Jê languages

For the Papuan language known as "Je", see Yei language.

Jê
Jê–Kaingang, Gê, Ye
Ethnicity:	Gê peoples
Geographic distribution:	Brazil
Linguistic classification:	Macro-Jê Jê
Subdivisions:	Central Jê Northwest Jê Kaingáng
Glottolog:	jeee1236
Jê languages proper (clear yellow) and other Macro-Jê languages (dark yellow) in modern times. Shadowed area represent approximately extension in the past.

The Jê languages (also spelled Gê, Jean, Ye, Gean), or Jê–Kaingang languages, are spoken by the Gê, a group of indigenous peoples in Brazil.

Family division

The language family is as follows:

• Jaikó (†) (Northern Jê)
• Central Jê
  • Acroa (†)
  • Xavante
  • Xerente
  • Xakriabá (†)
• Northwest Jê
  • Apinayé
  • Mẽbengokre (Kayapó)
  • Panará (Kreen Akarore)
  • Suyá
  • Timbira (Canela-Krayô, with the Canela and Kreye dialects)
• Kaingáng (Southern Jê)
  • Kaingáng
  • Xokleng
  • São Paulo Kaingáng (†)
  • Ingain (†)
  • Guayana (†)

Genetic relations

The Jê family forms the core of the Macro-Jê family. Kaufman, Murno-Gladst, et al. (1990) find the proposal convincing.