The Chonan languages are a family of indigenous American languages which were spoken in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia. Two Chonan languages are well attested: Selkʼnam (or Ona), spoken by the people of the same name who occupied territory in the northeast of Tierra del Fuego; and Tehuelche, spoken by the people of the same name who occupied territory north of Tierra del Fuego. The name of the family is from čonn, the Selkʼnam word for 'man'.
| Chonan | |
|---|---|
| Patagonian | |
| Geographic distribution | Patagonia |
| Extinct | 2019, with the death of Dora Manchado (Tehuelche) 1 fluent L2 speaker (2014, Selkʼnam) |
| Linguistic classification | One of the world's primary language families |
| Subdivisions |
|
| Language codes | |
| Glottolog | chon1288 |
Het, Gününa Yajich (Puelche), and Chon proper | |
Classification
The Haush spoke a language similar to Ona. Some scholars also add to the family the Teushen language—once spoken by the Teushen, located between the Tehuelche and Puelche—though it is poorly attested.
Viegas Barros (2005) attempts to demonstrate that Gününa Küne to the north is related to the Chon languages and would constitute one branch of an extended Chonan family. This proposal has been picked up by Lyle Campbell. Based on the scanty evidence that is available, the Het peoples (or at least the Didiuhet [Querandí]) might be speakers of languages within the proposed Puelche branch.
If this is correct, the Chon family would be as follows:
| Chonan |
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Vocabulary
Loukotka (1968) lists the following basic vocabulary items for the Patagon (Chonan), Gennaken, and Chechehet (Het) languages. Additional words are also provided.
gloss Patagon (Chonan) languages Gennaken
(Gününa Küne)Chechehet (Het) Selkʼnam Mánekenkn Téuesh Péeneken Áoniken Chechehet Querandí one shórsh setaul xáuken háuke chochä chéye two shóki aim xaukáya xoxieg xánkä päch chivil ear shün shunó shán shaʔa shán chütsk tooth orx ánktn korr urr hor xaye hand chen shakut chan kʔchen chen yapal foot yul halié kel kel kel yapgit sun kren anián sheuen sheuen sheuen apiúkük moon kre anim teruch kenginkon kängünkon apioxok zobá dog uéshn ishna xelxénoe shamehuen xälänuü dáshü earth harwn geut, geute tēm atek chu bow hàʔ yakak afia great hati
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