Nigerian Language Classification
Sule Ochai
Nubi:
Yes, the observation about the population of the IGALA people is very
thoughtful of you. By the account of 1963 census, the Igala was the
9th major tribe in Nigeria. Certainly this was a conservative estimate
because while other "educated" tribes were busy counting goats,
cattle, sheep and "chickens", my people were busy tilling the soil on
the farms; and in fact actual, number of household members were not
declared as a way of "tax relief." The correct spelling is IGALA and
not IGARRA. The number of LGA has since increased though.
I appreciate your careful observation.
Enjoy your sunday.
Sule.
Sylvester O. Osagie
Sule,
The editor of Ethnologue, Mrs. Grimes, is one of the most wonderful people
I've been fortunate to interact with in this country. I can assure you that
she will carefully verify your observations and make corrections for the
next edition of Ethnologue.
Sylvester Osagie
Nubi Achebo
**** A very comprehensive work even though some spellings and population
figures are wrong and its hard to nail down shifting boundries in Nigeria.
I know for sure that the IGALAS (proud to be) are more than 800,000. I have
sent corrections in the past for some noted errors - there is an email
address below for sending corrections.
Nubi Achebo
===========
Ethnologue: Areas: Africa
Nigeria
100,580,000 (1995). Federal Republic of Nigeria. Literacy rate 42% to 51%.
Information mainly from Hansford, Bendor-Samuel, and Stanford 1976; J.
Bendor-Samuel, ed., 1989; CAPRO 1992; Crozier and Blench 1992. Locations
for some languages indicate new Local Government Area (LGA) names, but the
older Division and District names are given if the new names are not yet
known. Also includes Lebanese, European. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B.
Also includes Pulaar Fulfulde, Lebanese, European. Christian, Muslim,
traditional religion. Blind population 800,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf
institutions: 22. The number of languages listed for Nigeria is 478. Of
those, 470 are living languages, 1 is a second language without mother
tongue speakers, and 7 are extinct.
ABINSI (JUKUN ABINSI, RIVER JUKUN) [JUB] Gongola State, Wukari LGA, at Sufa
and Kwantan Sufa; Benue State, Makurdi Division, Iharev District at Abinsi.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. In Kororofa language
cluster. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
ABONG (ABON, ABO) [ABO] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Abong
town. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Tivoid. Survey needed.
ABUA (ABUAN) [ABN] 25,000 (1989 Faraclas). Rivers State, Degema and Ahoada
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual. Dialects: CENTRAL ABUAN, EMUGHAN,
OTABHA (OTAPHA), OKPEDEN. The central dialect is understood by all others.
Odual is the most closely related language, about 70% lexical similarity.
NT 1978. Bible portions 1973.
ACIPA, EASTERN (ACIPANCI, ACHIPA) [AWA] 5,000 (1993). Niger State,
Kontagora LGA; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Towns include Randeggi and
Bobi. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Western, Kamuku. Dialect: BOROMA (TABOROMA). 83% lexical similarity between
Randeggi and Bobi; 52% with Shama, 47% to 50% with Kamuuku, 42% to 44% with
Hungworo, 15% to 20% with Western Acipa. The people are called 'Acipawa'.
An isolated area. The influence of the Hausa language or of the Muslim
religion is slight. Traditional religion.
ACIPA, WESTERN (ACIPANCI, ACHIPA) [AWC] Niger State, Kontagora LGA; Kebbi
State, Sakaba LGA. Towns include Kumbashi, Kakihum, and Karisen.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Unclassified. Dialect: CEP (TOCHIPO, TACEP, WESTERN ACIPANCI). 89% to 95%
lexical similarity among the dialects; 15% to 20% with Eastern Acipa, 18%
with Hungworo, 16% to 17% with Shama, 15% to 17% with Kamuku. The people
are called 'Acipawa'. An isolated area. The influence of the Hausa language
or of the Muslim religion is slight. A member of the Kamuku language
cluster. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
ADUGE [ADU] 1,904 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Kwara State, Oyi LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern.
Survey needed.
AFADE (AFFADE, AFADEH, AFADA) [AAL] 20,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1989 SIL).
Borno State, Ngala LGA. Also in Cameroon. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. Survey needed.
AGATU (NORTH IDOMA, OCHEKWU) [AGC] 70,000 (1987 UBS). Benue State, Otuko
Divison, districts of Agatu, Ochekwu, and Adoka; Plateau State, Awe and
Nasarawa LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. In Idoma dialect cluster. NT 1984.
Bible portions 1951-1968.
AGOI (RO BAMBAMI, WA BAMBANI, IBAMI) [IBM] 12,000 (1989 Faraclas). Cross
River State, Obubra LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
Dialect: IKO. Survey needed.
AGWAGWUNE (AKUNAKUNA, AGWAGUNA, GWUNE, AKURAKURA, OKURIKAN) [YAY] 20,000
(1973 SIL). Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central,
North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono. Dialects: ABAYONGO (BAYONO,
BAYINO), ABINI (OBINI, ABIRI), ADIM (ODIM, DIM), ORUM, EREI (ENNA, EZEI),
AGWAGWUNE, ETONO (ETUNO). A dialect cluster. Bible portions 1894. Survey
needed.
AJAWA (AJANCI) [AJW] Bauchi State. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Unclassified.
Became extinct between 1920 and 1940. The people now speak Hausa.
AKE (AIKE, AKYE) [AIK] 300 or fewer (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Lafia LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Western, Southwestern, B. Survey needed.
AKOKO, NORTH (NORTHERN AKOKO) [AKK] Ondo State, Akoko North LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Akokoid.
Dialects: OYIN, OKE-AGBE, URO, ARIGIDI, ERUSU, AHAN (AHAAN), AYERE, UDO,
AFFA (AFA), OGE, AJE. A dialect cluster. Survey needed.
AKPA (AKWEYA) [AKF] 5,500 in Akpa (1952 Robert G. Armstrong). Benue State,
Otukpo LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid,
Yatye-Akpa. Dialect cluster. 84% lexical similarity with Ekpari. Survey
needed.
AKPES (IBARAM-EFIFA) [IBE] 10,000 or more (1992 Crozier and Blench). Ondo
State, Akoko North LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Ukaan-Akpes. Dialects: AKUNNU (AKPES), ASE, DAJA, EFIFA, ESUKU
(ECHUKU), GEDEGEDE, IKOROM, IBARAM, IYANI. Yoruba is the lingua franca.
Survey needed.
ALAGO (ARAGU, ARAGO, ARGO, IDOMA NOKWU) [ALA] 35,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau
State, Awe and Lafia LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. Dialects: DOMA,
AGWATASHI, KEANA, ASSAIKIO. 5% literate. Hausa is the second language.
Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible portions 1929.
ALEGE (ALEGI, UGE, UGBE) [ALF] 1,200 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Obudu
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Bendi. Related to Gayi (Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and Cameroon.
Survey needed.
AMBO [AMB] Baissa area. Unclassified. Survey needed.
AMO (AMON, AMONG, TIMAP, BA) [AMO] 3,550 (1950. Plateau State, Bassa LGA;
Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Amo. Timap is the language, Kumap a speaker,
Amap the people. Not close to other languages. Survey needed.
ANAANG (ANANG, ANNANG) [ANW] 1,000,000 (1990). Akwa Ibom State, Ikot
Ekpene, Essien Udim, Abak, Ukanafun, and Oruk-Anam LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, East. Related to Efik. Used as a medium of instruction in the
schools. Survey needed.
ANGAS (NNGAS, KERANG, KARANG) [ANC] 100,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State,
Pankshin, Kanam, and Langtang LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3,
Angas Proper, 1. Dialects: HILL ANGAS, PLAIN ANGAS. The people are called
'Kerang' or 'Karang'. NT 1979. Bible portions 1916-1928.
ARABIC, SHUWA (ARABE CHOA, SHUWA ARABIC, SHUA, CHADIC ARABIC) [SHU] 100,000
in Nigeria (1973 SIL); 754.590 in Chad (1993); 63,600 in Cameroon (1982
SIL); 50,000 in Niger (1991); 63,000 in Central African Republic (1996);
1,031,000 in all countries. Borno State, Dikwa, Konduga, Ngala, and Bama
LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic. No diglossia with
Modern Standard Arabic. The term 'Shua' is considered perjorative by some
people. Trade language. Muslim. NT 1967-1991. Bible portions 1964.
ARUM-CESU (ARUM-CHESSU) [AAB] Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid. May be
a dialect of Turkwam. Survey needed.
ATEN (GANAWURI, ETIEN, JAL, TEN, NITEN) [GAN] 40,000 (1988 Kjenstad).
Plateau State, Barakin Ladi LGA; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central,
North-Central. Dialect: KWAKWI. The language is Ten, a speaker Aten, the
people Niten. Bible portions 1940.
ATSAM (CAWAI, CAWE, CAWI, CHAWAI, CHAWE, CHAWI) [CCH] 30,000 (1972
Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam. Closest to Piti.
Traditional religion. Bible portions 1923-1932.
AUYOKAWA (AUYAKAWA, AWIAKA) [AUO] Jigawa State, Keffin Hausa and Auyo
LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1. Extinct.
AWAK (AWOK, YEBU) [AWO] 2,035 (1962). Bauchi State, Billiri-Kaltungo LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak. Survey needed.
AYU (AYA) [AYU] 4,000 (1976 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Ayu. Survey
needed.
BA (KWA, KWAH, BAA) [KWB] 7,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Kaakan, a
village near Munga. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kwa. Speakers use Bacama as second language.
Different from Kwa' of Cameroon in the Bamileke group. Tradesmen: butchers.
Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
BAANGI (CIBAANGI) [BQX] 15,000 estimate (1996). Northern Niger State.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Kambari. Survey needed.
BACAMA (BACHAMA, BASHAMMA, ABACAMA, BESEMA, BWAREBA, GBOARE) [BAM] 150,000
(1992); 300,000 together with Bata (1992). Adamawaa State, Numan and Guyuk
LGA's, Kaduna State, northeast of Kaduna town. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Dialects: MULYEN (MULWYIN, MWULYIN), DONG, OPALO,
WA-DUKU. In Bata dialect cluster. Trade language. Agriculturalists,
fishermen. Bible portions 1915.
BADA (BADAWA, BADANCHI, BAT, MBADA, MBAT, MBADAWA, KANNA, JAR, JARAWAN
KOGI, GARAKA, RIVER JARAWA, PLAINS JARAWA) [BAU] 10,000 (SIL). Plateau
State, Kanam LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan,
Nigerian. Dialects: KANTANA, GAR. The language is called 'River Jarawa' or
'Plains Jarawa'. A member of the Jarawa dialect cluster. Mainly traditional
religion.
BADE (BEDDE, BEDDA, BEDDU, BEDE, GIDGID) [BDE] 250,000 (1993). Yobeo State,
Bade LGA; Jigawa State, Hadejia LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1,
Bade Proper. Dialects: GASHUA, MAZGARWA, BADE-KADO, MAGWARAM. SHIRAWA.
Shirawa dialect is extinct. Fair degree of bilingualism in Hausa, Kanuri,
or Fulani. Closely related to Duwai and Ngizim, but separate languages.
Muslim, traditional religion, Christian.
BAGIRMI (BAGARMI, BARMA, TAR BARMA, TAR BAGRIMMA, LIS, LISI) [BMI] A few in
Nigeria; 67,000 in Chad (1993 Johnstone). Borno State, Maiduguri LGA.
Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Bagirmi.
Work in progress.
BAKOR (ABANYOM, ABANYUM, BEFUN) [ABM] 12,500 (1986). Cross River State,
Ikom LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Ekoid. Survey needed.
BAKPINKA (UWET, IYONGIYONG) [BBS] Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong. The language is reported to be
dying out. Survey needed.
BALI (NDAGAM, BOLI) [BCN] 12,000 (1987). Taraba State, Numan LGA, at Bali,
30 km. from Numan on the road to Jalingo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang,
Yandang. Reported to be closely related to Kpasam and Yotti. They speak
Hausa as second language, and some Bacama or Fulfulde. Agriculturalists:
guinea corn, peanuts, rice. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Survey
needed.
BANA (FALI) [FLI] 96,000 in Nigeria (1992); 13,000 in Cameroon; 109,000 in
all countries. Adamawa State, Mubi and Michika LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. Dialects: THLUKFU, GILI (GUILI), BWAGIRA, PESKI.
'Bana' is the name in Cameroon, 'Fali' in Nigeria. Subgroups include the
Vimtim, Muchalla, Bahuli, Julvu, Mijulu, Mua, Maduguva, Kiviya, Mukuta,
Betso. People use Fulfulde or Hausa as second language. Little formal
education. Hills, plains. Africulturalists: guinea corn, maize, peanuts,
bambara nuts, tiger nuts, rice; animal husbandry: cows, sheep, goats,
chickens. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
BANGWINJI (BANGUNJI) [BSJ] 6,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi
State, Balanga and Billiri-Kaltungo LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. Noun
class system is closer to Waja and Tula. Survey needed.
BARAWA (BAARAAWAA) [BWR] Bauchi State, near the Geji. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, B, B.3. Survey needed.
BARIBA (BAATONUN, BATONNUM, BATONU, BAATONUN-KWARA, BARGU, BURGU, BORGU,
BORGAWA, BERBA, BARBA, BOGUNG, ZANA) [BBA] 60,000 in Nigeria (1993);
342,000 in Benin (1991 Vanderaa); 400,000 in all countries (1991 UBS).
Kwara State, Borgu LGA; Niger State. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba. Bariba of Nigeria may require separate
literature from Boko of Benin. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
Bible in press (1995). NT 1977. Bible portions 1953-1968.
BARIKANCHI [BXO] Pidgin, Hausa based. Used in military barracks. Second
language only. No mother tongue speakers.
BASA-KADUNA (BASSA-KADUNA, BASA-GUMNA, GWADARA BASA, BASA KUTA) [BSL] Niger
State, Chanchaga LGA; Plateau State, Nassarawa LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa. No fluent
speakers left in 1987. Extinct.
BASHAR (BASHARAWA, BASHIRI, BORROM, BURRUM, BOGH) [BSX] 20,000 (1977
Voegelin and Voegelin). Plateau State, Langtang and Wase LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Tarokoid. Survey needed.
BASSA-KONTAGORA [BSR] 10 speakers (1987). Niger State, Mariga LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Basa. Nearly extinct.
BATA (GBWATA, BATTA, DEMSA BATA, GBOATI, GBWATE, BETE, BIRSA, DUNU) [BTA]
150,000 in Nigeria (1992); 2,500 in Cameroon; 152,500 in all countries.
300,000 together with the Bacama in Nigeria (1992). Adamawa State, Numan,
Song, Fufore, and Mubi LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Dialects: ZUMU (ZOMO, JIMO), WADI (WA'I), MALABU, KOBOTACHI, RIBAW, DEMSA,
GAROUA, JIRAI. Closely related languages: Bacama, Gude, Njanyi, Vimtin,
Ziziliveken. They have joined with the Bacama in the Bwatiye Association.
Kofa may be a related language. Agriculturalists, fishermen, animal
husbandry: pigs, goats. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
BATU [BTU] 25,000. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Batu town. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. Survey
needed.
BAUSHI (BAUCI, KUSHI, BUSHI, BAUCHI) [BSF] 20,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier
and Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana. Survey needed.
BEGBERE-EJAR (KORO AGWE, AGERE, KORO MAKAMA, KORON ACHE, KORO MYAMYA,
MIAMIA, MIAMIYA) [KOR] 35.000 including Ashe (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State,
Kachia LGA, Plateau State, Keffi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Dialects: KORON ACHE (ASHE, ALA), KORON PANDA, EJAR. Ejar may be a separate
language. Koron Ache and Koron Panda are subdialects of Begbere. The
alternate names listed refer to the people. 'Koro' is used as a cover term
for several groups. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
BEKWARRA (EBEKWARA, BEKWORRA, YAKORO) [BKV] 100,000 (1989 SIL). Cross River
State, Ogoja LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Bendi. Used in radio and TV news. NT 1983. Bible portions 1970.
BELE [BXQ] Bauchi State, near the Bole. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2,
Bole, Bole Proper. A separate language from Bole. Muslim. Survey needed.
BEROM (BIROM, BERUM, GBANG, KIBO, KIBBO, KIBBUN, KIBYEN, "SHOSHO", ABORO,
BORO-ABORO, AFANGO, CHENBEROM) [BOM] 300,000 (1993 SIL). Plateau State,
Berakin Ladi and Jos LGA's; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Bauchi State.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Southern. Dialects: GYELL-KURU-VWANG (NGELL-KURU-VWANG),
FAN-FORON-HEIKPANG, BACHIT-GASHISH, DU-ROPP-RIM, HOSS. The language is
Chenberom, a speaker Worom, the people Berom. "Shosho" is an offensive
name. 25% to 50% literate. NT 1984. Bible portions 1916-1936.
