguba River ), Mato Grosso.
Kururu – state of Mato Grosso on the
Carinhanha River .
Macuruné – Mucunis River (
Mucuri River ?), state of Minas Gerais.
Papana – between the
Doce River and
Jequitinhonha River , Minas Gerais.
Urupuca – Urupuca River (
Urupaça River ), Minas Gerais.
Ururi – state of Mato Grosso, exact location unknown.
Vanherei – sources of the
Piquiri River , state of Mato Grosso.
Yaperú or Naperú or Apirú – Paraguay near Asunción.
Northeast Brazil
Division D (Northeast Brazil) (Loukotka 1968: 92–95):
Aconan or
Wakoná – originally spoken around
Lagoa Comprida and in
Penedo ; now survivors of the original tribe who speak only Portuguese are found in the city of
Porto Real do Colégio .
Anicun – source of the Uruhu River (
Uru River ) and
Dos Bois River .
Apitupá – unknown language,
Aquitipi River , Bahia state.
Aramurú – state of Sergipe on the
São Francisco River .
Arapoá – around
Jaboatão in the state of Pernambuco.
Arariú – unknown language near
Meruoca on the
Acatajú River , state of Ceará.
Aticum or Araticum – Pernambuco, near
Carnaubeira . The survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Avis – unknown language of the state of Pernambuco, valley of the
Pajeú River .
Baixóta – now speak Portuguese in the Serra
Catolé , Pernambuco.
Boime or Poyme – state of Sergipe near
Aracajú on the
São Francisco River .
Caimbé – village of
Masacara near
Mirandela , state of Bahia. The survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Camaraxo – between
Ilhéus and
Serra dos Aimorés , state of Bahia.
Cambioá –
Serra Negra , Pernambuco state.
Cararú or Cajurú –
Soroabé Island in the
São Francisco River , Pernambuco state.
Caripó or Curupehe –
São Francisco River near
Boa Vista , Pernambuco.
Caxago – state of Sergipe on the
São Francisco River .
Ceococe –
São Pedro, Pernambuco and
Serra Pão de Açúcar , Pernambuco.
Foklása – state of Pernambuco in the
Serra dos Cavalos .
Galache – near
Macaubas , state of Bahia.
Gambéla – unknown language near
Ourém and
São José, Maranhão state.
Guarino – middle course of the
Tijuco River , Mato Grosso.
Itucá or Cuacá – originally spoken in the
Serra Negra , Pernambuco state. The last survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Jeriticó or Jiripancó – village of
Pindaé near
Brejo dos Padres in
Tacaratu , Pernambuco. Survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Jururu – state of Ceará, but exact location is unknown.
Macamasu – the exact location of which is unknown.
Macarú – village of
Brejo dos Padres ,
Tacaratu . A few survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Mairajiqui –
Bahia de Todos os Santos , state of Bahia.
Moriquito – Alagoas state on the lower course of the
São Francisco River .
Nacai –
Aquitipi River , Bahia.
Ocren – Bahia on the
São Francisco River near
Salitre .
Orí – Bahia, between the
Itapicuru River and
Vaza-Barris River .
Pacarará – state of Pernambuco in the
Serra Cacaréa and
Serra Arapuá .
Parapicó –
Serra Comonati , Pernambuco.
Peria or Poria – village of
Rodelas , Bahia. A few survivors now speak only Portuguese.
Pipipan – lower course of the
Moxotó River , Pernambuco.
Porcá – on Várgea Island in the
São Francisco River , Pernambuco.
Porú or Procáze – originally spoken in the
Serra Nhumarana and
Serra Cassuca , later on the
Várgea Islands and
Nossa Senhora de O Islands in the
São Francisco River . Now probably extinct.
Quiambioá –
Serra Negra , Pernambuco.
Qurigmã – the first inhabitants of São Salvador Bay (
Salvador, Bahia ), state of Bahia.
Romarí or Omarí – originally spoken in the
Serra de Pao de Açúcar , state of Pernambuco. Now there are a few survivors with an unknown language in the village of
Propriá , Sergipe state.
Sacracrinha or Sequaquirihen – state of Bahia near the mouth of the
Salitre River in the
São Francisco River .
Tacarúba or Tacarua – island of Soroabé in the
São Francisco River , state of Pernambuco.
Tamaquéu –
São Francisco River in the state of Pernambuco, at the confluence with the
Salitre River .
