Lule–Vilela languages


The two Lule–Vilela languages constitute a small, distantly related language family of northern Argentina. Kaufman found the relationship likely and with general agreement among the major classifiers of South American languages. Viegas Barros published additional evidence from 1996–2006. However, Zamponi considers Lule and Vilela each as language isolates, with similarities being due to contact.

Internal classification

Internal classification of the Lule–Vilela languages by John [Alden Mason|Mason] :
  • Lule–Vilela
  • *Lule
  • **Great Lule
  • **Small Lule
  • ***Isistiné
  • ***Tokistiné
  • ***Oristiné
  • *Vilela
  • **Atalalá
  • **Chunupí
  • ***Yooc
  • ***Ocolé
  • ***Yecoanita
  • **Pasain
  • **Omoampa
  • **Vacaa
  • **Vilela
  • **Ipa
  • **Takete
  • **Yoconoampa
  • **Wamalca
  • **
Unclassfied languages are Tonocoté, Matará, and Guacará.

Vocabulary

lists the following basic vocabulary items for Lule, Vilela, and Chunupí.

Proto-language

For reconstructions of Proto-Lule-Vilela by Viegas Barros, see the corresponding Spanish article.