BETE [BYF] Few speakers out of 3,000 population (1992). Taraba State, Takum
LGA, Bete town, at the foot of Bete mountain. Unclassified. The language is
dying out. Reported to have been close to Lufu and Bibi. The people now
speak Jukun. 6 subgroups: Aphan (Afan), Ruke, Osu, Agu, Botsu, Humiyan.
Formerly had land disputes with the Tiv. Christian, traditional religion.
Nearly extinct.
BETE-BENDE (BETE, BETTE, BETTE-BENDI, MBETE, DAMA, BENDI) [BTT] 36,800
(1963). Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. Not the same as Bete of
Nigeria in Gongola State, Bete of Cameroon, or Bete of Côte d'Ivoire. NT
1982. Bible portions 1977.
BILE (BILLE, BILLANCHI, KUNBILLE, BILI) [BIL] 30,000 (1992). East of Numan,
along Benue River, Adamawa State, Numan LGA's, southwest of Numan.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Jarawan, Nigerian. Related to Mbula-Bwazza. Speakers use Hausa and Fulfulde
as second languages. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
BILIRI [BIA] Bauchi State, Billiri-Kaltungo and Akko LGA's. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. Close to Tangale.
Conflicting reports about whether it is a dialect of Tangale or a separate
language.
BINA (BOGANA, BINAWA) [BYJ] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
BISENI (BUSENI, AMEGI, NORTHEAST CENTRAL IJO) [IJE] 4,800 (1977 Voegelin
and Voegelin). Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central, Northeast Central. Not
intelligible with other languages in the Ijo language cluster. Survey needed.
BITARE (NJWANDE, YUKUTARE) [BRE] 50,000 in all countries (1971 Welmers),
3,700 in Cameroon (1983 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Closely related to Abong. Survey needed.
BOGA (BOKA) [BOD] Adamawa State, Gombi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. Survey needed.
BOGHOM (BOGGHOM, BOHOM, BUROM, BURUM, BURRUM, BURMA, BORROM, BOGHOROM,
BOKIYIM) [BUX] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Kanam, Wase, and Shendam
LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom. Related to Mangas. Bible
portions 1955.
BOKO (BOKO, BOKONYA, BOKKO) [BQC] 40,000 in Nigeria (1995); 70,000 in Benin
(1995); 110,000 in all countries (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Niger State, Borgu
LGA; Kebbi State, Bagudo LGA, from Senji in the north to Kenugbe and Kaoje,
150 km. to the south and Demmo, 50 km. to the east, 35 villages.
Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Eastern, Busa. Other Busa
languages in Nigeria require separate literature. Traditional religion,
Muslim. Bible 1992. NT 1984.
BOKOBARU (BUSA-BOKOBARU, ZONGBEN) [BUS] 45,000 (1995 Ross Jones SIM),
including 10,000 in Kaama, 35,000 in Lakatu. Kwara State, primarily Kiama
LGA, some in Baruten LGA. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern,
Eastern, Busa. Dialects: KAAMA (KAIAMA), LAKATU. Kaama and Lakatu have good
inherent intelligibility of each other's dialects. The people are Bussawa.
They call their language 'Bussagwe'. The Hausa call their language
'Busanchi'. The Bokobaru variety is distinct enough to require separate
literature from Busa-Boko of Benin. The Bisa variety of Nigeria may also
require separate literature. Not the same language as Bissa of Burkina Faso
and Ghana. Speakers use Hausa, Yoruba, English, Bariba, Fulfulde as second
languages to speakers from those groups. 4% literate. Speakers have high
motivation for literacy. Typology: SOV; gentives before noun heads;
articles, adjective, numerals, relatives after noun heads; question word
initial or final; 4 suffixes; word order distinguishes subject, object,
indirect object; postpositions; person, number, aspect included in subject
pronouns; tone changes some verb aspect; passives; CV, CVV, CCV; tonal.
Levels of bilingualism in English are 0:80%, 1:10%, 2:4%, 3:3%, 4:2%, 5:1%.
Interfluvial. Peasant agriculturalists. Muslim, traditional religion,
Christian. Bible portions 1972-1994. Work in progress.
BOKYI (BOKI, NKI, OKII, UKI, NFUA, OSIKOM, OSUKAM, VAANEROKI) [BKY] 140,000
in Nigeria (1989 SIL); 3,700 in Cameroon; 144,000 in all countries. Cross
River State, Ikom, Obudu, and Ogoja LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. Dialects: BASUA, BOKI, IRRUAN
(ERWAN, EERWEE), BOJE (BOJIE), KWAKWAGOM, NSADOP, OSOKOM, WULA, BASUA, OKU,
BOORIM, OYOKOM, ABU, EASTERN BOKYI. Ethnic groups: Ndir, Ukwese, Utang,
Yon. Important district language. Bible 1987. NT 1978.
BOLE (BOLANCHI, AMPIKA, BORPIKA, BOLEWA, BOLAWA) [BOL] 100,000 (1990).
Bauchi State, Dukku, Alakaleri, and Darazo LGA's; Borno State, Fika LGA;
Plateau State, Wase LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole
Proper. Dialects: BARA, FIKA (FIKANKAYEN, ANPIKA). Speakers are called
'Bolewa' or 'Bolawa'. Bele is a separate language. The Ngara (2,000 in
1993) claim to be part of Bole, but the Bolewa disagree. Muslim. Survey
needed.
BOSO, SOROGAMA (SOROGAMA, COROGAMA, SORKO, SARKANCI, SARKAWA, JENAMA,
NONONKE, "BOZO") [BZE] (100,000 in Mali; 1991 Vanderaa). Niger, Kwara, and
Kebbi states, Lake Kainji. Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Soninke-Bozo. In
Nigeria, 'Sorko' is preferred. Those in Nigeria mainly speak Hausa as
mother tongue. Fishermen. Muslim. Work in progress.
BUDUMA (BOUDOUMA, YEDINA, YEDIMA, YIDANA) [BDM] 3,000 in Nigeria; 51,600 in
Chad (1993); 4,000 in Niger; 200 in Cameroon; 58,800 in all countries.
Borno State, on islands in Lake Chad. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B,
B.1, Buduma. Dialects: BUDUMA, KURI (KOURI, KAKAA). Semi-nomadic.
Pastoralists, fishermen. Muslim, traditional religion. Work in progress.
BUMAJI [BYP] Cross River State, Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. Survey needed.
BURAK (BUURAK) [BYS] 4,000 (1992 Crozier & Blench). Bauchi State,
Billiri-Kaltungo LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. Survey needed.
BURA-PABIR (BURA, BURRA, PABIR, BABIR, BABUR, BARBURR, KWOJEFFA, HUVE,
HUVIYA) [BUR] 250,000 (1990 UBS), including 200,000 Pabir (1993). 32,000 in
Adamawa State (1992). Borno State, Biu and Askira-Uba LGA's; Adamawa State,
Gombi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. Dialects: PELA
(HILL BURA), HYILHAWUL (HILHAWU, PLAIN BURA). 3% literate. Ngohi is a small
subgroup. Kofa or Kota may be a related language. Agriculturalists,
weavers, hunters, fishermen, wood carbers. Traditional religion, Muslim,
Christian. NT 1937-1987. Bible portions 1925-1937.
BURU [BQW] Baissa region. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. Survey needed.
BUSA-BISÃ (BISÃ, BISAYÃ, BUSA-BISA, BUSANO, BUSSANCHI) [BQP] 40,000 first
language speakers, 13,000 second language users (1995 Ross Jones SIM).
Niger State, Borgu LGA. Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Eastern,
Busa. Dialects: NEW BUSA, WAWA, ILLO. The two dialects are inherently
intelligible to each other's speakers. Busa has more prestige, but Wawa
recognized as purer. Other Busa languages (Busa-Boko, Busa-Bokobaru)
require separate literature. Different from Bissa of Burkina Faso. Speakers
use Hausa and Kambari as second languages when speaking to non-Bisã people.
Hausa is used in school. 5% literate. Typology: SOV; postpositions;
genitives before noun heads; articles, adjectives, numerals, relatives
after noun heads; question word initial or final; 4 suffixes; word order
distinguishes subject, object, direct object; person, number, aspect
included in subject pronouns; tone indicates some verb aspect; passive; CV,
CVV, CCV; tonal. Levels of bilingualism in Hausa, Kambari, English are
0:30%, 1:40%, 2:13%, 3:10%, 4:5%, 5:2%. Riverine. Peasant agriculturalists.
Muslim. Work in progress.
CARA (CHARA, FACHARA, NFACHARA, FAKARA, PAKARA, TERA, TERIA, TERRI, TARIYA)
[CFD] 735 (1936; 1953 H.D. Gunn). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central,
North-Central. Survey needed.
CHE (RUKUBA, KUCHE, BACHE, INCHAZI) [RUK] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State,
Bassa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. The language is Kuche, a speaker Ache,
the people Bache. Bible portions 1924-1931.
CIBAK (CHIBUK, CHIBOK, CHIBBAK, CHIBBUK, KYIBAKU, KIBBAKU, KIKUK) [CKL]
100,000 (1993 CAPRO)). Borno State, Damboa LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
CISHINGINI (ASHAGANNA, ASHINGINI, ASCHINGINI, CHISINGINI, "MAUNCHI",
"MAWANCHI", KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI, YAURI, AGWARA KAMBARI) [ASG]
80,000 (1996). Niger State, Borgu and Agwara LGA's, just west of the Niger
River and north of the Kainji game park; and Kebbi State, east of the Niger
River from the Yelwa area south to Ngaski and Nasko. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Dialect: ROFIA. Close to Tsishingini and Tsikimba, but a separate language.
Speakers are called 'Ashingini'. Speakers can use Hausa, and some can use
English or other Kambari languages. Traditional religion, Christian,
Muslim. Bible portions 1994. Work in progress.
COMO KARIM (CHOMO, SHOMONG, SHOMOH, NUADHU, SHOMO KARIM, KINZIMBA, ASOM)
[CFG] Taraba State, Jalingo, Karim Lamido LGA's, near Lau. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified. Dialect: KARIM (KIRIM, KIYU).
Called 'Bakula' together with Shoo-Minda-Nyem, Jiru, and Jessi. Hunters,
fishermen. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
DADIYA (DADIANCI, NDA DIA, DADIA, BOLERI, DAADIYA, LOODIYA) [DBD] 2,300
(1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Balanga LGA; Gongola State, Numan LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Waja-Jen, Waja, Dadiya. Dialect: TUNGA. Survey needed.
DAFFO-BATURA (RON-DAFFO, CHALLA) [DAM] Plateau State, Mangu LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. Dialects: DAFFO, BATURA,
MANGAR, MONGUNA. Survey needed.
DASS [DOT] 8,830; including 1,130 Lukshi, 4,700 Durr-Baraza, 700 Wandi and
Zumbul, 2,300 Dot (1971 census). Bauchi State, Toro and Dass LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3. Dialects: LUKSHI (DUKSHI), DURR-BARAZA
(BANDAS), ZUMBUL (BOODLA), WANDI (WANGDAY), DOT (DWAT, ZODI DAT, DOTT). A
dialect cluster. Survey needed.
DAZA (DAZAWA) [DZD] Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, a few villages. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, Unclassified. Apparently different from Daza in Chad and
Niger, which is Saharan. Survey needed.
DEFAKA (AFAKANI) [AFN] 1,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Rivers
State, Bonny LGA, in the Niger Delta, town of Nkoro. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Defaka. Related to, but a separate language from the
Ijo group. Survey needed.
DEGEMA (ATALA, UDEKAMA) [DEG] 10,000 (SIL). Rivers State, Degema LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Dialects: ATALA, USOKUN (KALA DEGEMA). Survey needed.
DENDI (DANDAWA) [DEN] A few in Nigeria; 42,300 in Niger (1991); 30,000 in
Benin (1995 R. Jones SIM); 72,000 in all countries, or more. Kebbi State,
Argungu and Bagudo LGA's, on upper Niger River. Nilo-Saharan, Songhai. A
closely related language to Dyerma and Songhai. NT in press (1994).
DENO (DENAWA, DENWA, BE) [DBB] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
DERA (KANAKURU, DERU) [KNA] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Gongola State, Guyuk LGA;
Borno State, Biu LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Dera.
Dialects: KIRI, DERA. Some speakers use Hausa, Bura, Lala, Fulfulde,
Longuda, or English as second language. Many are educated. Most villages
have primary schools. Agriculturalists: guinea corn, peanuts, cotton;
hunters, fishermen. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible portions
1937. Survey needed.
DGHWEDE (HUDE, JOHODE, TRAUDE, DEHOXDE, TGHUADE, TOGHWEDE, WA'A, AZAGHVANA,
ZAGHVANA) [DGH] 30,000 (1980 UBS). Borno State, Gwoza LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. NT 1980.
DIJIM [CFA] 7,539, including 3,257 Cham, 4,282 Mwana (1968 Jungraithmayr).
Bauchi State, Balanga LGA; Gongola State, Numan LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen,
Waja, Cham-Mona. Dialects: CAM (CHAM), MWANA (MWANO, MWONA, MWOMO, MONA,
BWILIM). Cham and Mwana may be separate languages. Related to Lotsu-Piri.
Survey needed.
DIRI (DIRYA, DIRIYA, DIRYAWA) [DWA] 3,750 (1971). Bauchi State, Ningi and
Darazo LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. A separate language from
Tsagu. Survey needed.
DIRIM (DIRIN, DIRRIM, DAKA, DAKKA) [DIR] 9,000 (1992). Taraba State, Bali
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Northern, Dakoid. Closely related to Chamba Daka. Many blind people, caused
by filaria. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
DOKA [DBI] Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. Distinct from Duka.
Survey needed.
DOKO-UYANGA (UYANGA, DOSANGA, BASANGA, IKO) [UYA] A few. Cross River State,
Akamkpa LGA, several towns. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
Survey needed.
DONG (DONGA) [DOH] 5,000 to 10,000 (1995). Taraba State, Zing and Mayo
Belwa LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko. Distinct from Dongo (Donga) of
Zaïre, which is in the Amadi group of Ubangi (Adamawa-Ubangi). Survey needed.
DUGURI (DUGURAWA, DUGARWA, DUGURANCHI, DUKURI) [DBM] 12,000 (1973 SIL).
Bauchi State; Plateau State, Langtang LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. Dialects:
GAR DUGURI, BADARA DUGURI, NORTHEAST DUGURI, SOUTHWEST DUGURI. A member of
the Jarawa dialect cluster. Traditional religion, Christian.
DUGUZA (DUGUSA) [DZA] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Toro LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Survey needed.
DUKANCI (DUKA, DUKAWA, DUKWA, DUKANCHI, HUN-SAARE) [DUD] 73,000 including
10,000 outside the traditional area (1985 Patience Ahmed). Kebbi State,
Wasagu and Yauri LGA's; Niger State, Rijau LGA, and migrants farther south.
Dialect centers are Rijau-Senjir, Dukku-Iri, Zente-Dogo, and Darengi.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Duka. Dialects: EASTERN DUKA (HUN, ET-HUN, HUNE), WESTERN DUKA (ES-SAARE).
Dukawa from the west refer to the speech of the east as 'Es-Saare', just as
they refer to their own. 85% lexical similarity between Rijau and Dukku
dialects; 63% Duka with Puku-Geeri-Keri-Wipsi, 50% with Lela, 47% with
Gwamhi-Wuri. 2% literate. Savannah. Plains, hills. Peasant
agriculturalists, hunters. Altitude: 200 to 500 meters. Traditional
religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible portions 1974-1979. Work in progress.
DULBU [DBO] 100 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan,
Nigerian. Survey needed.
DUNGU (DUNGI, DINGI, DWINGI, DUNJAWA) [DBV] 310 (1949). Kaduna State,
Saminaka LGA, Dungi town. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Possibly a dialect of
Gure. Survey needed.
DUWAI [DBP] Yobe State, Bade LGA; Kano State, Hadejia LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, B, B.1, Duwai. In Bade language cluster. Survey needed.
DZA (JANJO, JENJO, JEN, NJENG, JA, ZAH, KARENJO) [JEN] 6,100 (1952). Taraba
State, Karim Lamido LGA, and Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Jen town, east of
Karim-Lamido town, south of Bambuka town, by the Benue River bank.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Waja-Jen, Jen. Agriculturalists, hunters. Traditional religion, Christian,
Muslim.
EBIRA (IGBIRRA, IGBARRA, IBARA, KOTOKORI, KATAWA, KWOTTO, IGBIRA, EGBIRA,
EGBURA) [IGB] 1,000,000 (1989 J. Adive). Kwara State, Okene, Okehi, and
Kogi LGA's; Plateau State, Nassarawa LGA; Bendel State, Akoko-Edo LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade.
Dialects: PANDA, HIMA (IHIMA, OKENE), IGARA (ETUNO), IGU (EGU, IKA, BIRA,
BIRI). Ebira is used in schools. 25% literate. Agriculturalists. Muslim,
traditional religion, Christian. NT 1981. Bible portions 1891-1960.