Tchili – city of
Cimbres , Pernambuco.
Teremembe or Tremembé or Taramembé – originally spoken by a tribe on the coast between the mouth of the
Monim River and the mouth of the Chorro River (
Choró River ), state of Ceará.
Tupijó – state of Bahia by the neighbors of the
Maracá tribe.
Uruma – state of Sergipe on the
São Francisco River .
Vouve –
Piancó River , Pernambuco state.
Walêcoxô – unknown language from the city of
Cimbres , Pernambuco.
Xibata – unknown language of a tribe in the state of Ceará. Exact location is unknown.
North Central South America
Tropical North Central South America (Loukotka 1968: 165–168):
Aburuñe – Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Anetine – near
Mojos , Bolivia.
Apiyipán – language of an unknown tribe of the
Aripuanã River , Amazonas.
Artane – unknown language of Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Aueiko –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Bakurönchichi – language of an unknown tribe of the
Branco River , Rondônia.
Bikutiakap – unknown language from Brazil, spoken on the right bank of the
Pimenta Bueno River .
Bixarenren –
Tiucunti River , a tributary of the
Jamachiua River , Rondônia.
Cabixi –
Steinen River , Mato Grosso.
Cañacure –
Mamoré River , Bolivia.
Capua – spoken on the
Rolim de Moura River , Rondônia.
Cayú – spoken on the left bank of the
Pimenta Bueno River , Rondônia.
Churima – old mission of
San José de Maharenos , Beni province, Bolivia.
Cutriá – spoken on the middle course of the
Branco River , Rondônia.
Cuximiraíba – spoken at the mouth of the
Aripuanã River , Amazonas.
Djupá – spoken on the
Ji-Paraná River , Rondônia.
Dokoro –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Duri –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Erema –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Guajarapo or Guasaroca – around Villa María and
Santa Ana de Chiquitos , Santa Cruz province, Bolivia.
Hiauahim or Javaim – "a tribe of cannibals" on the middle course of the
Tapajós River , Pará state, Brazil.
Iruri – right bank of the
Madeira River , between the
Maici River and
Aripuanã River , Amazonas.
Juruena – spoken on the
Juruena River , Mato Grosso.
Kiapüre or Quiapyre –
Mequéns River , Rondônia.
Koshurái – language of an unknown tribe on the lower course of the
Ji-Paraná River , Amazonas.
Lambi – extinct language between the
Branco River and
São Miguel River , Rondônia.
Macuarê – spoken on the left bank of the
Pimenta Bueno River , Rondônia.
Manesono or Mopeseano – old mission of
San Francisco Borja , Beni province, Bolivia.
Marapanã – spoken by an unknown tribe on the right bank of the Uaimberê River (
Uimeerê River ), a tributary of the
Pimenta Bueno River , Rondônia.
Maricoxi – sources of the
Branco River , Rondônia.
Maxiena or Ticomeri – Mojos Plains west of the mission of
Trinidad , Beni province, Bolivia.
Minhahá –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Muriva – mouth of the Jamachim River (
Jamanxim River ) to the
Tapajós River , Pará state, Brazil.
Nambu –
Guapay River , Santa Cruz province, Bolivia.
Nocadeth – spoken on the
Aripuanã River , state of Amazonas.
Onicoré – between the mouths of the
Manicoré River and
Marmelos River , state of Amazonas.
Onoyóro –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Ortue – on Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Papamiän – spoken on the
São Simão River , Rondônia.
Paraparixami – between the
Manicoré River and
Aninde River , Amazonas.
Patiti – Rondônia territory on the Mequéns River.
Perovosan – south of the Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Piapai – between the Jamachim River (
Jamanxim River ) and
Iriri River , state of Pará.
Sacosi – ancient
Puerto de los Reyes , Bolivia.
Siberi – on Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Socorino – Bolivia.
Surucosi – Bolivia.
Suruim – spoken on the right bank of the
Machado River , Rondônia.
Tacunbiacu – between the
Guapay River and the
Chiquitos Plains , Bolivia.
Tamacosi –
Guapay River near La Barranca, Santa Cruz province, Bolivia.
Tamararé – sources of the
Juruena River and
Galera River , Mato Grosso.
Tambaruré – Rondônia at the mouth of the
Apaxoná River .
Tapacurá –
Tapacurá-assú River , state of Pará.
