Pronunciation: [zˈɪŋɡuː] (IPA) 
The word "Xingu" is spelled with four letters and consists of two syllables pronounced as /ʃɪŋˈɡu/. The first syllable, "xin", is pronounced with a voiceless palato-alveolar sibilant (/ʃ/) followed by a short vowel sound (/ɪ/). The second syllable, "gu", is pronounced with a voiced velar stop (/ɡ/) followed by the vowel sound /u/. The word refers to a river in Brazil and is commonly written without the diacritical mark on the "u".
Xingu is a proper noun that refers to a river located in Brazil, in the central part of the country. The river runs from south to north and is approximately 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles) long. The term "Xingu" is also used to describe the vast basin surrounding the river, known as the Xingu Basin. This region encompasses an area of about 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles) and is home to numerous indigenous tribes and unique ecosystems.
The Xingu River and Basin are of great ecological and cultural significance. The river flows through different landscapes, including rainforests, savannahs, and wetlands, leading to the creation of a diverse set of ecological communities. The Xingu Basin harbors an incredibly rich biodiversity, hosting a wide array of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the region.
Moreover, the Xingu Basin has strong cultural importance due to its indigenous population. It is inhabited by various Native Brazilian tribes, such as the Kayapó, Kuikuro, and Kamaiurá, who have lived in harmony with the natural environment for centuries. These indigenous communities possess unique cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices that have been passed down through generations.
In summary, "Xingu" refers to a river situated in Brazil and its surrounding basin, encompassing a vast area of diverse ecosystems and inhabited by indigenous tribes. The term holds both ecological and cultural significance due to the rich biodiversity and unique traditional practices found within the region.
The word Xingu is of Indigenous origin, specifically from the Tupi-Guarani language family. It refers to a river in Brazil and is also the name of an Indigenous people who inhabit the region. The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, as historical linguistics for Tupi-Guarani languages are complex and often speculative. However, it is believed to have roots in Tupi-Guarani words such as shi (great) and gu (water), which together could mean great water or great river.