EBUGHU (ORON) [EBG] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo and Oron
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and
Blench 1992. Survey needed.
EDO (BINI, BENIN, ADDO, OVIEDO, OVIOBA) [EDO] 1,000,000 (1997 UBS). Bendel
State, Ovia, Oredo, and Orhionmwon LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. Used in
radio, television, adult, primary, and secondary education, dictionary,
history text, mother tongue authored literature. Roman script used.
National language. Bible in press (1995). NT 1981. Bible portions 1914-1935.
EFAI (EFFIAT) [EFA] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA, and in
Cameroon, Isangele Subdivision. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, East. May be a dialect
of Efik. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
EFIK (CALABAR) [EFK] 360,000 total first language speakers (1989); 10,000
in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 2,000,000 total second language speakers (1989).
Cross River State, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Akamkpa LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Lower Cross, East. The major dialect and literary language of the
Ibibio-Efik group. Used in radio, television, adult, primary, and secondary
education, university courses, mother tongue-authored literature,
dictionary, grammar. Roman script. National language. Typology: SVO. Bible
1868, in press (1995). NT 1862-1947. Bible portions 1850-1866.
EFUTOP (OFUTOP, AGBARAGBA) [OFU] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ikom
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Ekoid. Survey needed.
EGGON (EGON, MEGONG, MADA EGGON) [EGO] 140,368 (1990). Plateau State,
Akwanga and Lafia LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. Dialects:
MATATARWA, MATENGALA, HILL MADA. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
NT 1974. Bible portions 1935.
EJAGHAM (EKOI) [ETU] 45,000 in Nigeria; 35,000 in Cameroon; 80,000 in all
countries (1982 J. Watters SIL). Cross River State, Akampka, Idom,
Odukpani, Calabar LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. Dialects: SOUTHERN EJAGHAM (EKIN,
QUA, KWA, AQUA, ABAKPA), WESTERN EJAGHAM, EASTERN EJAGHAM. Western Ejagham
includes Bendeghe Etung (Bindege, Dindiga, Mbuma), Northern Etung, Southern
Etung, Ekwe, Akamkpa-Ejagham. Eastern Ejagham includes Keaka (Keaqa,
Kejaka, Edjagam), Obang (Eeafeng). Used in radio and TV news. Bible
portions 1985. Work in progress.
EKAJUK (AKAJO, AKAJUK) [EKA] 30,000 (1986 Asinya). Cross River State, Ogoja
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Ekoid. NT 1971.
EKIT (EKET) [EKE] 200,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo Ibeno and Eket
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Lower Cross, East. Related to Efik. Survey needed.
EKPARI (YACE, YACHE, YATYE, IYACE) [EKR] 10,000 (1982 UBS). Cross River
State, Ogoja LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa. 84% lexical similarity with Akpa. Bible portions 1980.
Work in progress.
EKPEYE [EKP] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Ahoada and Yenagoa LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Ekpeye.
Dialects: AKO, UPATA, UBYE, IGBUDUYA. Related to Igbo but not inherently
intelligible with it. Survey needed.
ELEME [ELM] 58,000 (1990 UBS). Rivers State, Otelga LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni,
West. Bible portions 1988. Work in progress.
ELOYI (AFO, AFU, AHO, AFAO, EPE, KEFFI) [AFO] 25,000 (SIL). Plateau State,
Awe and Nassarawa LGA's; Benue State, Otukpo LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Eloyi. Dialects:
MBECI, MBAMU. People use Hausa as second language. They are 5% literate in
Hausa. Traditional religion, Muslim Christian. Work in progress.
EMAI-IULEHA-ORA (KUNIBUM, IVBIOSAKON) [EMA] 100,000 (1987 Schaefer). Edo
State, Owan LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. Dialects: IVHIMION, EMAI, IULEHA, ORA.
Dialect cluster. Ora is used in initial primary education. Traditional
religion. Bible portions 1908-1910. Survey needed.
ENGENNI (NGENE, EGENE) [ENN] 20,000 (1980 UBS). Rivers State, Ahoada and
Yenagoa LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, Delta. Dialects: EDIRO, INEDUA, OGUA. NT 1977. Bible portions 1968.
ENGLISH [ENG] Second language speakers: 1,000,000 (1977 Voegelin and
Voegelin); 322,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Indo-European, Germanic,
West, North Sea, English. Used in government, education. National language.
Bible 1535-1989. NT 1525-1985. Bible portions 1530-1987.
EPIE (EPIE-ATISSA) [EPI] 12,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Dialect: ATISA (ATISSA). Most speakers are bilingual in Ijo. Survey needed.
ERUWA (EROHWA, ERAKWA, AROKWA) [ERH] Bendel State, Isoko LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. Related to
Urhobo. Most speakers are bilingual in Central Isoko, which is replacing
Eruwa. Not intelligible with any Isoko dialect. Survey needed.
ESAN (ISHAN, ISA, ESA, ANWAIN) [ISH] 200,000 (1973 SIL). Bendel State,
Agbazko, Okpebho, Owan, and Etsako LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. Dialects:
EKPON, IGUEBEN. Many dialects, apparently inherently intelligible. A
regionally important language. Used in initial primary education, TV. 99%
speak or understand Nigerian Pidgin English. Tropical forest. Plains.
Peasant agriculturalists: yams, bananas, oranges, plantains, cassava;
hunters. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.. Bible portions 1974. Work
in progress.
ETEBI [ETB] 15,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo Ibeno LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, East. 'Oron' and 'Ekit' are incorrect names. Listed separately in
Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
ETULO (ETURO, UTUR, TURUMAWA) [UTR] 10,000 (1988 Shain). Benue State, Gboko
LGA; Taraba State, Wukari LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Etulo. Traditional religion,
Christian (small).
EVAND (EVANT, AVAND, AVANDE, OVAND, OVANDE, OVANDO, BALEGETE, BELEGETE)
[BZZ] 10,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1996 R. Hedinger); 1,000 or fewer in
Cameroon (1996 R. Hedinger); 11,000 or fewer in all countries. Cross River
State, Obudu LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 50% lexical similarity with Icheve, Tiv, and
Otanga. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
FALI OF BAISSA [FAH] Some speakers left (1992 Crozier & Blench). Southern
Taraba State, Falinga Plateau region. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. Nearly extinct.
FAM [FAM] 1,000 or fewer (1984). Southeast, north of the Mambila Plateau,
west of Serti, east of Bibinu, Taraba State, Bali LGA, 17 km. east of
Kungana. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Northern, Fam. Not closely related to other languages. Survey needed.
FIRAN [FIR] 1,500 or fewer (1991 C. Regnier). Plateau State, Barkin Ladi
LGA, Kwakwi Station south of Jos. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. A separate, but
related language to Izere. Survey needed.
FULFULDE, ADAMAWA (EASTERN FULANI, FULFULDE, FULATANCHI, FILLANCI, FULA,
FULBE, FULANI) [FUB] 760,000 or more in all countries; 7,611,000 all
Fulfulde in Nigeria, or 8.6% of the population (1991 SIL). East central
Nigeria, Taraba and Adamawa States, center in Yola. Also in Cameroon, Chad,
and Sudan. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian,
Fula-Wolof, Fulani, Eastern. The language is Fulatanchi, Fillanci, or Fula;
a speaker is Pullo; the people are Fulbe or Fulani. National language,
trade language. Muslim, traditional religion. Bible 1983. NT 1963-1964.
Bible portions 1919-1966.
FULFULDE, KANO-KATSINA-BORORRO [FUV] (7,611,000 all Fulfulde in Nigeria;
1991 SIL). Kano-Katsina dialect is spoken in the area of Kano, Katsina,
Zaria, Jos Plateau and southeast to Bauchi; Gombe is the center. The
Bororro dialect is in Bornu State; Maiduguri is the center. Also in Niger,
Cameroon, Chad, and Central African Republic. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, East Central.
Dialects: KANO-KATSINA, BORORRO (BORORO, MBORORO, AKO, NOMADIC FULFULDE).
Muslim. Work in progress.
FULFULDE, SOKOTO [FUQ] (7,611,000 all Fulfulde in Nigeria; 1991 SIL).
Sokoto State. Also in Niger. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic,
Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, East Central. One of the major
Fulbe geo-political units. Sokoto dialect is distinct from the other
dialects in Nigeria (Arnott 1970). Muslim.
FUNGWA (URA, ULA) [ULA] 1,000 (1992 Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Kamuku. Survey needed.
FYAM (PYAM, PYEM, PAIEM, GYEM, FEM, PEM) [PYM] 36,440 (1990). Plateau
State, Jos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern. Closest to Horom.
FYER (FIER) [FIE] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Mangu LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer. Survey needed.
GA'ANDA (GA'ANDU, GANDA, MOKAR, MAKWAR) [GAA] 43,000 (1992). Adamawa State,
Gombi LGA. Some also in Song, Guyuk, and Mubi LGA's, and Borno State, Biu
LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. Dialects: GA'ANDA,
GABIN. 14 villages have primary schools, and Gaanda has a secondary school.
Speakers are becoming more interested in education. Hausa and Fulfulde are
used as second languages. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey
needed.
GADE (GEDE, GODE) [GED] 60,000 (1977 Sterk). Federal Capital Territory and
Plateau State, Nassarawa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade. Considered to be conservative by
neighbors. Important district language. Traditional religion, Muslim.
GALAMBU (GALAMBI, GALAMBE, GALEMBI) [GLO] 20,000 (1993). Bauchi State,
Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Survey
needed.
GAMO-NINGI [BTE] Ethnic group of 15,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi
State, Ningi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Dialects: GAMO (BUTA, MBUTA, MBOTU,
BA-BUCHE, BA-MBUTU), NINGI. The people now speak Hausa. Formerly a dialect
cluster. Muslim, traditional religion. Extinct.
GANA (GANAWA, SI-GANA) [GNH] Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos,
Jera. Nearly extinct.
GBAGYI (GWARI MATAYI, GWARI MATAI, GBARI MATTAI, GENGE) [GBR] 700,000 (1991
SIL). Niger State, Rafi, Chanchaga, Shiroro, Suleija LGA's; Kaduna State,
Kachi LGA; Plateau State, Keffi, Nassarawa LGA's; Federal Capital
Territory. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid,
Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari. Dialects: TAWARI, KUTA, DIKO, KARU, KADUNA,
LOUOME, VWEZHI, NGENGE (GENGE, GYANGE, GYENGYEN). Agriculturalists,
pastoralists. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1956, in press
(1995). Bible portions 1913-1938.
GBARI (GBARI YAMMA, GWARI YAMMA, WEST GWARI, NKWA) [GBY] 300,000 (1991
SIL). From Zungeru in Niger State to the Kaduna River in the north,
southeast through Minna and Paiko to a little past Kwali in the Federal
Capital Territory. Niger State, Chanchaga, Suleija, Agaie, and Lapai LGA's;
Plateau State, Nassarawa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari. Dialects: KWALI, IZEM,
GAYEGI, PAIKO, BOTAI, JEZHU, KONG, KWANGE (KANGYE, AGBAWI, WAKE, WI), WAHE.
Dialects share 89% to 98% lexical similarity; 66% to 78% with Gbagyi
dialects. Speakers do not want to be considered Gbagyi. 5% to 15% literate.
Mountains. Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, some Muslim. Bible
portions 1925-1926. Work in progress.
GBAYA, NORTHWEST (BAYA) [GYA] Very few in Nigeria; 334,000 or more in all
countries. Taraba State, Bali LGA. Mainly in Central African Republic. Also
in Cameroon and Congo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya, Gbaya. Dialect: GBEYA (GBEA). Bible 1994. NT
1951-1982. Bible portions 1933-1975.
GBIRI-NIRAGU (GURE-KAHUGU) [GRH] 5,000 (1952 Westermann and Bryan). Kaduna
State, Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Dialects: GBIRI (IGBIRI, AGARI,
AGBIRI, GURA, GURE), NIRAGU (KAHUGU, KAPUGU, KAFUGU, KAGU, ANIRAGO). Survey
needed.
GEJI (GEZAWA, GEJAWA) [GEZ] 2,650 (1971); 1,250 Bolu, 650 Geji, 750
Zaranda. Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar
Proper. Dialects: BOLU (MAGANG, PELU), GEJI (GYAAZI, GEZAWA, GAEJAWA),
ZARANDA (BUU). Geji dialect cluster, in Barawa language cluster. Survey
needed.
GENGLE (WEGELE, MOMU, YAGELE) [GEG] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. Hausa is used as second
language. Not the same as Gongla. Traditional religion, Christian, Mulsim.
Survey needed.
GERA (GERAWA) [GEW] 13,300 (1971). Bauchi State, Bauchi and Darazo LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Survey needed.
GERUMA (GEREMA, GERMA) [GEA] 4,700 (1971). Bauchi State, Toro and Darazo
LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Survey needed.
GEVOKO (GVOKO, GHBOKO, GAVOKO, KUVOKO, NGOSSI, NGOSHI, NGOSHE-NDHANG,
NGWESHE-NDAGHAN, NGOSHE SAMA, NGGWESHE) [NGS] 20,000 or more in Nigeria
(1990). Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, Michika LGA. Also in
Cameroon. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper,
Glavda. A separate but related language to Glavda and Guduf. Survey needed.
GHOTUO (OTWA, OTUO) [AAA] 9,000 (1952). Edo State, Owan and Akoko-Edo
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid,
North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. Survey needed.
GIBANAWA (GEMBANAWA, GIMBANAWA, JEGA) [GIB] Sokoto State, Jega LGA, near
the Dukawa. Unclassified. May be related to Duka, or be Hausa-speaking
Fulani. The largest group in Jega LGA. Survey needed.
GIIWO (KIRFI, KIRIFI, KIRIFAWA) [KKS] 14,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State,
Alkaleri, Bauchi, and Darazo LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2,
Bole, Bole Proper. Survey needed.
GLAVDA (GALAVDA, GELEBDA, GLANDA, GUELEBDA, VALE, GALVAXDAXA) [GLV] 20,000
in Nigeria (1963); 2,800 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 22,800 in all countries.
Borno State, Gwoza LGA, mainly in Nggoshe village (different from Ngoshi),
and in Agapalawa, Amuda, Vale, Ashigashiya, Kerawa, Pelekwa villages.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Dialects: BOKWA, NGOSHIE (NGWESHE), GLAVDA, CINENI. Cineni may be a dialect
or separate ethnic group. Closely related to Guduf. Distinct from Vale of
Chad and Central African Republic, which is Chari-Nile. 5% literate.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Bible portions 1967.
GOEMAI (ANKWAI, ANKWEI, ANKWE, KEMAI) [ANK] 200,000 or more (1995). Plateau
State, Shendam, Lafia, and Awe LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3,
Angas Proper, 2. Hausa is used as lingua franca. Traditional religion, Muslim.
GOKANA [GKN] 100,000 (1989). Rivers State, Gokana, Tai-Eleme LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Ogoni, East. NT in press (1996). Bible portions 1993.
GUDE (CHEKE, TCHADE, SHEDE, MUBI, MAPODI, MAPUDA, NGUF, NDAN-DAN KWA,
ZIRTALI, DAMANUNUKWA) [GDE] 68,000 in Nigeria (1987); 28,000 in Cameroon;
96,000 in all countries. Adamawa State, Mubi LGA; Borno State, Askira-Uba
LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Different dialects are
spoken in Cameroon and Nigeria but they are inherently intelligible.
Speakers use Hausa, Fulfulde, Nzzanyi, or English as second languages.
Muslim, traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1974-1995. Work in
progress.
GUDU (GUDO, GUTU, KUDOMOHADA) [GDU] 5,000 (1993). Adamawa State, Song LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Dialect: KUMBI. Formerly the
culture and religion were similar to the Ngwaba. Muslim. Survey needed.
GUDUF (GUDUPE, AFKABIYE) [GDF] 21,300 in all countries (1963). Borno State,
Gwoza LGA, mainly in Gava, 11'6" N, 13'46" E; Cikide and Guduf. Also in
Cameroon. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper,
Glavda. Dialects: CIKIDE (CHIKIDE), GUDUF, GAVA (YAGHWATADAXA, YAWOTATAXA),
CINENI. 56% lexical similarity with Hedi, 50% with Lamang and Mabas.
Closely related to Glavda. Hedi speakers have 35% intelligibility of Guduf.
Wolff (1971) separates Guduf from Gevoko and Glavda. Cineni may be a
separate language. Bible portions 1966. Survey needed.
GUN-GBE (GBE, GOUN, GUN, GU, EGUN, GUGBE, ALADA, ALADA-GBE, GUN-ALADA)
[GUW] 500,000 in all countries (1991 UBS); 320,000 in Benin (1993
Johnstone). Lagos State, Badagry LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja. Bible 1923-1972. NT 1892-1919. Bible
portions 1886-1910. Work in progress.
GURMANA [GRC] 3,000 (1989). Niger State, Shiroro LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana.
Basa-Gurmana (Koromba) may be a dialect. Survey needed.
