Paresi language

Paresi
Arití
Native toBrazil
RegionMato Grosso
Native speakers
1800 (2014)[1]
Arawakan
Language codes
ISO 639-3pab
Glottologpare1272
ELPParesí

Paresi (also called Haliti-Paresi or Paresi-Haliti by the speakers themselves) is an Arawakan language spoken in Brazil. There are approximately 2000 Paresi people, and around 1800 (~90% of the population) speak the language. The Paresi live in the state of Mato Grosso, more specifically in nine indigenous territories: Rio Formoso, Utiariti, Estação Parecis, Estivadinho, Pareci, Juininha, Figueira, Ponte de Pedra, and Uirapuru. In terms of endangerment, it is not in immediate danger. It is used in many everyday domains, but there is a lack of transmission to younger generations, as well as an evident language shift to Portuguese. This is a result of Portuguese being used in education and healthcare, as well as the integration of Brazilian culture among the Paresi people, creating changes in their language and cultural practices.[2]

  1. ^ Paresi at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
  2. ^ Brandão (2014), p. 14–15.