Witotoan (also Huitotoan or Uitotoan, occasionally known as Huitoto–Ocaina to distinguish it from Bora–Witoto) is a small language family of southeastern Colombia (Amazonas Department) and the neighbouring region of Peru.

Genetic relations

Aschmann (1993) proposed that the Boran and Witotoan language families were related, in a Bora–Witoto stock. Echeverri & Seifart (2016) refute the connection.

Language contact

Jolkesky (2016) notes that there are lexical similarities with the Pijao, Yaruro, Arawak, Bora-Muinane, Choko, and Tukano language families due to contact. Some of this contact had occurred due to the expansion of Witotoan speakers down the Putumayo River.

Family division

The classification above is based on Campbell (1997), who follows Richard Aschmann's 1993 classification and reconstruction of proto-Witotoan. Nonuya is nearly extinct, but attempts are being made at revival. The following extinct languages are unclassified within Witotoan: Kaufman (2007) adds Andoque. Synonymy note:

Mason (1950)

Internal classification of the Witotoan languages by Mason (1950):

Vocabulary

Loukotka (1968) lists the following basic vocabulary items for Witotoan language varieties.