GURUNTUM-MBAARU (GURUNTUM, MBAARU) [GRD] 15,000 (1993). Bauchi State,
Bauchi and Alkaleri LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Survey needed.
GWA [GWB] 1,000 or fewer (1971). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan,
Nigerian. Related to Lame. Survey needed.
GWAMHI-WURI (LYASE, LYASE-NE) [BGA] 8,000 (1973 SIL). Kebbi State, Wasagu
LGA, Danko-Maga area, and Niger State, Magama LGA, Dusai and Kwimu.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Duka. Dialects: GWAMHI (GWAMFANCI, GWAMFI, ABAANGI, BANGA, BANGANCI,
BANGAWA), WURI (WURANCI, WURAWA). 57% lexical similarity with
Puku-Geeri-Keri-Wipsi, 47% with Duka, 43% with Lela. 'Bangawa' is the Hausa
name for the people, 'Banganci' for the language; 'Lyase' means 'mother
tongue'. The two dialects have slight lexical and tonal differences. Many
Gwamfawa are assimilating to Lela culture and language, while the Wurawa
are assimilating to Hausa. The Gwamfawa are around Danko and the Wurawa
around Maga. Migrants are in Niger State. Survey needed.
GWANDARA (KWANDARA) [GWN] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Niger State, Suleija LGA;
Federal Capital Territory; Kaduna State, Kachia; Plateau State, Keffi,
Lafia, Nassarawa, and Akwanga LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1.
Dialects: KARASHI, GWANDARA CENTRAL, GWANDARA WESTERN (KORO), GWANDARA
SOUTHERN (KYAN KYAR), GWANDARA EASTERN (TONI), GWANDARA GITATA. Traditional
religion, Muslim.
GWOMU (GWOMO, GOMU, MOO) [GWG] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of
Karim Lamido town, off the Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road, close to Gomu
Mountain. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. In the Bikwin ethnic cluster. Agriculturalists,
animal husbandry, fishermen. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
GYEM (GYEMAWA, GEMA, GEMAWA) [GYE] 100 (1971). Bauchi State, Toro LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Different from Fyam (Gyem). Survey needed.
HAM (HYAM, HUM, JABA, JABBA, JEBA) [JAB] 100,000 (1994 UBS). Kaduna State,
Kachia and Jema'a LGA's; Plateau State, Keffi LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western,
Northwestern, Jaba. Dialects: HAM (HYAM, JABA), CORI (CHORI), SHAMANG
(SAMBAN), ZHIRE (KENYI). Hyam, Cori, Shamang, and Zhire may be separate
languages. Traditional religion. Bible portions 1921-1923. Work in progress.
HAUSA (HAUSAWA, HAOUSSA, ABAKWARIGA, MGBAKPA, HABE, KADO) [HUA] 18,525,000
in Nigeria, 20.9% of the population (1991 SIL); 3,250,000 in Niger; 23,500
in Cameroon; 9,600 in Togo (1991); 500 in Burkina Faso (1991); 418,000 in
Sudan (1993); 4,000 in Congo (1993); 22,000,000 in all countries, first
language speakers (1991); 38,000,000 first and second lang uage speakers
(1995 WA). Spoken as a first language in large areas of Sokoto, Kaduna,
Katsina, Kano and Bauchi states, and in Niger. Spoken as a second language
in the northern half of Nigeria. Also in Chad, Benin, Ghana. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.1. Dialects: EASTERN HAUSA, WESTERN HAUSA, NORTH HAUSA.
Both Roman and Ajami scripts are used. Official language in the north.
Barikanchi is a Hausa pidgin used in military barracks. There is a pidgin
or market Hausa. Subdialects of Eastern Hausa: Kano, Katagum, Hadejiya; of
Western Hausa: Sokoto, Katsina, Gobirawa, Adarawa, Kebbawa, Zamfarawa; of
North Hausa: Arewa, Arawa. Abakwariga is a subgroup. Grammar. Dictionary.
National language. Typology: SVO. Muslim, traditional religion (Maguzawa),
Christian. Braille Bible portions. Bible 1932-1980. NT 1880, in press
(1993). Bible portions 1857-1988.
HEDI (HIDE, HYIDE, XADI, XEDI, GRA) [TUR] 9,000 in Nigeria (1992); 10,000
in all countries (1982 SIL). Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, Michika
LGA; along the Cameroon border, across from Tourou; part of one village.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang. Dialect: TUR (TURU,
TOUROU, FTOUR). Little education. 1 primary school. Mountain slope.
Agriculturalists: guinea corn, beans, millet. Traditional religion,
Christian, Muslim. Work in progress.
HOROM ("KALERI") [HOE] 500 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Mangu LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Southeastern. "Kaleri" is a derogatory name. Survey needed.
HUBA (KILBA, CHOBBA, HOBBE, NYA-HOBBE, XIBBA, NDIRMA, WUDING, PELLA) [KIR]
175,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Hong, Gombi, and Mubi LGA's. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. Dialect: LUWA. Speakers use Hausa or
Fulfulde as second language. Nearly all villages have primary schools; some
have secondary schools. Mountain slope. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry:
cattle, weavers, cloth dyers. Bible portions 1976.
HUNGWORO (NGWOI, NKWOI, NGWE, INGWO, INGWE, UNGWE) [NAT] 1,000 (1949; 1956
H.D. Gunn). Niger State, Rafi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. 50% to 52% lexical
similarity with Kamuku dialects. Survey needed.
HWANA (HWONA, HONA, HUNA, WHANA, TUFTERA, FITERYA, KURTIGA) [HWO] 32,000
(1992). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, and some in Song and Hong LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. The neighboring Bura
consider them to be conservative. 'Tuftera' is their name for their
language, 'Fiterya' for themselves. Four divisions: Hwana Guyaku, Hwana
Tawa, Ngithambara, and Hwana Barni. Speakers use Fulfulde, Hausa, Kilba,
and Gaanda as second languages. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry: cattle,
goats; hunters. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
IBANI (BONNY, UBANI) [IBY] 60,000 (1989 UBS). Rivers State, Bonny and
Degema LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern,
Northeastern, Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. Bible portions 1892-1986.
IBIBIO [IBB] 3,186,000 or 3.6% of the population (1991 SIL). Akwa Ibom
State, Itu, Uyo, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Ikono, Ekpe-Atai, Uruan, Onna,
Nsit-Ubium, and Mkpat Enin LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, East. Dialects: ENYONG,
NKARI. Closely related to Efik. Efik is decreasing in use as literary
language. It is the main trade language of Akwa Ibom State. Trade language.
Christian. Work in progress.
IBINO (IBENO, IBUNO) [IBN] 10,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo-Ibeno LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Lower Cross, West. Survey needed.
IBUORO [IBR] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Itu and Ikono LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Lower Cross, East. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992.
Survey needed.
ICEN (ICHEN, ITCHEN, ETKYWAN, ETEKWE~, KYATO, KENTU, NYIDU) [ICH] 40,000 to
50,000 (1992). Taraba State, Takum, Sardauna, Bali, and part of Wukari
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Kpan-Icen, Icen. Related to Kpan. Some speak
Hausa as second language. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.
ICEVE-MACI (ICHEVE, OCHEBE, OCHEVE, OCEVE, UTSE, UTSER, UTSEU) [BEC] 5,000
in all countries (SIL). Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Also in Cameroon.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Tivoid. Dialects: MACI (MATCHI, OLITI, OLITHI, OLIT, KWAYA, OLITI-AKWAYA,
MOTOM, MOTOMO), BACHEVE (BECHEVE, BECHERE, BEHEVE, BACEVE). Maci and
Bacheve have 80% lexical similarity. Work in progress.
IDERE [IDE] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Itu LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey
needed.
IDOMA [IDO] 600,000 (1991 UBS). Benue State, Otukpo and Okpokwu LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya,
Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. Dialects: IDOMA CENTRAL (OTURKPO, AKPOTO), IDOMA WEST,
IDOMA SOUTH (IGUMALE, IGWAALE, IJIGBAM). Dialect cluster. Used in radio,
television, adult and primary education. National language. Bible in press
(1995). NT 1970. Bible portions 1927-1957.
IDON (IDONG) [IDC] Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. Survey needed.
IDUN (LUNGU, UNGU, ADONG) [LDB] 10,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro. Different from Idon. Traditional
religion. Survey needed.
IGALA (IGARA) [IGL] 800,000 (1989 UBS). Benue State, Ankpa, Idah, Dekina,
and Bassa LGA's; Edo State, Agbazko and Oshimili LGA's; Anambra State,
Anambra LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid,
Yoruboid, Igala. Dialects: EBU, IDAH, ANKPA, IBAJI. Used in initial primary
education. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Bible 1970. NT
1935-1948. Bible portions 1924-1958.
IGBO (IBO) [IGR] 17,000,000 or 16.6% of the population (1995 WA). Abia
State, Anambra State, Igbo-Eze, Nsukka, Isi Uzo, Igbo Etiti, Uzo Uwani,
Anambra, Udi, Enugu, Nkanu, Eze Agu, Awka, Njikoko, Awgu, Onitsha, Aguatu,
Idemili, Nnewi, Ihala LGA's; Imo State; Rivers State, Ikwerre-Etche, Bonny,
and Ahoada LGA's; and Edo State, Oshimili, Anoicha, Ika, and Ndokwa LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Dialects: OWERRI (ISUAMA), ONITSHA, UMUAHIA (OHUHU), ORLU, NGWA, AFIKPO,
NSA, OGUTA, ANIOCHA, ECHE, EGBEMA. 30 dialects vary in inherent
intelligibility. A standard literary form is developing from the dialect of
Owerri and Umuahia. The main trade language of Anambra and Imo States; the
official language in the southeast. Used for government notices, radio,
television, mother tongue authored literature. Roman script is used.
National language. Christian, traditional religion. Braille code available.
Bible 1906-1988. NT 1900-1981. Bible portions 1860-1950.
IGEDE (IGEDDE, EGEDE) [IGE] 250,000 (1991 UBS). Benue State, Oju, Otukpo,
and Okpokwu LGA's; Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma,
Idoma. Dialects: ITO, OJU (CENTRAL IGEDE), WORKU, GABU. NT 1981. Bible
portions 1937.
IGUTA (NARAGUTA, ANAGUTA) [NAR] 6,123 (1990). Plateau State, Bassa LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Iguta is the language, Unaguta a speaker, Anaguta or
Naragutawa the people. Survey needed.
IJO, CENTRAL-WESTERN (IZON, IZO, UZO) [IJC] 338,700 (1977 Voegelin and
Voegelin); 100,000 in Kolokuma (1991 UBS); 1,770,000 all Ijo languages, 2%
of the population (1991 SIL). Rivers State, Yenagoa and Sagbama LGA's;
Delta State, Burutu, Warri, and Ughelli LGA's; Ondo State, Ikale, Ilaje
Ese-Odo LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Central
Western. Dialects: IDUWINI, OGULAGHA, OPOROZA (GBARANMATU), AROGBO, EGBEMA,
OLODIAMA EAST, OLODIAMA WEST, FURUPAGHA, KABO (PATANI), KUMBO, TARAKIRI
EAST, TARAKIRI WEST, MEIN (NORTHWEST IZON), TUOMO, OPEREMOR, SEIMBRI,
OGBOIN, OIAKIRI, OPOROMA, APOI, GBANRAIN, KOLUKUMA (KOLOKUMA, NORTH IZON),
BUMO (SOUTH CENTRAL IZON), EKPETIAMA, IKIBIRI, BOMA, OGBE IJO. The Ijo
(Ijaw) group is made up of seven separate languages. Central-Western Ijo
has about 30 inherently intelligible dialects. The Kolokuma dialect is used
in radio, television, and adult and primary education. Bible portions
1912-1924. Work in progress.
IJO, SOUTHEAST (IJAW, BRASS IJO) [IJO] 71,500 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin);
66,600 Nembe, 4,900 Akassa. Rivers State, Brass LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Southeastern. Dialects: NEMBE (NIMBE),
AKASSA (AHASA). A separate language within the Ijo cluster. Bible 1956. NT
1927. Bible portions 1886-1943.
IKA [IKK] Delta State, Ika and Orhionmwon LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. A separate language
in the Igbo language cluster. Survey needed.
IKO [IKI] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Abasi LGA, 3
villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross
River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, West. Culturally they consider themselves
Obolo, but they cannot use Obolo literature. Listed separately by Crozier
and Blench 1992.
IKPESHI (IKPESHE, EKPESHE) [IKP] 1,826 (1957 Bradbury). Bendel State,
Etsako LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid,
North-Central, Unclassified. Survey needed.
IKU-GORA-ANKWA (IKU) [IKV] Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern.
Survey needed.
IKULU (IKOLU, ANKULU) [IKU] 6,000 (1949). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Northern. Survey needed.
IKWERE (IKWERRE, IKWERRI) [IKW] 200,000 probably (1973 SIL). Rivers State,
Ikwerre, Port Harcourt, and Obio LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. Dialects: OBIOPO-MGBU-TOLU,
OGBAKIRI, EMOWHUA, NDELE, ELELE, OMERELU, EGBEDA, ALUU, IGWURUTA, IBAA,
ISIOKPO, OMAGWA. Considerable local interest in language and literacy.
Important language. A separate language in the Igbo language cluster.
ILUE [ILE] 5,000 or less (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Oron LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992.
Diminishing in size. Survey needed.
IRIGWE (IREGWE, AREGWE, RIGWE, NNERIGWE, KWOLL, KWAL, MIANGO, NYANGO,
IDAFAN, KWAN, NKARIGWE) [IRI] 40,000 (1985 UBS). Plateau State, Bassa and
Birikin-Ladi LGA's; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central,
South-Central. The language is Nkarigwe or Rigwe, the people are Nnerigwe
or Miyango. Bible portions 1923-1935.
ISEKIRI (ITSEKIRI, ISHEKIRI, SHEKIRI, JEKRI, CHEKIRI, IWERE, IRHOBO, WARRI,
ISELEMA-OTU, SELEMO) [ITS] 510,000 (1991 UBS). Delta State, Warri, Bomadi,
and Ethiope LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri. Closely related to Yoruba. Used in initial
primary education. NT 1985. Bible portions 1974-1985.
ISOKO ("IGABO", "SOBO", BIOTU) [ISO] 321,000 (1993 Johnstone). Delta State,
Isoko and Ndokwa LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. "Sobo" and "Igabo" are offensive names. A
regionally important language. Used in initial primary education. Bible
1977. NT 1970. Bible portions 1920-1932.
ITO [ITW] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Akamkpa LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey
needed.
ITU MBON UZO (ITU MBUZO) [ITM] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Ikono
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Lower Cross, East. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench
1992. Survey needed.
IVBIE NORTH-OKPELA-ARHE [ATG] 20,000 possibly (1973 SIL). Edo State, Etsako
and Akoko-Edo LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, North-Central, Unclassified. Dialects: IVBIE NORTH (IBIE NORTH),
OKPELA (OKPELLA, UKPELLA, UPELLA), ARHE (ATTE, ATE). Dialect cluster.
Survey needed.
IYAYU (IDOANI) [IYA] 9,979 (1963). Ondo State, one-quarter of Idoani town.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern,
Osse. Listed separately from Uhami in Crozier & Blench 1992. The people are
sometimes called 'Idoani'. Survey needed.
IZERE (IZAREK, FIZERE, FEZERE, FESEREK, AFIZAREK, AFIZARE, AFUSARE, JARI,
JARAWA, JARAWAN DUTSE, HILL JARAWA, JOS-ZARAZON) [FIZ] 50,000 (1993 SIL).
Southern dialects: Plateau State, Birikin Ladi LGA; Northern dialects:
Plateau State, Jos LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA; and Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Central, South-Central. Dialects: NORTHWEST IZERE, NORTHEAST
IZERE, SOUTH IZERE, GANANG-FAISHANG. The language is called 'Izarek',
'Izere', or 'Izer'; a speaker 'Bajari', the people 'Jarawa', 'Afizarek',
'Afizere', 'Afudelek', 'Fizere', 'Feserek', 'Fezere', 'Hill Jarawa',
'Jarawan Dutse'. 'Jos-Zarazon' is the name of indigenous speakers in Jos.
The Fobor dialect is prestigious, and is used on the radio. Northwest Izere
subdialects: Fobor (Fobur) and Shere; Northeast Izere: Fedare (Zandi,
Zendi), Jarawan Kogi (Maigemu), and Fursom (Fursum); South Izere: Forom
(Ichen); Ganang and Faishang. Firan is a separate language. 25% to 50%
literate. Bible portions 1940. Work in progress.
IZI-EZAA-IKWO-MGBO [IZI] 593,000 (1973 SIL) including 200,000 Izi, 180,000
Ezaa, 150,000 Ikwo, 63,000 Mgbo. Anambra State, Abakaliki, Ezza, and
Ishielu LGA's; Benue State, Okpokwu LGA; Abia State, Ohaozara LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Dialects: IZI (IZZI), EZAA (EZA), IKWO, MGBO (NGBO). Dialect cluster within
the Igbo language cluster. Braille NT. NT 1980.
