"Cariban languages"的定义和意义

What are "Cariban languages"?

Cariban languages are a family of Indigenous languages spoken primarily in northern South America, particularly in regions of Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Colombia. This family includes languages such as Carib, Makushi, and Patamona. Cariban languages are known for their complex verbal systems, with features like noun incorporation and verb affixes that express detailed meanings. Historically, Cariban-speaking peoples were spread across large parts of South America, playing significant roles in trade, warfare, and cultural exchange before and during European colonization. The study of Cariban languages provides valuable insights into the cultural heritage, social organization, and historical interactions of the Indigenous peoples who speak them, as well as the linguistic diversity of the region.