Emerillon language

Emerillon (endonym Teko; also known as Emerilon, Emerion, Mereo, Melejo, Mereyo, Teco) is a language belonging to the Tupi–Guarani family, one of the most heavily researched language families in Amazonia. The languages related most closely to Emerillon are Wayampípukú, Wayampí, and Jo’é.

Emerillon
RegionFrench Guiana
EthnicityEmerillon people
Native speakers
400 (2012)
Tupian
  • Tupi–Guaraní
    • Wayampí
      • Emerillon
Language codes
ISO 639-3eme
Glottologemer1243  Teko
ELPEmerillon

Emerillon is spoken by a small community residing in two areas of French Guiana: The Maroni River and the Oyapock-Camopi confluence. The speakers of Emerillon refer to themselves and their language as Teko.

The last recorded number of Emerillon speakers was 410, as recorded in 2010. The language is currently listed as endangered due to the extremely low number 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.

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