IZORA (CHOKOBO, COKOBO, CIKOBU, CHIKOBO, COKOBANCI, AZORA) [CBO] 425 (1936;
1953 H.D. Gunn). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. The language
is Izora or Cokobanci; a speaker is Bacokobi; the speakers are Cokobawa or
Ndazora. Survey needed.
JANJI (ANAFEJANZI, JENJI, TIJANJI, AJANJI) [JNI] 360 (1950). Plateau State,
Bassa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Tijanji is the language, Ujanji a speaker,
Ajanji the people. Survey needed.
JARA (JERA) [JAF] 40,000 (1973). Borno State, Biu LGA; Bauchi State, Akko
LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western. Different from
Jera, which is Benue-Congo. Survey needed.
JARAWA (JARANCHI, JAR, JARA, JARAWAN KOGI) [JAR] 150,000 (1978 MARC),
including 20,000 Bankal, 19,000 Gingwak. Bauchi, Adamawa, and Plateau
States. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. Dialects: BANKAL (BANKALA, BARANCI), LIGRI,
KANAM, BOBAR, GINGWAK (GWAK, JARAWAN BUNUNU, JARACIN KASA). Dialect
cluster. Most men speak Hausa but most women understand little Hausa.
Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible portions 1940. Survey needed.
JERA (JEERE) [JER] 23,000 (1973 SIL); including 2,350 Buji (1963), 2,350
Gusu (1936), 4,500 Jere (1936), 2,000 Ribina (1971), 850 Gurrum (1936).
Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Dialects: BUJI (EBOZE, ANABEZE), GUSU (GUSAWA,
GUSSUM, GESAWA, GUZAWA, ISANGA, ASANGA, ANIBAU, ANOSANGOBARI), JERE
(JERIYAWA, EZELLE, AZELLE, JENGRE), RIBINA (REBINA, BUNU, IBUNU, NARABUNU,
ANORUBUNA, GURRUM, ANEGOROM). One dialect is Ezelle, a speaker is Ozelle or
Bajere; the speakers are Azelle or Jarawa. Another dialect is Eboze, a
speaker is Unabeze, speakers are Anabeze. Distinct from Jara, which is
Chadic. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
JIBU (JIBAWA, JIBANCI, JIBANCHI, JUBAWA) [JIB] 25,000 (1987 SIL). Taraba
State, Gashaka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun. Dialects:
GAYAM, GARBABI, JIBU KOINE. Speakers use Jukun as second language. Some
living near the main roads can also speak Fulfulde and Hausa. Few have
finished secondary school. The Jibu living in the Gashaka Mts. are called
'Gumka'. 5% to 15% literate. Mountain slope, plains. Agriculturalists.
Traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1973. Work in progress.
JIDA-ABU (JIDDA-ABU, JIDDA, JIDA, IBUT, NAKARE) [JID] Plateau State,
Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. Survey needed.
JILBE (ZOULBOU) [JIE] 2,000 or fewer (1995). Borno State, Jilbe town, on
the border of Cameroon across from the town of Dabanga. 1 village only.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1. Speakers of other Kotoko
languages (in Cameroon and Chad) consistently report low intelligibility
with Jilbe. May be the same as Ziziliveken. Muslim. Survey needed.
JIMBIN (JIMBINAWA, ZUMBUN) [JMB] 1,500 (1971). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. Survey needed.
JIMI [JMI] 400 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Jimi village; Adamawa
State, Song LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Eastern. Dialect:
ZUMO. Different from Jimi in Cameroon in the Biu-Mandara group. Survey needed.
JIRU (WIYAP, KIR, ATAK, ZHIRU) [JRR] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified. Traditional religion,
Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
JJU (KAJE, KAJJI, KACHE) [KAJ] 300,000 (1988 C. McKinney SIL). Kaduna
State, Kachia and Jema'a LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. 50% to 75% literate.
NT 1982.
JORTO [JRT] 4,876 (1934 Ames). Plateau State, Shendam LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. Survey needed.
JU [JUU] 900 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West,
B, B.3, Guruntum. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
JUKUN TAKUM (DIYI, NJIKUM, JUKUN) [JBU] Second language speakers in Nigeria
are 40,000 (1979 UBS); no first language speakers in Nigeria. 1,700 first
language speakers, and 6,000 second language speakers in Cameroon (1986 R.
Breton). Taraba State, Takum, Sardauna, and Bali LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Kpan-Icen, Kpan. Dialects: TAKUM, DONGA (AKPANZHI). The name
'Njikum' is preferred in Cameroon. Formerly founders of the Kwararafa
Kingdom, which existed from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Trade language.
Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. NT 1980. Bible portions 1918.
JUKUN WURKUM (WURKUM, KUKULIM, KONA JUKUN) [JUI] Taraba State, Bali,
Jalingo, Karim Lamido LGA's; Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified. In the Jukun language
cluster. Traditional religion. Bible portions 1927-1950. Survey needed.
KADARA (ADARA) [KAD] 40,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA; Niger
State, Chanchaga LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. Dialects: KAJURU (JAJURU, AJURE),
MINNA, KACHIA, IRI. 20% literate. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
KAGOMA (GWONG, GYONG, KWONG, AGOMA) [KDM] 6,250 (1934; 1956 H.D. Gunn).
Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. Survey needed.
KAIVI (KAIBI) [KCE] 650 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos,
Kauru. Survey needed.
KAKIHUM [KXE] 15,000 estimate (1996). Northern Niger State. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. Survey
needed.
KALABARI [IJN] 257,764 (1989 Jenewari). Rivers State, Degema and Bonny
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern,
Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. A dialect cluster within the Ijo language cluster.
Okrika and Ibani are closely related. NT in press (1996). Bible portions
1980-1991. Work in progress.
KAM (YIMWOM, NYIWOM, NYINGWOM) [KDX] 5,000 (1993). Taraba State, Bali LGA,
18 villages between Mayo Kam and Garba Chede. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kam. Speakers use Hausa or
Fulfulde as second language. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
Survey needed.
KAMANTAN (KAMANTON, ANGAN) [KCI] 10,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State,
Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
KAMKAM (BUNGNU, BUNU, BUNGUN, GBUNHU, KAKABA, KABBA) [BGU] 1,300 in all
countries (1982 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kamkam town, and into
Cameroon, on the Mambila Plateau. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila.
Several minor dialects. Speakers use Fulfulde, Hausa, and Mambila as second
languages. Agriculturalists. Muslim (mainly), traditional religion. Survey
needed.
KAMO (KAMU) [KCQ] 3,000 (SIL). Bauchi State, Biliri-Kaltungo and Akko
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak. Typologically closer to Awak (no
singular/plural noun suffixes). Survey needed.
KAMUKU [KAU] 30,000 or more (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler). Niger State, Rafi
and Mariga LGA's; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Dialects: CINDA (UCINDA, JINDA, MAJINDA, TEGINA, MAKANGARA), REGI, KUKI.
90% to 95% lexical similarity among the three dialects, and most speakers
say they can easily understand the other dialects. Clans are Uregi, Urogo,
Tiyar (Kuki), Ucinda (Jinda), and Ushana. Hausa is the second language.
'Laka', or 'Kamuku Laka', are Hausa-speaking ethnic Kamuku. 10% literate.
Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
KAMWE (HIGI, HIJI, HIGGI, VACAMWE) [HIG] 300,000 (1992). Adamawa State,
Michika LGA, in the Mandara Mts. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Dialects: NKAFA, BAZZA (DAKWA), SINA, FUTU, TILI PTE. Fali of Kiria may be
a dialect. Closely related to Psikye and Hya of Cameroon. Wula may be a
dialect of Kamwe or Psikye. Primary schools. People in lowland towns have
more education. Mountain slope. Agriculturalists: guinea corn, peanuts,
beans, sweet potato, millet; animal husbandry; hunters. Traditional
religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1975. Bible portions 1972.
KANTANA (MAMA, KWARRA) [MMA] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Jarawan, Nigerian.
KANUFI-KANINGDON-NINDEM [KDP] 2,291 in Kaningdom (1934). Kaduna State,
Jema'a LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. Dialects: KANUFI (KARSHI), KANINGDOM
(KANINKON, KANINGKWOM, KANINGKON), NINDEM (INIDEM, NIDEM). Dialect cluster.
Survey needed.
KANURI, MANGA (MANGA, KANOURI, KANOURY) [KBY] 200,000 in Nigeria (1993);
350,000 in Niger (1995); 550,000 in both countries. 3,700,000 all Kanuri in
Nigeria (1993). Mainly Yobe State, some in Jigawa and Bauchi states. The
main center in Niger is at Yerwa. Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri.
Trade language. Muslim. Work in progress.
KANURI, YERWA (KANOURI, BERIBERI, BORNU, KANOURY) [KPH] 3,000,000 or more
in Nigeria (1985 Gunnemark and Kenrick); 100,000 or more in Chad (1985);
56,500 in Cameroon (1982); 50,000 in Niger (1991); 195,000 in Nigeria (1993
Johnstone); 3,500,000 in all countries (1987 UBS); 3,628,000 all Kanuri in
Nigeria, 4.1% of the population (1991 SIL). Borno State, Borno, Nguru,
Geidam, Kukawa, Damaturu, Kaga, Konduga, Maiduguri, Mongumo, Fune, Gujba,
Ngala, Bama, Fika, Gwoza LGA's; Kano State, Hadejia LGA. Also in Sudan.
Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri. Dialects: DAGARA, KAGA (KAGAMA),
SUGURTI, LARE (LERE), KWAYAM, NJESKO, KABARI (KUVURI), NGAZAR, GUVJA, MAO,
TEMAGERI, FADAWA, MOVAR (MOBBER, MOBER, MAVAR). Lukas says Kwayam and Movar
are not understood by other Kanuri. All can understand the Maiduguri
dialect. Closest to Manga Kanuri and Kanembu. Ajami script. Used in radio,
television, adult education. The people of Ngala no longer speak a Kotoko
language. National language. Typology: SOV. Muslim. NT in press (1995).
Bible portions 1949.
KAPYA [KLO] Taraba State, Takum LGA, at Kapya. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. Close to
Kutep, but listed separately in Crozier and Blench. Survey needed.
KAREKARE (KARAIKARAI, KARAI KARAI, KEREKERE, KERRIKERRI) [KAI] 80,000 to
100,000 (1995 NBTT). Bauchi State, Gamawa and Misau LGA's; Borno State,
Fika LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Karekare. Dialects:
JALALUM (WEST KAREKARE), PAKARO (NORTH KAREKARE), NGWAJUM (EAST KAREKARE).
Survey needed.
KARFA (KERIFA) [KBZ] 800 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA, Kerifa
village. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. Survey needed.
KARIYA (KARIYU, KAUYAWA, LIPKAWA) [KIL] 3,000 (1977 Skinner). Bauchi State,
Darazo LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. Survey needed.
KATAB [KCG] 130,000 (1993 SIL). Kaduna State, Kachia, Saminaka, and Jema'a
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Central, South-Central. Dialects: KAFANCHAN (FANTUAN, KPASHAN),
KACHICHERE (ATICHERAK, DARORO), KATAB (ATYAP, TYAP), KAGORO (AGWOLOK,
AGOLOK, AGWOT, AGURO), ATAKAT (ATAKAR, ATTAKA, ATTAKAR, TAKAT), SHOLIO
(ASHOLIO, ASOLIO, OSHOLIO, AHOLIO, MARWA, MORWA, MOROA, MARUWA, MAROA). An
important district language. 25% to 50% literate. Bible portions 1940. Work
in progress.
KIBALLO (VONO, KIWOLLO) [KCH] 500 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
KINUKU (KINUKA, KINUGU) [KKD] 500 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
KIONG (AKAYON, AKOIYANG, OKONYONG, OKOYONG, IYONIYONG) [KKM] Cross River
State, Odukpani and Akampka LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross,
Kiong-Korop. Spoken only by elderly people; the younger generation speaks
Efik. For several generations before now the people were bilingual in Kiong
and Efik. Nearly extinct.
KIR-BALAR (KIR, KIRR) [KKR] 3,050 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom. Dialects: KIR, BALAR. May be
intelligible with Boghom. Muslim. Survey needed.
KITIMI (TUMI) [KKU] 635 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos,
Kauru. Survey needed.
KOANA (KANA, KHANA, OGONI) [KEH] 200,000 (1989). Rivers State, Khana,
Gokana, and Oyigbo LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East. Dialects: TAI, NORTH
KHANA, SOUTH KHANA. Closely related to Gokana, Eleme. Important district
language. Bible 1968. NT 1961. Bible portions 1930-1935.
KOENOEM (KANAM) [KCS] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Shendam LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. Survey needed.
KOFYAR [KWL] 72,946 (1963 census). Plateau State, Shendam, Mangu, and Lafia
LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. Dialects:
KOFYAR (KWONG), KWAGALLAK (KWA'ALANG, KWALLA), DIMMUK (DIMUK, DOEMAK),
MIRRIAM (MERNYANG), BWOL (BWAL, MBOL), GWORAM (GIVEROM, GORAM), JIPAL
(JEPEL, JEPAL, JIBYAL). Traditional religion.
KOHUMONO (BAHUMONO, HOHUMONO, EDIBA, HUMONO, EKUMURU) [BCS] 30,000 (1989).
Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South,
Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono.
KOMA (KUMA, GAUNU) [KMY] 32,000 in Nigeria (1989); 3,000 in Cameroon (1984
SIL); 35,000 in all countries. Adamawa State, Ganye and Fufore LGA's, Koma
Vomni, Alantika Mountains. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo,
Vere-Gimme, Vere. Dialects: KOMA NDERA, KOMA DAMTI. 3 subdialects: Koma
Vomni, Koma Beiya, and Koma Damti. Vomni and Beiya speakers barely
understand each other, but both understand Damti. It is unclear how these 3
are related to the 2 dialects named above. 7 primary schools. Low literacy
rate. Some speakers understand Hausa, especially those on the plains, but
the majority speak only Koma. Different from Koma of Ethiopia and Sudan.
Mountain slope, plains. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
KONA (JUKUN KONA, JIBI, JIBA) [JUO] 2,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin).
Taraba State, Wukari and Karim Lamido LGA's; Plateau State, Langtang and
Wase LGA's; Bauchi State, Alkaleri and Akko LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. In Kororofa language cluster.
Traditional religion. Bible portions 1927.
KONO (KONU, KWONO) [KLK] 1,550 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA, Kona
village. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
KORO IJA (KORO AFIKI) [VKI] Federal Capital Territory, south of Abuja.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. Listed
separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Different from Koro Zuba, Koro of
Lafia, Begbere-Ejar, or Ujijili. 'Koro' is used as a cover term for several
languages. Survey needed.
KORO ZUBA [VKZ] Federal Capital Territory, near Zuba. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. Listed separately
in Crozier and Blench 1992. Different from Koro Ija, Koro of Lafia,
Begbere-Ejar, or Ujijili. 'Koro' is used as a cover term for several
languages. Survey needed.
KOROP (ODODOP, DUROP, DYUROP, ERORUP) [KRP] 12,500 in all countries (1982
SIL). Cross River State, Odukpani and Akampka LGA's, and in Cameroon.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop. Speakers are reported to mostly be
bilingual in Efik. Survey needed.
KPAN (YORDA, IBUKWO, KPWATE, HWAYE, HWASO, NYATSO, KPANZON, KPANTEN, IKPAN,
AKPANZHI, ABAKAN, NYONYO) [KPK] Taraba State, Wukari, Takum, and Sardauna
LGA's, Kato Bagha, Wukari, Suntai, Gayan, Gindin Dutse, Likam. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Kpan-Icen, Kpan. Dialects: BISSAULA (KENTU, KYENTU, ETKYE), KUMBO
(KPANZON), TISSA, GAYI. Related to Icen. Bissaula is extinct. Survey needed.
KPASAM (PASSAM, KPASHAM, NYISAM, 'BALO) [PBN] 15,000 (1992). Adamawa State,
Numan LGA, Kpasham town, on the Numan-Jalingo road. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari,
Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. Hausa, Fulfulde, and Bacama are used as second
languages. There are primary schools in the villages, and speakers want to
send their children to school. One junior secondary school.
Agriculturalists. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
KPATI [KOC] Taraba State, Wukari, Takum LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow
Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. Extinct.
KUBI (KUBA, KUBAWA) [KOF] 1,500 (1993). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Survey needed.
KUDU-CAMO (KUDA-CHAMO, KUDAWA) [KOV] 2,000 to 4,000 (1977 Voegelin and
Voegelin). Bauchi State, Ningi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Dialects:
KUDU (KUDA), CAMO (CHAMO). It is related to Butu-Ningi. The language is
reported to be dying out. A dialect cluster. Survey needed.
