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The language spoken by the Kayapó belongs
to the Gê linguistic family, a branch of the Macro-Gê
trunk. Differences in dialect exist between the various
Kayapó groups emerging after the splits that gave
rise to these groups, but in all of them language is a
feature of wider ethnic reach, leading to recognition
that they make up part of a common culture. The Kayapó,
for whom oratory is a highly-valued social practice, define
themselves as those who speak well, beautifully (Kaben
mei), in opposition to all the groups who do not speak
their language.
On certain occasions, such as council or ceremonial
discourses, the Kayapó men speak in a tone of
voice as though someone was punching them in the stomach
(ben), thereby differentiating this type of oratory
from normal speech.
Kayapó knowledge of Portuguese varies
greatly from group to group, depending on the depth
of contact and the degree of isolation particular to
the history of each group.
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