Tarimoxi – language of an unknown tribe to the north of the
Guratégaja tribe, Rondônia.
Tavúri –
Paranaíba River , Mato Grosso.
Tevircacap – spoken on the right bank of the
Pimenta Bueno River , Rondônia.
Tiboi – unknown language, exact location unknown, Bolivia.
Ticaõ or Tonore or Chikaõ – language of an unknown tribe on the right bank of the
Culiseú River , a tributary of the
Xingú River , Mato Grosso.
Tororí – right bank of the
Madeira River north of the
Parintintin tribe, state of Amazonas.
Tupiokón – unknown language spoken on the
Paxiúba River , Mato Grosso.
Urucuai –
Corumbiara River , Rondônia.
Xacuruina –
Sangue River , Mato Grosso.
Xaquese –
Puerto de los Reyes , Bolivia.
Xaray – Xarayes Lagoon (
Pantanal ), Bolivia.
Yauei – left bank of the
Madeira River across from the mouth of the
Aripuanã River , state of Amazonas.
Zurina – mouth of the
Mamoriá River , Amazonas.
South Central South America
Tropical South Central South America (Loukotka 1968: 178–179):
Alon –
Huambo River, department of San Martín, Peru.
Amasifuin – right bank of the
Huallaga River , Peru.
Ayacore –
Curaray River , Loreto, Peru.
Becaba – department of Loreto near San Miguel, on the
Putumayo River .
Bracamoro or Papamuru – near the city of
Jaén , department of Cajamarca, Peru.
Chedua – department of San Martín on the
Huambo River.
Chinchipe – department of Cajamarca on the
Chinchipe River .
Chupacho –
Monzón River and
Chinchao River, department of Huánuco.
Cognomona – Cognomona region on the upper course of the
Huallaga River .
Comanahua – department of Huánuco by the neighbors of the
Tepqui tribe.
Cumbazá or Belsano – between Santa Catalina and
Yanayacu , department of San Martín.
Curizeta –
Cosanga River , Loreto, Peru.
Eimi – language of an unknown tribe that lived on the
Napo River , department of Loreto.
Ibabi Aniji – language of an unknown tribe of Peru. (Alvarez 1938)
Muzapa – by the neighbors of the
Cognomona tribe in the department of San Martín.
Otecua – spoken on the
Sucumbío River , Loreto.
Payanso –
Chipurana River, Loreto.
Quidquidcana – department of Huánuco in the Magdalena Valley.
Sapeiné – language of an unknown tribe of the
Napo River , Loreto.
Tepqui –
Santa María River , Huánuco, Peru.
Tingán – spoken at the mouth of the
Monzón River, Huánuco.
Tulumayo –
Muna River ,
Azul River , and
Aguaytia River , Huánuco.
Wau – language of an unknown tribe on the
Coca River , Loreto.
Central South America
Tropical Central South America (Loukotka 1968: 196–198):
Aarufi – unknown language from the
Quebrada de Oksikgnaná , territory of Caquetá, Colombia.
Acarapi –
Parime River , territory of Rio Branco, Brazil.
Alarua – between the
Japurá River and
Auatí-Paraná River , Amazonas state.
Amoeca – language of an unknown tribe living on the
Morarô River , state of Amazonas.
Aracadaini –
Corodoá River and Aroá River (
Arauã River ), tributaries of the Cunhuá River (
Cuniuá River ), state of Amazonas.
Arda – between the
Nanay River and the upper course of the
Mazán River , Loreto, Peru.
Bauá –
Motum River and
Corneg River , Amazonas.
Cafuana –
Japurá River south of the
Wariwa tribe.
Capueni – between the Amazon River and
Ixié River , Amazonas.
Caraguara – between the Amazon River and
Lake Anama .
Carari – mouth of the Mucoin River (
Mucum River ?), Amazonas.
Casigara – mouth of the
Juruá River .
Cauacaua or Kawakawa –
Japurá River .
Cauni – between the
Juruá River and
Jutaí River , Amazonas.
Caupuna – mouth of the
Purus River .
Cumayari – spoken by an unknown tribe of the Cumayari region.
Curi – Curi region south of the
Pariana tribe.
Curuzirari – between the mouths of the
Juruá River and
Tefé River .
Cuxiuára – right bank of the
Purus River near the mouth.