KUGAMA (KUGAMMA, WEGAM, YAMALE, YAMALO) [KOW] 5,000 or more (1995). Adamawa
State, Fufore LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. Speakers
use Hausa, or other nearby languages as second languages. Traditional
religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
KUGBO [KES] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Brass LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central
Delta, Kugbo.
KUKELE (UKELE, BAKELE) [KEZ] 95,000 (1989). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA;
Anambra State, Abakaliki LGA; Benue State, Okpokwu and Oju LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele. Dialects:
MTEZI, UGBALA, ITEEJI. Four dialects in the north, three in the south,
besides those named. NT 1979. Bible portions 1974.
KULERE (TOF, KOROM BOYE) [KUL] 15,570 (1990). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. Different from Kulere of
Côte d'Ivoire, a trade dialect of Senoufo. Survey needed.
KULUNG (BAMBUR, KULUNO, BAKULUNG, BAKULU, BAKULI, KULU, KUKULUNG, WO,
WURKUM) [BBU] 15,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido and Wukari
LGA's, west of the Kwanchi, south of the Piya. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. 4 clans:
Bambur, Balassa, Banyam, Bamingun. Different from Kulung of Chad which is
Chadic. Similar in culture to Piya, Kodei, Kwanchi, Pelang, and Pero.
Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Bible portions
1950. Survey needed.
KUMBA (SATE, YOFO, ISARO) [KSM] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. Speakers use Fulfulde and Hausa as
second language. No schools. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry: cows.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
KUPTO (KUTTO) [KPA] 3,000 or less (1995). Bauchi State, Dukku LGA; Bakpga.
Borno, Gujba states, 2 villages. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2,
Tangale, Tangale Proper. Survey needed.
KURAMA (TIKURAMI, AKURUMI, BAGWAMA, AKURMI, AZUMU, BUKURUMI) [KRH] 11,300
(1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka and Ikara LGA's; Kano State, Tudun Waya LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Kauru. Tukurami is the language, Bukurumi a speaker, Akurumi
the people. Survey needed.
KUSHI (CHONG'E, KUSHE) [KUH] 5,000 (1990). Bauchi State, Biliri, and
Kaltungo LGA's, Kushi village. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale,
Tangale Proper. Survey needed.
KUTEP (KUTEB, KUTEV, MBARIKE, ZUMPER, "JOMPRE", ATI) [KUB] 30,000 to 50,000
in Nigeria (1992); 1,400 in Cameroon (1986 R. Breton). Taraba State, Takum
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. Dialects: JENUWA, LISSAM, FIKYU, KUNABE, KENTIN.
Fikyu has subdialects. "Jompre" is an offensive name. Many speakers use
Hausa or Jukun as second language. Christian, traditional religion. NT
1986-1995.
KUTURMI (ADA) [KHJ] 2,950 (1949). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern.
Survey needed.
KUZAMANI (RISHUWA, SHUWA-ZAMANI, KAURU) [KSA] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi
State, Toto LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
KWAAMI (KWAMI, KWAM, KWAMANCHI, KWOM) [KSQ] Bauchi State, Gombe LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. Survey needed.
KWANKA [BIJ] 223,859 (1990). Plateau State, Mangu LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa
Balewa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. Dialects: BOI (TIYAYA), BIJIM, LEGERI,
KWANKA (KADUN), VAGHAT. Dialect cluster. Survey needed.
KYAK (BAMBUKA, NYAKYAK) [BKA] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. Dialect: KANAWA. Agriculturalists. Traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
LABIR (JAKU, JAKUN, JAKANCI) [JKU] Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan,
Nigerian. Survey needed.
LAGWAN ((KOTOKO-LOGONE, LOGONE, LAGWANE (LAGOUANE))) [KOT] 25,000 in
Nigeria (1993); 38,500 in all countries (1982 SIL). Borno State, Dikwa and
Ngala LGA's. Also in Cameroon and Chad. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara,
B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. Dialects: LOGONE-BIRNI, LOGONE-GANA (KOTOKO-GANA).
Related to Afade, Mser, Malgbe, Maslam, and Mpade. Muslim.
LAKA (LAKKA, LAU, LAO HABE, GODOGODO) [LAK] 5,000 or more (1995). Taraba
State, Karim Lamido and Yola LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified.
Different than Laka (Kabba Laka) of Central African Republic and Chad, or
from Karang (Laka) of Cameroon and Chad. Related to Karang. Muslim,
Christian. Survey needed.
LALA-ROBA (GWORAM) [LLA] 46,000 (1993). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, and Borno
State. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba. Dialects: LALA (LALLA), ROBA
(ROBBA). Speakers use Fulfulde, Hausa, and Gaanda as second languages.
Hunters (January to April); agriculturalists (May to December): peanuts,
guinea corn, bambara nuts, tiger nuts; animal husbandry: goats, chickens,
sheep, dogs. Traditional religion, Christian.
LAMANG (LAAMANG, GBUHWE, WAHA) [HIA] 40,000 (1993). Borno State, Gwoza LGA;
Adamawa State, Michika LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4,
Lamang. Dialects: NORTH LAAMANG, CENTRAL LAAMANG, SOUTH LAAMANG. 64%
lexical similarity with Hedi and Mabas, 50% with Gevoko. Speakers have 37%
intelligibility of Mabas, 31% of Hedi. Subdialects of North Lamang:
Zaladeva (Alataghwa), Dzuba, Leghva (Luhuva), Gwoza-Wakane; of Central
Lamang: Hedkala (Hidkala, Xidkala, Hitkala, Hitkalanchi), Waga (Waha, Woga,
Wagga), Dlige; of South Lamang: Ghudavan. 25% to 50% literate. Bible
portions 1992. Work in progress.
LAME [BMA] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Toto LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan,
Nigerian. Dialects: BAMBARO (BOMBARO, BOMBERAWA, BUNBERAWA, BAMBARA,
BAMBURO, MBARU), GURA (AGARI, AGBIRI). Dialect cluster. Distinct from Peve
(Lame) of Cameroon and Chad. Survey needed.
LAMJA [LDH] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, around Ganglamja (Lamja Mt.),
near the road between Mayo Belwa and Tola. 43 villages or more.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern,
Dakoid. Dialects: DANSA, LAMJA. Related to Chamba Daka. 8 primary schools.
Low literacy rate. Agriculturalists: guinea corn, peanuts, maize, rice,
cassava; hunters (dry season). Muslim, traditional religion, Christian.
Survey needed.
LAMNSO' (NSO, NSO', NSAW, NSHO', LAMSO, LAMNSOK, BANSO, BANSO', BANSAW,
PANSO) [NSO] In Cameroon: 125,000 (1987 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA,
in settlements sometimes mixed with speakers of other languages.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, East. Speakers use Fulfulde as
second language. Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1990..
LARU (LARAWA, LARANCHI, LARO) [LAN] 5,000 (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Niger
State, Borgu LGA, on the banks of the Niger River, Karabonde, Monnai,
Leshigbe, Luma, Sansanni, Shagunu villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake. They are reported
to be assimilating to Bisã language and culture. Muslim. Survey needed.
LEELAU (LELAU, MUNGA LELAU) [LDK] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, between
Bambuka and Karim-Lamido town, near Lake Mungah. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
In the Munga dialect cluster, Bikwin ethnic cluster. Clan names: Tanyam,
Munzigah, Brem, Gopi. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry, fishermen.
Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
LEGBO (AGBO, GBO, IGBO, IMABAN, ITIGIDI) [AGB] 60,000 (1989). Cross River
State, Obubra LGA; Abia State, Afikpo LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central,
East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo.
LELA (LALAWA, CLELA, KOLELA, CALA-CALA, CHILELA, CHILALA, DAKARKARI,
DAKAKARI, DAKKARKARI) [DRI] 90,000 or more (1993 Dettweiler SIL). Eastern
Kebbi State, Zuru, Sakaba, and Donko-Wasagu LGA's; Niger State, Rijau LGA;
and migrants farther south. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. Dialects: LILA (ZURU, SENCHI, SOUTHERN
LELA), DABAI (CENTRAL LELA), RIBAH, ADOMA (AROMA, ROMA-NA, ROMA, YELMO,
NORTHERN LELA). Lexical similarity among dialects at Rade, Ribah, Dabai,
and Senchi were between 93% and 98%. 55% lexical similarity with Duka, 54%
with the Fakai cluster, 47% with Gwamhi-Wuri, 20% with Acipa. The
orthography needs revision. Hausa is used as second language. 'Dakarkari'
is the Hausa name for the people. 'Lela' is their own name for people and
language. Radio broadcasts. Savannah. Stony hills, plains.
Agriculturalists:: guinea corn, millet, maize, acha, peanuits, beans, sugar
cane, cotton; brewing alcohol, blacksmiths, mat makers, smelting, potters.
Altitude: 800 to 1600 feet. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible
portions 1931. Work in progress.
LEMORO (LIMORO, LIMORRO, EMORO, ANEMORO, ANOWURU) [LDJ] 2,950 (1936; 1953
H.D. Gunn). Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos,
Jera. The language is Emoro, a speaker is Limoro, the speakers are Anemoro.
Survey needed.
LENYIMA (ANYIMA, INYIMA) [LDG] Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper
Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo. The people are Anyima, the
language Lenyima. Survey needed.
LEYIGHA (ASIGA, ASSIGA, AYIGHA, AYIGA, YIGHA) [AYI] 10,000 (1989). Cross
River State, Obubra LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West,
Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo. The people are called 'Ayigha', the language
'Leyigha'. Survey needed.
LIBO (LIBBO, KAN, KAAN) [LDL] 10,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Guyuk, Song,
and Numan LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Libo. Most adults use Hausa,
Fulfulde, Mbula-Bwaza, Tambo, or Kanakuru as second language. No primary
schools in the area. Many desire education. Agriculturalists. Traditional
religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
LIJILI (LIGILI, MIJILI, MIGILI, MEGILI, KORO LAFIA, KORO OF LAFIA) [MGI]
50,000 (1985 UBS). Plateau State, Awe and Lafia LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern.
'Ligili' or 'Lijili' is the name of the language; 'Migili' of the people.
NT 1986.
LIMBUM (WIMBUM) [LIM] A few in Nigeria (1992 Crozier & Blench); 73,000 in
Cameroon (1982 SIL); 73,000 or more in both countries. Taraba State,
Sardauna LGA, Mabila uplands. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields,
Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. Work in progress.
LO (LOO, LOH, SHUNHU) [LDO] 8,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi State,
Kaltungo LGA; Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido
town, off the Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. Clan names:
Fore (Kyilayo), Bene, Tamu, Bana, Talau, Tadam, Wawa. Agriculturalists,
animal husbandry, fishermen. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
LOKO (YAKURR, YAKO, UGEP, LOKE, LUKO, LOKAA) [YAZ] 120,000 (1989). Cross
River State, Obubra LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West,
Loko. Dialects: UGEP, NKPANI. Bible portions 1972-1984. Work in progress.
LONGUDA (NUNGUDA, NUNGURABA, NUNGURA, LANGUDA) [LNU] 32,000 (1973 SIL).
Adamawa State, Guyuk LGA; Bauchi State, Balanga LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen,
Longuda. Dialects: NYA CERIYA (CIRIMBA), NYA GWANDA (NYUWAR), NYA GUYUWA
(GUYUK, PLAIN, TURUBA), NYA DELE, NYA TARIYA (TARABA). Speakers use Hausa,
Fulfulde, Kanakuru, Waja, or English as second language. 20% literate in
Hausa. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1978. Bible portions 1975.
LOPA (LOPAWA, LUPA, KIRIKJIR, DJIRI) [LOP] 2,000 (1995). Niger State, Borgu
LGA, Amboshidi and Tungan Bori, islands in the Niger River; Kebbi State,
Yauri LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Western, Kainji Lake. Those in Borgu LGA are reported to be assimilating to
Bisã language and culture. Survey needed.
LOTSU-PIRI (KITTA, TSOBO) [LDP] 2,000 (1952). Adamawa State, Numan LGA;
Bauchi State, Kaltungo LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona. Survey needed.
LUBILA (LUBILO, KABILA, KABIRE, OJOR, OFOR) [KCC] Cross River State,
Akamkpa LGA, at Ojo Nkomba and Ojo Akangba. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central,
East-West, Loko. Survey needed.
LUFU [LDQ] Ethnic group: 2,000 to 3,000 (1992). Taraba State, Takum LGA,
Lufu and Lufu Jauro. Unclassified. The people now speak Jukun. Culture and
religion similar to the Jukun Kapya. Language reported to have been close
to Bete and Bibi. One report says the language is mostly spoken only by
elders (1992). Former speakers at Arufu near Wukari have lost the language.
Christian, traditional religion. Nearly extinct.
LURI [LDD] 30 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic.
Muslim. Survey needed.
MAAKA (MAHA, MAKA, MAGA, MAGHA) [MEW] 10,000 (1993). Borno State, Gujba
LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. Muslim,
traditional religion. Survey needed.
MABAS (VEMGO) [VEM] 10,000 in Nigeria (1993); 5,000 or fewer in Cameroon
(1984 ALCAM). Adamawa State, Michika LGA, Madagali district. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang. Dialects: VEMGO, VISIK (VIZIK), MABAS.
78% lexical similarity with Hedi, 64% with Lamang, 50% with Gevoko. 56%
intelligibility of Lamang, 36% intelligibility of Hedi. Speakers use
Fulfulde, Mafa, or Wula (Psikye) as second language. Some speak Hedi.
Different from Maba of Chad. 'Maya' may be an alternate name. Pastoralists,
agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
MABO-BARKUL (BARKUL, "KALERI") [MAE] Plateau State, Mangu LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern.
"Kaleri" is a derogatory name. Survey needed.
MADA (MADDA, YIDDA) [MDA] 100,000 (1993 SIL). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA;
Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. Different from
Mada of Cameroon. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Christian,
Muslim. Bible portions 1990. Work in progress.
MAFA (MATAKAM, NATAKAN, BULAHAI, BULA) [MAF] 2,000 in Nigeria (1963);
136,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 138,000 in all countries. Borno State,
Gwoza LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. Dialect: MOFA. Bible
1978, in press (1989). NT 1965. Bible portions 1958-1961.
MÁGHDÌ (WIDALA) [GMD] 2,000 or fewer (1992). Taraba State, Karim Lamido
LGA, a section of the Widala. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. 'Widala' applies to the
people. Kholok is also called 'Widala'. Survey needed.
MAK (PANYAM, PANYA, LEEMAK, LEMAK) [PBL] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA,
northeast of Karim Lamido town, off the Banbuka to Karim-Lamido road.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Waja-Jen, Jen. In the Bikwin ethnic cluster. Clan names: Guma, Zidah,
Togon, Mungok, Tawok, Tagwam. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
MALA (RUMAYA, RUMAIYA, AMALA) [RUY] 1,800 (1948). Kaduna State, Saminaka
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
MAMBILA, NIGERIA (MAMBILLA, MABILA, MAMBERE, NOR, NOR TAGBO, LAGUBI,
TONGBO, BANG) [MZK] 99,000 (1993). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Mambila
Plateau. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Mambila. Dialect: TEP. Speakers use
Fulfulde or English as second language. Close to Mambila of Cameroon, but
distinct. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1977. Bible portions
1973.
MANGAS [MAH] 180 (1971). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, B, B.3, Boghom. Survey needed.
MARGHI CENTRAL (MARGHI, MARGI) [MAR] 200,000 all Marghi languages (1989
UBS). Borno State, Askira-Uba and Damboa LGA's; Aamawa State, Mubi and
Michika LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. Dialects:
LASSA (BABUL), GULAK (DZER). In the Marghi language cluster. Typology: SVO.
NT 1987. Bible portions 1940-1961.
MARGHI SOUTH [MFM] Borno State, Askira-Uba LGA; Adamawa State, Mubi and
Michika LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. Dialects:
WAMDIU, HILDI. Survey needed.
MASHI [JMS] Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Unclassified.
MAWA [WMA] Ethnic population is small (Shimizu). Bauchi State, Toro LGA,
possibly Mara village. Unclassified. Apparently different from the Mawa
language of Chad, which is Chadic. Extinct.
MBAI (SARA MBAI) [MYB] A few in Nigeria (1995); 8,300 in CAR (1996);
100,000 in all countries (1978 UBS). Borno State. Mainly in Chad.
Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara.
Bible 1980. NT 1943. Bible portions 1932.
MBE (WESTERN MBUBE, KETUEN, EKUMTAK) [MFO] 14,300 (1973 SIL). Cross River
State, Ogoja LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Mbe. Distinct from Mbe' of Cameroon, a Grassfields
language. Bible portions 1992. Work in progress.
MBEMBE, CROSS RIVER (OKAM, ODERIGA, WAKANDE, IFUNUBWA, EKOKOMA, OFUNOBWAM)
[MFN] 100,000 (1982 UBS). Cross River State, Obubra and Ikom LGA's; Anambra
State, Abakaliki LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West,
Mbembe-Legbo, Mbembe. Dialects: OKOM (EGHOM, OHANA-ONYEN), APIAPUM, ADUN,
OSOPONG (OSOPHONG, EZOPONG), OFOMBONGA (EWUMBONGA), OFONOKPAN, EKAMA
(EKAMU), OFERIKPE. Different than Tigon Mbembe. NT 1985. Bible portions 1975.
