There were two main dialects, northern and southern; the dividing line was approximately at Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán, in the north of present-day Baja California Sur.
Based on glottochronology studies, the separation between Cochimi and the Yuman languages is believed to have occurred about 1000 BC.
[3] The phonology of the Cochimí language is likely[clarification needed] as follows:[4] Voiced consonants likely could have been either separate phonemes or allophones of voiceless sounds.
Following is the Lord's Prayer in the dialect of San Ignacio Kadakaamán, recorded by Francisco Javier Clavijero from the work of the missionaries Barco and Ventura, which has been lost.
[5] Va-bappà amma-bang miamù,ma-mang-à-juà huit maja tegem:Amat-ma-thadabajuà ucuem:Kem-mu-juà amma-bang vahi-mang amat-à-nang la-uahim.Teguap ibang gual gùieng-à-vit-à-juà iban-à-nang packagit:muht-pagijuà abadakegem, machi uayecg-juà packabaya-guem:Kazet-à-juangamue-gnit-pacum:guang mayi-acg packabanajam.Amén.