Envuelto – language of an unknown tribe that lived on the
Quebrada de Jirijirima , Caquetá territory, Colombia.
Guanarú –
Juruá River , north of the
Marawa tribe, Amazonas, Brazil.
Guyarabe – between the Amazon River and
Auatí-Paraná River , Amazonas.
Itipuna – between the
Juruá River and
Jutaí River .
Jacariá –
Abuna River , territory of Rondônia, Brazil.
Jaguanai – between the mouth of the
Japurá River and the
Zuana tribe, Rondônia.
Jarauára – unknown language of a tribe living on the
Apituán River and
Curiá River , tributaries of the
Cataichi River , Amazonas.
Macuja – spoken by an unknown tribe on the
Poré River , Amazonas.
Mamori – language of an unknown tribe on the
Cunhuá River .
Mariman – spoken on the
Riozinho River , tributary of the
Cunhuá River .
Maripá –
Tonantins River , Amazonas.
Maruquevene – between the mouths of the
Japurá River and
Auatí-Paraná River .
Masarari – south of the
Jutaí River , Amazonas.
Mayu – unknown language spoken on the
Jaquirana River , tributary of the Javari River, Amazonas.
Morua –
Japurá River south of the
Maruquevene tribe.
Nauna –
Jutaí River south of the
Marawa tribe.
Ñumasiara – unknown language spoken on the
Giraparaná River and
Canamari River .
Paguara –
Tefé River .
Pariana – mouth of the
Auatí-Paraná River , Amazonas.
Pauana –
Cafua River , Amazonas.
Pocoana – between the Amazon River and
Lake Maracaparu .
Taiguana – unknown language spoken in the
Sierra Araracuára , Caquetá territory, Colombia.
Tamaní – unknown language spoken on the
Quebrada de Tamaní in Caquetá territory, Colombia.
Tobachana – between the
Juruá River and
Juri River south of the
Itipuna tribe, state of Amazonas.
Tucumanduba – spoken on the upper course of the
Canacau River , a tributary of the
Cunhuá River , Amazonas.
Uaia –
Içá River west of the
Passé tribe.
Uairua – between the
Juruá River and
Jaracui River .
Uauarate –
Jutaí River north of the
Catuquina tribe.
Yenmu – unknown language spoken on the
Cure River , Amazonas territory, Colombia.
Yoemanai – right bank and at the mouth of the
Purus River , Amazonas state, Brazil.
Yufiua – south of the
Coeruna tribe on the
Japurá River .
Zuana – Amazon River south of the mouth of the
Cafua River , state of Amazonas.
Northeast South America
Tropical Northeast South America (Loukotka 1968: 228–230):
Amuimo – language of an unknown tribe that lived on the
Nhamundá River , state of Amazonas.
Aramayu –
Oiapoque River , Amapá territory, Brazil.
Ararau – unknown language spoken on the
Jatapu River , state of Amazonas.
Aroasene – unknown language spoken at the sources of the
Nhamundá River and
Jatapu River , state of Amazonas.
Caapina – between the
Maicuru River and
Jari River , state of Pará.
Camare – Camoó River (
Camaiú River ), a tributary of the
Trombetas River , Amazonas.
Carara – sources of the
Jatapu River , Amazonas.
Cauauri – south of the
Curanave tribe, Amazonas.
Comanl – area north of
Lake Saracó , state of Pará.
Coritanaho –
Ajubacabo River , a tributary of the
Trombetas River , state of Pará.
Curanave – west of the
Negro River , Amazonas.
Curiane – language of a tribe the location of which is not known exactly.
Curierano – south of the sources of the
Orinoco River , territory of Amazonas, Venezuela.
Curubianan –
Urubu River and
Jatapu River , Amazonas
Damanivá – spoken on the
Igarapé do Pacú ; a tributary of the
Caratirimani River and in the
Serra do Urubu , Rio Branco territory.
Demacuri – spoken on the Caburi River (
Cauaburi River ) near São Pedro, state of Amazonas.
Goyana – lower course of the
Branco River , territory of Rio Branco.
Guanavena – between the
Urubu River and
Jatapu River , Amazonas.
Harritiahan – middle course of the
Matapi River , Amapá territory.
Macuani –
Oiapoque River , Amapá territory.
Maniba – unknown language spoken on the
Inirida River and
Pupunagua River , Vaupés territory, Colombia.
