Aricapu
Language Information
Brazil, specifically within the state of Rondônia along the upper reaches of the Rio Branco (a tributary of the Guaporé River). Remaining speakers reside within Indigenous Territories such as the Terra Indígena Rio Branco and Terra Indígena Rio Guaporé.
Before European and Brazilian colonization, the Arikapú people likely numbered in the thousands. Decimation from outside contact, forced displacement in the early 20th century (often tied to the rubber boom), and severe cultural disruption caused a massive population crash.Current Status: By 2007, fewer than 50 people spoke the language, and by 2015–2018, the number of fluent native speakers had dropped to just two. Younger generations no longer learn Arikapú, shifting instead to Tuparí, Makuráp, or Portuguese.
Before European and Brazilian colonization, the Arikapú people likely numbered in the thousands. Decimation from outside contact, forced displacement in the early 20th century (often tied to the rubber boom), and severe cultural disruption caused a massive population crash.Current Status: By 2007, fewer than 50 people spoke the language, and by 2015–2018, the number of fluent native speakers had dropped to just two. Younger generations no longer learn Arikapú, shifting instead to Tuparí, Makuráp, or Portuguese.
- Language Family
- Yabutian (or Jabutian)