User:Tom Wulfric/Emerillon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Emerillon Language; otherwise known as Emerilon, Emerion, Mero, Melejo, Mereyo, and Teco, is a written and spoken language belonging to the Tupi–Guarani language family.[2] The Tupi–Guarani language family is made up of more than 40 languages, and is one of the most heavily researched language families in Amazonia.[3] Among the languages related to Emerillon; those related most closely are Wayampípukú, Wayampí, and Jo’é. Emerillon is spoken by a small community residing in two areas of French Guiana: The Maroni River and the Oyapock-Camopi confluence. [3] The speakers of Emerillon refer to themselves and their language as Teko.[4]
Emerillon | |
---|---|
Region | French Guiana |
Ethnicity | Emerillon people |
Native speakers | 410 (2010)[1] |
Tupian
| |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | eme |
Glottolog | emer1243 Teko |
The last recorded number of Emerillon speakers was 410, as recorded in 2010.[1] The language is currently listed as endangered due to the extremely low amount of speakers. However, the language is still being actively passed onto each generation and taught as a first language, with very little influence from the widely spoken tongues of the area.[3] There is insight as to why the Teko people and the Emerillon language have dwindled. Much of the depopulation of the Emerillon speakers and neighboring tribes is due to deadly epidemics such as influenza and malaria, causing as much as an 88% decrease in the population rate since the turn of the 19th century.[5]