Language

Language

The language of the Yanomami people has several names but is typically called Yanomaman. It's thought to be part of the Carib and Arawak language families. The Yanomami people practice their language orally because they don't have a written language. Their language consists of less words than ours, but their working vocabulary is massive compared to ours because they must store all their words into memory. They also have formal and informal dialects.Wayamo, the formal dialect is only spoken by the men and at special events, while the informal dialect is spoken at every other time. Storytelling is a huge part of their culture and language because they only communicate verbally. Storytelling is seen as art and entertainment.

                                                

http://www1.broward.edu/~hsorkin/Lib-Arts/Projects/Fall2002/Hottinger/culture.html