MBEMBE, TIGON (AKONTO, AKWANTO, TIGON, TIGONG, TUGUN, TUKUN, NOALE) [NZA]
20,000 in Nigeria (1987); 36,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 56,000 in all
countries. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kurmi district. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Mbembe. Dialects: ASHUKU (KITSIPKI), NAMA
(DAMA, NAMU, NZARE, KPORO, ENEEME). Entirely different from Mbembe of
Nigeria in the Cross River group. A dialect cluster. Speakers use Hausa as
second language. Every village has a primary school. Forest. Hills.
Agriculturalists: palm nuts, palm oil. Traditional religion, Christian.
MBOI (MBOIRE, MBOYI) [MOI] 19,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Song, Fufore, and
Gombi LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Mboi. Dialects: BANGA, MBOI
(MBOIRE, MBOYI), HANDA, GANA. Dialect cluster. Speakers use Hausa,
Fulfulde, Bwatiye, Yungur, Gudu, or Gaanda as second language. Primary
schools are in all the major villages. They desire education. Traditional
religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
MBULA-BWAZZA [MBU] 35,000 to 40,000, including 10,000 Bwazza, 20,000 Tambo,
5,000 to 10,000 Mbula (1993). Adamawa State, Numan, Guyuk, Song, Demsa
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. Dialects: BWAZZA (BWAZA, BWA'ZA, BARE, BERE,
TAMBO), MBULA. Many also speak Kanakuru, Longuda, Bacama, or Bata. In some
areas they live with the Libo and also speak Libo. Some older ones also
speak Hausa or Fulfulde. Primary schools in the major villages, and a few
secondary schools. Agriculturalists: maize, millet, guinea corn, peanuts,
cassava, sweet potatoes, cocoyam, bananas, sugar cane; fishermen, animal
husbandry: horses, goats, sheep, pigs. Traditional religion, Christian.
Survey needed.
MBURKU (BARKE, BARKO, BURKANAWA, LIPKAWA, WUDUFU, KARIYA WUUFU) [BBT] 4,000
(1977 Skinner). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B,
B.2. Speakers are known as 'Lipkawa' or 'Burkunawa'. Survey needed.
MINI [MGJ] Rivers State, Brass LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
Survey needed.
MISHIP (CHIP, CIP, SHIP) [CHP] 6,000 (1976 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin,
Mangu, Shendam LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Dialect: DOKA. Survey needed.
MIYA (MIYAWA, MUYA) [MKF] 5,200 (1971). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. Dialects: GALA, FAISHANG, FURSUM,
DEMSHIN, FEDERE. Second language is Hausa. Gala may be a dialect of Warji.
Faishang, Fursum, and Federe may be dialects of Izere. Traditional
religion, Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
MOM JANGO (VERE, VERRE, WERE, KOBO) [VER] 88,000 in all countries; 4,000 in
Cameroon (1982 SIL). Adamawa State, Yola and Fufore LGA's, Verre hills.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Vere-Gimme, Vere. Dialects:
MOM JANGO, MOMI (ZIRI). Mom Jango and Momi are probably separate languages.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
MONTOL (MONTAL, BALTAP, TEEL) [MTL] 21,858 (1990). Plateau State, Shendam
LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. Dialects: MONTOL,
BALTAP-LALIN. Related to Tal. Survey needed.
MPADE (MAKARI, MENDAGE, MANDAGE, MANDAGUÉ) [MPI] 12,000 in all countries
(1992 SIL). Borno State. Also in Cameroon and Chad. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. Dialects: SHOE (SHAWE, CHAOUE, SCHOE,
MANI), MPADE (MAKARI), BODO, WOULKI, DIGAM. Shoe dialect is only in
Cameroon. Close to Lagwan. Related to Afade, Mser, Malgbe, and Maslam.
MUMUYE (YORO) [MUL] 400,000 in Nigeria (1993 SIL); 500,000 to 600,000 in
all countries (1992). Taraba State, Jalingo, Zing, Karim Lamido, Yoro,
Bali, Ganye, Fufore, Yola, Numan, and Mayo Belwa LGA's. Also possibly in
Cameroon. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. Dialects: ZINNA, DONG, YORO,
LANKAVIRI, GOLA (BAJAMA), GONGLA, KASAA, SAAWA, PANGSENG, JALINGO, NYAAJA,
JENG, GNOORE, YAA, RANG, SAGBEE, SHAARI, KUGONG, MANG, KWAJI, MEEKA,
YAKOKO. Lankaviri and Zing dialects are sufficiently different to need
separate literature. Pangseng and Rang may be separate languages. 25% to
50% literate. Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. NT
1995. Bible portions 1938.
MUNDAT [MMF] Plateau State, Mangu LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4,
Ron Proper. Survey needed.
MUNGA (KARIMJO, ETEYE, YATOI, BIBINO, MINGANG DOSO, NGWAI MUNGÀN, DOSO)
[MKO] 3,000 or fewer (1995 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, 15 km.
east of Karim Lamido town. 1 village and associated hamlets. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Traditional religion. Survey needed.
MVANON (MAGU, MVANLIP, MVANIP) [MCJ] 10,000 or fewer (1990). Taraba State,
Sardauna LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. Survey needed.
MWAGHAVUL (SURA) [SUR] 300,000 (1993 SIL); including 5,000 Chakfem (1990).
Plateau State, Barakin-Ladi and Mangu LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A,
A.3, Angas Proper, 1. Dialects: MAPUN (MAPAN, MUPUN), PANYAM, CAKFEM
(CHOKFEM, CHAKFEM, KADIM-KABAN), MUSHERE. Several smaller language groups
nearby use Mwaghavul as second language. 50% to 75% literate. Trade
language. NT 1991-1995. Bible portions 1915-1966.
NANDU-TARI (NANDU) [NAA] 4,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Central, West-Central. Survey needed.
NDE-NSELE-NTA [NDD] 19,500 (1987); including 12,000 Nde, 3,000 Nsele, 4,500
Nta. Cross River State, Ikom LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. Dialects: NDE (EKAMTULUFU, MBENKPE,
UDOM, MBOFON, BEFON), NSELE, NTA (ATAM, AFUNATA). Survey needed.
NDOE (ANEP, ANYEP) [NBB] 3,000 (1953). Cross River State, Ikom LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Ekoid. Dialects: EKPARAGONG (AKPARABONG), BALEP. Survey needed.
NDOOLA (NDORO, NUNDORO, NJOYAME, NDOLA) [NDR] 50,000 in all countries
(1992); 1,300 in Cameroon (1982 SIL). Taraba State, Bali, Gashaka, Sardauna
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Northern, Mambiloid, Ndoro. Some speakers use Fulfulde or Hausa as second
language. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
NGAMO (NGAMAWA, GAMO, GAMAWA) [NBH] 60,000 (1993). Yobe State, Fika LGA;
Bauchi State, Darazo and Dukku LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2,
Bole, Bole Proper. Traditional religion 88, Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
NGGWAHYI (NGWAXI, NGWOHI) [NGX] 2,000 or fewer (1995). Borno State,
Askira-Uba LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2. Survey needed.
NGIZIM (NGIZMAWA, NGEZZIM) [NGI] 80,000 (1993). Borno State, Damaturu LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. Muslim, traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
NGWABA (GOMBI, GOBA) [NGW] 10,000 (1993 CAPRO). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA at
Fachi and Guduniya, and Hong LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A,
A.8. Speakers use Gudu, Nzanyi, Fulfulde, or Hausa as second languages.
Agriculturalists, hunters, butchers. Traditional religion, Christian,
Muslim. Survey needed.
NIGERIAN SIGN LANGUAGE [NSI] Deaf sign language. Influences from American
and Ghanaian sign languages. Originated in 1960. Survey needed.
NINZAM (NINZO, NUNZO, GBHU) [NIN] 35,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA; Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. Speakers have a
considerable degree of bilingualism in Hausa.
NJERUP (NJEREP) [NJR] 2 in Nigeria (1987 Blench and Williamson); and 5 in
Cameroon (1995 Bruce Connell). Southeast, near the Mambila. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid,
Mambila-Konja, Njerup. Not used for communicating any longer in Cameroon.
Nearly extinct.
NKEM-NKUM [ISI] 34,500 (1987 Asinya); including 18,000 Nkem, 16,500 Nkum.
Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. Dialects: NKEM (NKIM, OGOJA,
ISHIBORI, ISIBIRI, OGBOJA), NKUM. Dialect cluster. Work in progress.
NKOROO (NKORO) [NKX] 4,550 (1989 UBS). Rivers State, Bonny LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Nkoroo. A
separate language within the Ijo cluster. Survey needed.
NKUKOLI (LOKOLI, LOKUKOLI, NKOKOLLE, EKURI) [NBO] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Cross
River State, at the juncture of Ikom, Obubra and Akamkpa LGA's, Iko Ekperem
Development Area. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko. Survey
needed.
NKWAK [NKQ] Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA, further locatation data
imprecise. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Unclassified. All the alternate names listed except 'Tanjijili' are names
of the people. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
NNAM (NDEM) [NBP] 3,000 (1987 Asinya). Cross River State, Ikom and Ogoja
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid,
Southern, Ekoid. Survey needed.
NUMANA-NUNKU-GWANTU-NUMBU (SANGA) [NBR] 15,000 (SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA; Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. Dialects: NUNKU,
NUMANA (NIMANA), GWANTU (GWANTO), NUMBU. Dialect cluster. Distinct from
Sanga in Bauchi State. Survey needed.
NUNGU (RINDRE, RENDRE, RINDIRI, LINDIRI, WAMBA) [RIN] 25,000 (SIL). Plateau
State, Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. Dialects: RINDRE, GUDI. Survey
needed.
NUPE (NUFAWA, NUPECI, NUPENCHI, NUPECIDJI, NUPENCIZI) [NUP] 1,062,000 (1993
Johnstone); including 283,000 Nupe Central (1931), 18,200 Ganagana (1931),
4,500 Kakanda (1931), 19,100 Bassa Nge (1931), 1,560 Eggan (1963). Niger
State, Lavun, Mariga, Gbako, Bida, Agaie, and Lapai LGA's; Kwara State, Edu
LGA; Kofi State, Kogi and Bassa LGA's; Federal Capital Territory.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi.
Dialects: NUPE CENTRAL (NIFE, ANUPE, NUPECIZI, NUPENCIZI, AMPEYI,
ANUPECWAYI, ANUPERI, TAPA, TAPPAH, TAKPA), GANAGANA (GANAGAWA, DIBO,
SHITAKO, ZITAKO), KAKANDA (AKANDA, HYABE, ADYAKTYE, BUDON), BASSA NGE
(IBARA), EGGAN, NUPE TAKO, EDZU, AGBI, GUPA, KAMI, GBANMI-SOKUN, KUPA, ASU.
Dialect cluster. Nupe Central has become literary norm. Subdialects of Nupe
Central: Ebe (Abewa, Asu), Kupa, Kede (Kyedye). Asu, Ganagana, Gupa,
Kakanda, Kami, Kupa, and Nupe Tako may be separate languages. A regionally
important language. 60% literate. Trade language. Fishermen. Muslim,
traditional religion, Christian. Bible 1953-1989. NT 1915-1982. Bible
portions 1877-1950.
NYONG (MUMBAKE, MUBAKO, NYONGNEPA, NYOKING, DAGANYONGA, TETEKA, CHUKKOL,
YAPELI, PETI) [MUO] (17,000 in Cameroon; 1987). Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa
LGA, 6 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko. Speakers use Hausa, Fulfulde,
Samba Leko, Yendang, Kumba, or Mumuye as second languages. Growing interest
in education. Agriculturalists, traders, hunters. Traditional religion,
Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
NZANYI (NJANYI, NZANGI, NJAI, NJENY, ZANI, ZANY, JENG, JENGE, NJEI, NJEING,
KOBOTSHI, PAKA) [NJA] 77,000 in Nigeria (1993); 9,000 in Cameroon; 86,000
in all countries. Adamawa State, Maiha LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Dialect: HOLMA. Speakers use Fulfulde as second
language. Holma is being replaced by Fulfulde (Blench). Schools in nearly
every village, but enrollment is usually low. Agriculturalists. Muslim,
traditional religion, Christian.
OBANLIKU (ABANLIKU) [BZY] 65,000 (1989). Cross River State, Obudu LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Dialects: BEBI, BUSI, BASANG, BISU (GAYI), BISHIRI. Dialect cluster.
Related to Alege.
OBOLO (ANDONI, ANDONE, ANDONNI) [ANN] 100,000 (1990 Uche E. Aaron). Rivers
State, Bonny LGA; Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Abasi LGA, islands off southern
coast. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Lower Cross, West. Dialects: NGO, ATABA, UNYEADA, OKOROETE,
IBOT OBOLO. 'Obolo' is their own name, 'Andoni' is the government's name.
Obolo is taught in all primary and junior secondary schools. There are
church adult literacy classes all over the area. There is a quarterly
magazine in Obolo. Primers are in use. Ngo is the prestige dialect. Ibibio
and Ibo are the trade languages. English is learned in school. In the east
there is a movement toward establishing a stronger Obolo ethnic identity
and getting rid of borrowed words from Ibibio. Bounded on the east and
northeast by the Ibibio, on the northwest by the Ogoni, on the west by the
Kalabari, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. 25% to 50% literate.
Riverine. Fishermen, agriculturalists. NT 1991. Bible portions 1987-1988.
OBULOM (ABULOMA) [OBU] Rivers State, Okrikaa LGA, Abuloma town.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo. Survey needed.
ODUAL (SAKA) [ODU] 18,000 (1989). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central
Delta, Abua-Odual. Most closely related to Abua; about 70% lexical
similarity. NT 1981.
ODUT [ODA] 700 (1940; 1950 Forde and Jones). Cross River State, Odukpani
LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop. It may be extinct. Survey needed.
OGBAH (OGBA) [OGC] 170,000 (1993 A. Ahiamadu). Rivers State,
Ogbah-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, northern Niger Delta. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. Dialects: EGNIH, IGBURU-USOMINI. A
separate language in the Igbo language cluster. The dialects have 81% to
94% lexical similarity with each other. Ogbah has 45% lexical similarity
with Ndoni, 41% with Egbema, 32% with Ikwere, 23% with Ekpeye. About 64
primary schools, 8 post-primary schools, technical college in the area. Low
literacy in Ogbah. Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin, and English are used as second
languages. Agriculturalists, fishermen, traders. Christian, traditional
religion. Work in progress.
OGBIA (OGBINYA) [OGB] 200,000 (1989). Rivers State, Brass LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central
Delta, Kugbo. Dialects: KOLO, OLOIBIRI, ANYAMA. Dialect cluster but all
inherently intelligible. English making little impact. Work in progress.
OGBOGOLO (OBOGOLO) [OGG] 10,000 or fewer (1995). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA,
1 town. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo. Survey needed.
OGBRONUAGUM (BUKUMA) [OGU] Rivers State, Degema LGA, Bukuma village near
Buguma. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo. Survey needed.
OKOBO [OKB] 50,000 (1991). Akwa Ibom State, Okobo LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, West. Survey needed.
OKODIA (OKORDIA) [OKD] 3,600 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Rivers State,
Yenagoa LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central,
Oruma-Northeast Central, Northeast Central. Not intelligible with Biseni or
other Ijo languages. Survey needed.
OKO-ENI-OSAYEN (OKO, OGORI-MAGONGO) [OKS] 10,000 including 4,000 in Ogori,
3,000 in Magongo, 3,000 in Eni (1989 Williamson). Kogi State, Okene LGA,
Ogori and Magongo towns, ten miles south southwest of Okene. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Oko. Dialects: OKO (OGORI, UKU),
OSAYEN (MAGONGO, OSANYIN), ENI. A dialect cluster. It seems to be equally
distantly related to Yoruba, Ebira, Edo, Igbo, and Idoma. Survey needed.
OKPAMHERI (OPAMERI) [OPA] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern,
Southern. Dialects: OKULOSHO (OKUROSHO), WESTERN OKPAMHERI, EMHALHE
(EMARLE, SOMORIKA, SEMOLIKA). Subdialects of Okulosho: Ojirami (Eekunu),
Dagbala (Dangbala), Oja (Oza), Makeke (Uuma), Oma. Subdialects of Western
Okpamheri: Ekpe, Bekuma, Lankpese (Lampese, Lankpeshi), Ibillo (Ibilo),
Imoga (Imorga, Uma), Eko (Ekon, Ekor), Ikaran-Oke (Ikeram-Oke), Ebunn-Oke,
Ikaran-Ele (Ikeran-Ile, Ebunn-Ugbo, Ikpesa, Igbo-Ola-Sale (Ugboshi-Sale),
Aiyegunle (Oshi), Igbo-Ola-Oke (Ugboshi-Oke), Onumo (Onumu), Ogugu,
Ogbe-Sale, Ogbe-Oke. Emhalhe may be a separate language. Traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
OKPE [OKE] 8,722 (1957 Bradbury). Edo State, Okpe LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. Distinct
from Okpe-Idesa-Oloma-Akuku, which is Northwestern Edoid. Survey needed.
