The main goal of this dissertation research project is the in-depth analysis and description of the grammar of Tiriyo, a South American (Amazonian) language of the Cariban family spoken by approximately 1500 people on both sides of the Brazil-Surinam border. Little descriptive material is available on the language. The dissertation student has already conducted preliminary field work on the language. The dissertation project will allow the student to augment the data already collected, and then to produce a grammar, collection of texts, and glossary. The work will be carried out in collaboration with local entities: the Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi in Brazil, and the ORSTOM/CNRS in French Guiana.
