Purubora language


The Puruborá language of Brazil is one of the Tupian languages. It is also known as Aurã, Cujubim, Burubora, Kuyubi, Migueleno, Miguelenho or Pumbora. Specifically, it is spoken in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, in Costa Marques and around the headwaters of the Rio São Miguel tributary of the right bank of the Guaporé. It is nearly extinct, with only two native speakers reported in 2015.

Phonology

Consonants

  • /j/ has an allophone of when before or in between nasal vowels.
  • is an allophone of /n/ when before /k/, or is also an allophone of /k/ when after nasal vowels in word-final position.
  • /w/ may also be heard as when before high vowels or in free variation with .
  • Stops /t, d/ are also heard as palatalized when before /i/.

Vowels

may also be heard as an allophone of /o/.

Vocabulary

Loukotka lists the following basic vocabulary items.