Multilingualism in Xingu and the Yawalapiti Community: the importance of preserving indigenous languages

Abstract

Several indigenous people have gradually been losing the habit of speaking their native languages after foreign languages were introduced within their community, especially due to the influence of Portuguese Language in their lives. Given that context, this paper investigates mainly the multilingualism within the Xingu community, the various language families in there and the history that explains such diversity, which is the focus of the first part of the investigation. After providing an overview of the Xingu community, an curious case in Alto Xingu is discussed: the Yawalapiti people and their native language, which shares the same name. Strongly inspired by Tapí Yawalapiti's dissertation, in which he details his people history and their efforts to revive their language, with only three official speakers up to that point. This article discusses the case attentively, highlighting cultural and sociolinguistic aspects. In conclusion, the text a brief and contextually oriented look on the case, championing the ongoing efforts to preserve a native language, reflecting the desire for indigenous cultures to be preserved and widely valued within the Brazilian territory.