Where are Matacoan languages spoken ?

These languages are spoken in Argentina, in Bolivia and in Paraguay.

Total number of speakers (estimates) :

Roughly 60 000 according to the ethnologue.com web site (SIL)

Classification

The Matacoan group includes 4 or 5 active languages according to sources.

Chorote (alternative name: Yofúaha) : 2 000 speakers according to UNESCO and 2 300 according to SIL

Macá (alternative names: Towolhi ; Toothle ; Nynaka ; Mak’á) : 1500 speakers according to SIL

Nivaclé (alternative name: Ajlujlay) : 13 700 speakers according to SIL

Wichí (alternative name: Mataco) : 42 000 speakers according to SIL

Comments on the classification of Matacoan languages :

The name “Mataco” having a pejorative connotation, this family is also called “Mataguayan”.

We have adopted the classification proposed by Campbell (1997).

Wichí is a group of 3 dialects.

Kaufmann suggested a hypothetical grouping of the Matacoan family with the Waikuruan, the Charruane and the Mascoian families. The grouping would consist of a single Macro-Waikuruan super family. However, according to Campbell, such a grouping is hypothetical at this time.

Are Matacoan languages endangered ?

Chorote is an endangered language according to UNESCO, which also considers Nivaclé and Wichi as two « vulnerable » languages.

UNESCO does not provide information on the vitality of maca but it is most probably also endangered.

Sources

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