Maracano – unknown language spoken on the central part of
Maracá Island , Rio Branco territory, Brazil.
Maricupi – lower course of the
Montoura River , Amapá territory.
Menejou – middle course of the
Jarí River , Amapá territory.
Mepuri – middle course of the
Negro River , south of the
Baré tribe, state of Amazonas.
Moheyana – language of an unknown tribe that lived between the
Erepecurú River and
Acapú River , state of Pará.
Oivaneca –
Tartarugal River , Amapá territory, Brazil.
Pacimonari – lower course of the
Siapa River , Amazonas territory, Venezuela.
Pao –
Pao River , state of Monagas, Venezuela.
Paragoaru –
Capó River .
Seden – between the
Negro River and
Uatumã River , Amazonas.
Taminani –
Uaçá River and Curupi River (
Curapi River ), Amapá territory. All of the last survivors now speak only a French creole dialect.
Tapuisú – mouth of the
Maicurú River , Amapá territory.
Taripio – unknown language of an unknown tribe that lived to the north of the
Rangú tribe in the frontier area of the Brazilian state of Pará and Dutch Guiana.
Tchagoyána – unknown language spoken between the
Erepecurú River and
Acapú River , state of Pará.
Tchicoyna – unknown language spoken in the state of Pará, on the
Cuátari River .
Tohazana – Venezuela.
Uranaju – middle course of the
Araguari River , Amapá.
Waruwádu – language of an unknown tribe that lived between the
Ventuari River and
Erebato River , state of Bolívar; Venezuela.
Xipará – between the
Urubu River and
Jatapu River , state of Amazonas.
Northern Andes
Northern Andean region (Loukotka 1968: 259):
Chirú – southwest of the
Coiba tribe, Panama.
Escoria – around the city of
Santiago, Panama .
Guenta – department of Huila, Colombia.
Masaya – sources of the
Caguán River , north of the
Guaque tribe.
Natá – on
Parita Bay , Panama.
Otegua – department of Huila, Colombia.
Urraca or Esquegua – north of the modern city of
Cañazas , Panama.
Yeral – unknown language of Colombia, exact location unknown.
South Central Andean region (Loukotka 1968: 272–273):
Angara – ancient Inca province of
Angara , department of Ayacucho, Peru.
Arequipa – department of
Arequipa .
Atavila – ancient province of
Canta , department of Lima.
Cachipuna –
Puna de Quillpaco , department of Lima.
Cajamarca – around the city of
Cajamarca .
Cajatambo – around the city of
Cajatambo , department of Lima.
Camana or Maje –
Majes River , Arequipa department.
Cavana – middle course of the
Majes River , department of Arequipa.
Chachapoya – around the city of
Chachapoya , Amazonas department, Peru. (Bandelier 1940, only a few toponyms.)
Chancay –
Chancay River, department of Lima.
Chicha – Cordillera de
Chorolque , Potosí province, Bolivia.
Chincha –
Chincha River in the department of Ica.
Chongo – near the city of
Jauja , Junín department.
Chucurpu or Chocorvo – spoken in the Conquest days at the sources of the
Churchinga River , Huancavelica department.
Conchuco – around the city of
Pomabamba , department of Ancash.
Cutervo or Huambo – sources of the
Chancay River, department of Junín.
Huacho – around the city of
Huacho , Lima department.
Huamachi – on
Chongos Alto , department of Junín.
Huamachuco –
Condebamba River, department of Libertad.
Huamalí –
Panao River, Huánuco department.
Huamanga – Peru.
Huambuco –
Chinchipe River , Amazonas department.
Huanca or Wanka –
Mantaro River , Junín department, now Quechuanized.
Huayla – middle course of the
Santa River , Ancash department, now Quechuanized.
Hunacabamba –
Chamaya River , Piura department.
Ica –
Ica River , Ica department.
Lampa –
Pativilca River, Ancash department.
Llamish – department of Lima in the
Cordillera de Huantán .
Mizque –
Mizque River , Cochabamba province, Bolivia; now Quechuanized.
Moquegua – department of
Moquegua , Peru; possibly a dialect of Aymara.
Moyobamba – around the city of
Moyobamba , San Martín department; now Quechuanized.
Nazca – mouth of the Grande River, Ica department.
Ocro – sources of the
Santa River , Ancash department.
Pocra – Peru.
Rimac – spoken in the Conquest days around the capital of Peru, Lima.
