Where are the Chon languages spoken?

These languages are spoken in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Argentina.

Total number of speakers (estimates)

4 according to the UNESCO

Classification

The Chon language family counts one language at this point, possibly still active.

Tehuelche (alternative names: Aoniken, Gunana-Kuna, Inaquean, Tsoneka): nearly extinct, 4 speakers according to the UNESCO

Islander Chon group

Haush (alternative name: Manekenken*): extinct

Selknam (alternative name: Ona*): extinct

Notes on the Chon languages classification

We hereby follow the Campbell classification (1997)

Are the Chon languages endangered?

Yes, Tehuelche stand as the last of the family, yet it is also about to disappear, if not already extinct.

Sources

Campbell, Lyle. American Indian languages: the historical linguistics of Native America. Oxford: Oxford University Press (1997).