Palta language


The Palta language is an extinct language of the Ecuadorian Amazon, formerly spoken by the Palta people.

Classification

Based on this, Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño classified it as a Jivaroan language. Kaufman states that there is "little resemblance", but Adelaar finds the connection reasonable. In addition to these four words are toponyms, which commonly end in -anga, -numa, -namá. The latter two suggest the Jivaroan locative case suffix -num ~ -nam, and Torero notes that the last resembles Aguaruna namák 'river' as well.
Mason also lists Malacata as an alternate name for Palta.

Vocabulary

It is attested by only a few words: yumé 'water', xeme 'maize', capal 'fire', let 'firewood', and some toponyms.