Rucana – near
Andamarca , Ayacucho department.
Sipisipi – Peru.
Sora –
Pampas River , Apurimac department.
Supe –
Huaura River, department of Lima.
Tanquihua – around the city of
Ayacucho , department of Ayacucho.
Tarapaca – province of Tarapacá, Chile.
Tomata – near the city of
Tupiza , Potosí province, Bolivia.
Tomina – between the
Mizque River and
Pilcomayo River , Chuquisaca province, Bolivia; now Quechuanized.
Tutura – around the city of
Totora , Cochabamba province, Bolivia; now Quechuanized.
Yampará – middle course of the
Pilcomayo River , Chuquisaca province, Bolivia.
Yauyo – department of Lima, Peru, on the Mala River and Huaco River.
Ethnologue
Ethnologue 26 lists the following languages of South America as unclassified:
However, Glottolog states that Agavotaguerra is not unclassified, but unattested; the only reports are that the Agavotaguerra speak
Yawalapiti .
In addition, Ethnologue classifies
Aikanã ,
Uamué and
Xukurú , all of Brazil as isolates, but they are too poorly attested to classify.
Additional languages at Glottolog
In addition to many of the languages above, Glottolog lists the following:
Apoto
[12] - lower Amazon, unattested
Cálenche (Cálen) = Fayjatases
[13] - Chile, 10 words
Envuelto
[14] - Colombia, 9 words
Guachipa(s)
[15] -
Guachipas , Argentina, 3 words, Viegas Barros (2009)
Guaicaro (Guaïcaro) - Chile, possibly Alacalufan
Hoxa
[16] - Colombia
Pacahuaras-Castillo
[17] -
Pacaguara , collected by Castillo
Payaya - Texas
Pitaguary
[18] - Ceará, Brazil
Quepo(s)
[19] -
Quepos , Costa Rica, 1 word, Lehmann (1920:238)
Tapajó - 3 words
Tembey
[20] - upper Paraná, 2 words, Ambrosetti (1896:332)
Unainuman
[21] - Içá River basin, short word list, Adelaar & Brijnen 2014
Urucucú(s)
[22] - Tapajós River, unattested (see under Tapajó language)
Yanacona
[23] - name is the Quechua word for 'serf'; perhaps early Colombian Quechua
Other
Some additional languages have not made in into the lists above.
[24]
Boreal Pehuelche - Argentina, 1 word (apparently not the same as
Puelche )
Cabixi (Cabixi-Natterer) - Mato Grosso, Brazil, a short word-list.
[25] The name '
Kabixí ' is a generic name for any hostile group, and has been used for a number of unattested languages. An ISO code for it has been retired.
Enoo - Chile, a few words (a neighbor of the
Alacalufe )
Gamela of Viana - Maranhão, Brazil, 19 words (Nimendajú 1937:64) - presumably the same as
Gamela
See also
Brazil
Further reading
Durbin, M.; Seijas, H. (1973). A Note on Panche, Pijao, Pantagora (Palenque), Colima and Muzo. International Journal of American Linguistics, 39:47-51.
References
^ Campbell, Lyle, and Verónica Grondona (eds). 2012. The indigenous languages of South America: a comprehensive guide . Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. [
ISBN missing ]
^ Loukotka, Čestmír. 1968. Classification of South American Indian Languages Los Angeles: Latin American Studies Center, UCLA.
^ Adelaar, Willem F.H., and Pieter C. Muysken. 2004. The Languages of the Andes . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [
ISBN missing ]
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Colima" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Idabaez" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^
Isolado do Tanaru [aka Isolado do Buraco] at the
Endangered Languages Project .
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Kantarure" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Muzo" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Panche" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Querandi" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Quillacinga" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Apoto" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Fayjatases" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Envuelto" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Guachipas" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Hoxa" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Pacahuaras-Castillo" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Pitaguary" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Quepos" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Tembey" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Unainuman" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Urucucús" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"Yanacona" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
^
"Archived copy" (PDF) . Archived from
the original (PDF) on 2018-12-31. Retrieved 2018-12-31 . {{
cite web }}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (
link )
^ Hammarström, Harald; Forkel, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin, eds. (2017).
"List of unclassified languages of South America" .
Glottolog 3.0 . Jena, Germany: Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
Language families and isolates
Proposed groupings
Linguistic areas Countries Lists