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The Alacalufan languages or Kawesqaran languages are a small language family of South America. They have not been definitely linked to any other American language family.[1][2]
| Alacalufan | |
|---|---|
| Kawesqaran | |
| Geographic distribution | Chile |
| Ethnicity | Alacaluf people |
| Linguistic classification | One of the world's primary language families |
| Subdivisions |
|
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-5 | aqa |
| Glottolog | kawe1237 |
Early vocabularies show that Alakaluf was three languages, with an extinct Southern Alakaluf (vocabularies in Fitz-Roy 1839 and Hyades & Deniker 1891) and Central Alakaluf (vocabularies in Borgatello 1928, Marcel 1892, and Skottsberg 1913) in addition to the critically endangered northern variety, Kawésqar.[3]
Based on alleged toponymic evidence, a purported Kakauhua language has sometimes been included in the Alacalufan family.[citation needed]
Guaicaro may have been a dialect of Central Alakaluf or Kawesqar.
Mason (1950)
- Caucawe (Kaukahue, etc.)
- Enoo (Peshera)
- Lecheyel
- Yekinawe (Yequinahuere, etc.)
- Adwipliin
- Alikulip, Alakaluf, etc.
- Calen
- Taijatof
Chono, Caraica (Karaika), and Poya may also belong.
Loukotka (1968) lists the following basic vocabulary items.[5]
| gloss | Northern Alcaluf | Southern Alcaluf | Kaueskar |
|---|---|---|---|
| tongue | lekél | paileaf | kalaktás |
| hand | palkár | yukebe | terwá |
| water | karkasa | arrét | chfalai |
| moon | dzyakapés | yakapech | kapánuk |
| dog | salki | shalki | kyurro |
| fish | xawoel | orol | keuwako |
| canoe | peler | cherru | kaief |
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