OKPE-IDESA-OLOMA-AKUKU [OKP] Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Dialects: OKPE, IDESA, OLOMA, AKUKU. Oloma may be a separate language.
Different from Okpe which is Southwestern Edoid. Survey needed.
OKRIKA (KIRIKE) [OKR] 248,000 (1995 UBS). Rivers State, Okrika, Opobo,
Bonny, and Degema LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern,
Northeastern, Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. Bible portions 1979-1991. Work in
progress.
OLULUMO-IKOM (LULUMO) [IKO] 30,000 (1989), including 5,000 Olulumo, 25,000
Ikom. Cross River State, Ikom LGA. May also be in Cameroon. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper
Cross, Central, East-West, Ikom. Dialects: OKUNI, OLULUMO, IKOM. Survey
needed.
ORING (ORRI, ORRIN, ORRINGORRIN, KORING) [ORI] 75,000 (1989), including
12,300 Ufia, 3,000 Effium, 6,350 Okpoto (1955 R.G. Armstrong). Benue State,
Okpokwu LGA; Anambra State, Ishielu LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central,
North-South, Koring-Kukele, Koring. Dialects: OKPOTO, UFIA (UTONKON), UFIOM
(EFFIUM).
ORON (ORO) [ORX] 75,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Oron LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, West. Survey needed.
ORUMA [ORR] 5,000 or fewer (1995). Rivers State, Brass LGA, 1 town.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central,
Oruma. A separate language within the Ijo cluster. Survey needed.
OSOSO [OSS] 6,532 (1957 Bradbury). Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central,
Unclassified. Survey needed.
OTANK (OTANGA, UTANGA, UTANGE, OTANG, UTANK) [UTA] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Cross
River State, Obudu LGA; Benue State, Kwande LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 70%
lexical similarity with Tiv, 60% with Icheve, 50% with Evand, 40% with
Mesaka and Eman. Mountains. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
PA'A (AFAWA, AFANCI, PALA, PA'AWA, FA'AWA, FONI, AFA) [AFA] 10,000 (1978
MARC). Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B,
B.2. Hausa is used as second language. 1% literate in Hausa. Traditional
religion, Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
PAI (DALONG) [PAI] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau,
Western, Southwestern, A. Survey needed.
PANA (PANI) [PNZ] (82,000 in CAR; 1996). Urban areas of Nigeria and
Cameroon. Mainly in Central African Republic. Also in Chad. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day,
Mbum, Central, Karang. Bible portions 1953.
PEERE (PERE, PEER, PARE, KUTIN, KOUTIN, KUTINE, KUTINN, KOTOPO, KOTOFO,
KOTPOJO, POTOPO, POTOPORE, PATAPORI) [KUT] 5,000 in Nigeria (1993); 15,000
in Cameroon (1993); 20,000 in all countries. Adamawa State, Ganye LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Kutin. Speakers use Fulfulde as second
language. Hunters. Muslim, traditional religion, Christian. NT 1986.
PERO (PIPERO, FILIYA) [PIP] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Alkaleri LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. Bible portions
1936-1938. Survey needed.
PIDGIN, NIGERIAN (NIGERIAN CREOLE ENGLISH, NIGERIAN PIDGIN ENGLISH) [PCM]
Southern states and in Sabon Garis of the northern states, coastal and
urban areas. Creole, English based, Atlantic, Krio. It is a creole with
native speakers, as well as used as a pidgin between Africans and
Europeans, and Africans from different languages. No unified standard or
orthography. Used in novels, plays, radio, poetry, advertising. Increasing
in importance and use. Partially intelligible with Krio of Sierra Leone and
Cameroon Pidgin. Trade language. Bible portions 1957.
PITI (PITTI, ABISI, BISI) [PCN] 1,600 (1950). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Piti-Atsam. Dialect: RIBAN (RIBAM). Survey needed.
PIYA (WURKUM, PIA, AMBANDI, KHOLOK) [PIY] 5,000 or more (1992). Taraba
State, Karim Lamido LGA, some in Bauchi State. 21 villages or more.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. Speakers use
Hausa, Kulung, Pelang, Tangale or some English as second language. Similar
in culture to the Kulung, Kodei, Kwanchi, Pelang, and Pero. 'Ambandi' is
their name for themselves. Agriculturalists. Christian, Muslim. Bible
portions 1950. Survey needed.
POLCI (PALCI, PALCHI, POLCHI) [POL] 10,800 or more (1993); 2,400 Zul, 4,000
Buli (1993), 400 Langas (1993), 2,950 Polci, 250 Baram (1993), 800 Dir
(1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi and Toro LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B,
B.3, Zaar Proper. Dialects: ZUL (MBARMI, BARMA), BARAM (MBARAM, BARANG),
DIR (DIIR, DRA, BARAM DUTSE), BULI, LANGAS (NYAMZAX, LUNDUR), POLCI (POSA,
POLSHI, PALCI). Polci dialect cluster in Barawa language cluster. Survey
needed.
PONGU (PONGO, PANGU, ARRINGEU, TARYA) [PON] 20,000 or more speakers (1988
Roger Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA, Gumna and Tegina districts,
widespread small villages between Kusheriki in the north, Zungeru in the
south, and along the new road to the southwest, with center in Sabon Gari
Pangu. Bordered by the Kamuku, Ngwoi, Ura, Basa-Kaduna, Baushi,
Basa-Gurmana, Gurmana, and Gbari. Small numbers are in Kaduna, Minna,
Kontagora, and Bida towns. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. Dialect variation is slight, with 94%
to 99% similarity. Pongu always used to other Pongu. Also used in church
when only Pongu are present. Hausa is used as second language with
outsiders. English is used in education and for national government
purposes. Some children and adults are literate in Hausa or English. They
call their language 'Tarya', themselves 'Arya'. Sister exchange pattern in
marriage. Savannah. Peasant agriculturalists. Altitude: 200 to 500 meters.
Muslim, traditional religion (Mai-Giro), Christian. Survey needed.
PSIKYE (KAPSIKI, KAMSIKI, PTSAKE) [KVJ] 12,000 in Nigeria (1992); 40,500 in
Cameroon (1982 SIL); 52,500 in all countries. Adamawa State, north and east
of Michika, south of Madagali, in the Mandara Mts. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. Dialects: PSIKYE (KAPSIKI, KAMU), ZLENGE, WULA (OULA,
ULA-XANGKU, LYING). The Wula dialect is in Nigeria. Closely related to Hya
and Kamwe of Nigeria. Low literacy rate. Mountain slope. Agriculturalists:
guinea corn, peanuts, rice, beans; animal husbandry. Traditional religion,
Christian, Muslim. NT 1988.
PUKU-GEERI-KERI-WIPSI (FAKANCHI) [GEL] 36,000 or more (1992 SIL). Kebbi
State, Zuru LGA, Fakai District, with migrants farther south. Kur is also
in Sokoto State, Sakaba LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. Dialects: KAG (PUKU, FAKANCHI, ET-KAG),
JIIR (GELANCHI, ET-JIIR), KUR (KERE, KAR, KERI-NI, KELLI-NI, KELANCHI,
KELINCI), ZUKSUN (ZUSSUN, WIPSI-NI, ET-ZUKSUN), ROR (ET-MAROR, TUDANCHI,
FAKANCHI, ER-GWAR), FER (FERE. ET-FER, WIPSI-NI, KUKUM), US (ET-US), KOOR
(KULU). 81% to 97% lexical similarity among dialects. Kag, Ker, Jiir, and
Fer speakers have 79% to 92% inherent intelligibility of Ror. Ror and Kag
are the largest, Koor and Us the smallest. 63% lexical similarity with
Duka, 50% with Lela, 57% with Gwamhi-Wuri. Speakers are interested in
literature in their language. Hausa proficiency differs regionally.
Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian.
PUTAI (MARGHI WEST) [MFL] Few speakers. Borno State, Damboa LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. The language is dying out in
favor of Kanuri, but the ethnic population is large. Nearly extinct.
PYAPUN [PCW] 4,635 (1934 Ames). Plateau State, Shendam LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. Related to Tal and Montol. Survey
needed.
RESHE (TSURESHE, TSUREJA, BARESHE, GUNGA, GUNGAWA, GUNGANCHI, YAURAWA)
[RES] 44,000 (1993 SIL). Kebbi State, Yauri LGA; Niger State, Borgu LGA;
southern Kebbi State, western Niger State, banks of the Niger River, north
of Busa. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji,
Western, Reshe. The people are BaReshe, the language Reshe or TsuReshe.
Blench says it is the most divergent of the Western Kainji languages. 43%
lexical similarity with Lopa, 33% with Laru, 20% with Duka, 11% with
Kamabari (Salka). Ethnic subgroups: Gungawa, Yaurawa (Yauri). There is a
strong association between wrestling, the traditional religion, and ethnic
identity. Agriculturalists: guinea corn, beans, rice, onions; fishermen;
canoe makers; mat makers. Altitude: 180 to 300 meters. Muslim, traditional
religion, Christian less than. Bible portions 1970. Survey needed.
RON ("CHALLA", "CHALA") [CLA] 115,000 (1995). Plateau State, Bokkos,
Barakin-Ladi and Mangu LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron
Proper. Dialects: BOKKOS (RON-BOKKOS), BUTURA (RON-BUTURA). Work in progress.
RUBASA (RUBASSA, BASSA-KWOMU, BASSA-KOMO, BASA-BENUE, ABATSA, ABACHA) [BZW]
100,000 (1973 SIL). Kogi State, Bassa and Ankpa LGA's; Plateau State,
Nassarawa LGA; Federal Capital Territory, Yaba and Kwali LGA's; Benue
State, Makurdi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Basa. North-south dialect division along the Benue River.
Speakers do not like the name 'Bassa-Kwomu'. 5% literate. Hausa is the
second language. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. NT 1972, out of
print. Bible portions 1946-1965.
RUMA (RURUMA, RURAMA, TURAMA, BAGWAMA) [RUZ] 2,200 (1948). Kaduna State,
Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
SAMBA DAKA (CHAMBA DAKA, TSAMBA, TCHAMBA, SAMA, SAMBA, JAMA, DAKA, DAKKA,
DEKKA, NAKANYARE, DENG, TIKK) [CCG] 60,000 (1973 SIL); 500,000 all Samba
varieties (1993). Taraba State, Gashaka, Jalingo, Bali, Zing LGA's, and
Adamawa State, Ganye and Mayo Belwa LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid. Dialect: SAMBA GURUM.
Different from Samba Leko or Chamba (Akaselem) of Togo. Close to Dirim.
Speakers use Fulfulde or Hausa as second language. 3% literate. Much
blindness from filaria. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Bible
portions 1933.
SAMBA LEKO (CHAMBA LEKO, SAMBA LEEKO, SAMBA, NDII, LEKON, LEGO, LEKO,
SUNTAI) [NDI] 50,000 in all countries (1971 Welmers). Adamawa State, Ganye
LGA, Leko District, around Donga near Takum. Also in Cameroon. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari,
Leko. Those in Donga now speak Jukun. Traditional religion, Christian,
Muslim. Work in progress.
SANGA (ISANGA, GUSU) [SGA] 5,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Toro LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Dialect: BUJIYEL. The language is Isanga, a speaker
Osanga, the speakers Asanga. Distinct from Numana-Nunku-Gwantu (Sanga) of
Kaduna and Plateau states. Survey needed.
SASARU-ENWAN IGWE (SASARU) [SSC] 3,775 (1952). Edu State, Akoko-Edo LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid,
North-Central, Unclassified. Survey needed.
SAYA (SAYAWA, SEYA, SEYAWA, SAYANCI, SEIYARA, SAYARA) [SAY] 50,000 (1973
SIL), including 775 Sigidi (1950). Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. Dialects: SIGIDI (SUGUDI,
SIGDI, SEGIDDI), ZAAR (VIKZAR, VIGZAR, KAL, GAMBAR LEERE, LUSA). Saya
dialect cluster in Barawa language cluster.
SETO-GBE [STS] Lagos State, Badagry LGA. Also in Benin. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja. Survey needed.
SHA [SCW] 500 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Mangu LGA, Sha town. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. Survey needed.
SHAGAWU (SHAGAU, NAFUNFIA, MALENI) [ROA] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State,
Mangu LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. Related to
Bokkos, Sha, Kulere, Karfa. Hausa is used as lingua franca. Bible portions
1963.
SHALL-ZWALL [SHA] Bauchi State, Dass LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Dialects: SHALL (SHAL), ZWALL. Dialect cluster. Survey needed.
SHAMA (SHAMA-SAMBUGA) [SQA] 5,000 or fewer (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler).
Niger State, Rafi and Mariga LGA's; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western,
Kamuku. Dialects: SHAMA, SAMBUGA. 64% to 66% lexical similarity with the
three Kamuku dialects, 69% with Hungworo, 52% with Eastern Acipa, 16% to
17% with Western Acipa. Survey needed.
SHANGA (SHANGAWA, SHONGA, SHONGAWA) [SHO] 5,000 to 10,000 (1995 Ross Jones
SIM). Kebbi State between Kaoje and Yauri, on both sides of the Niger
River, but especially on the north bank; Gante, Lafugu, Zaria, Besse,
Shanga, Dugu Raha, Dugu Tsofo, Bakin Turu villages. Niger-Congo, Mande,
Eastern, Southeastern, Eastern, Busa. It is reported that most Shanga do
not speak Shanga any longer but Hausa, and those who do speak them are
bilingual in Hausa. Tyenga and Shanga have 70% lexical similarity. Not
intelligible with the Busa group; 38% to 40% lexical similarity.
Traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
SHAU (SHO, LÌSHÁÙ) [SQH] Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Shau an Mana villages.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct.
SHENI (SHANI, SHAINI) [SCV] 200 (1925). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern,
Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct.
SHIKI (GUBI, GUBA, GUBAWA) [GUA] 1,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern,
Jarawan, Nigerian. Dialects: GUBI, GURU. Survey needed.
SHOO-MINDA-NYEM (BANDA-MINDA-KUNINI, JINLERI) [BCV] 10,000 (1973 SIL).
Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, villages on the banks of the Benue River.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified. Dialects: SHOO (BANDA,
BANDAWA), MINDA, NYEM (KUNINI). All 3 dialects are of equal status. Called
'Bakula' together with Como Karim, Munga, Jiru, and Jessi. Ethnic groups:
Banda, Kunini, Lau Habe. Some bilingualism in Fulfulde, Hausa, and Jenjo.
Fishermen. Christian, traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
SIRI (SIRAWA) [SIR] 3,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Darazo and Ningi LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. Survey needed.
SOMYEWE (KILA, SOMIYEB) [KGT] 100 speakers or fewer (1992 Crozier and
Blench). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kila Yang, Njike, Kuma, Jabu, Kikau,
and Mayo Daga towns. Apparently extinct in Cameroon. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid,
Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. They live among the Mambila. Blacksmiths.
Muslim. Survey needed.
SUKUR (SUGUR, ADIKIMMU SUKUR, GEMASAKUN, SAKUL) [SUK] 14,779 (1992).
Northern tip of Adamawa State, Michika LGA, Mandara Mts. Perhaps in
Cameroon. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.6. Speakers use Fulfulde,
Hausa, Wula (Psikyye), Kamwe, or some English as second languages. Hausa
used in most churches. Mountain slope. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry.
Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim. Survey needed.
SURUBU (SRUBU, FITI, SKRUBU, ZURUBU) [SDE] 1,950 (1948). Kaduna State,
Saminaka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. Survey needed.
TAL (AMTUL, KWABZAK) [TAL] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. Related to Montol,
Goemai, Pyapun, Koenoem. Survey needed.
TALA [TAK] 1,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, B, B.3, Guruntum. May be intelligible with Guruntum. Traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
TAMAJEQ, TAHOUA (TAMASHEQ, TOMACHECK, TUAREG) [TTQ] Few in Nigeria; 540,000
in all countries (1991). Also in Niger (primarily), and Mali. Afro-Asiatic,
Berber, Tamasheq, Southern. Dialect: IOULLEMMEDEN. It may be the eastern
rather than the western dialect in Nigeria. Muslim. Bible portions
1979-1985. Work in progress.
TAMBAS (TAMBES, TEMBIS) [TDK] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Mangu LGA.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer. May be intelligible with Fyer.
Survey needed.
TANGALE (TANGLE) [TAN] 100,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Billiri, Kaltungo
and Akko LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale
Proper. Close to Biliri. NT 1932-1963. Bible portions 1920-1929.
TAPSHIN (TAPSHINAWA, SURU, MYET) [TDL] A few. Bauchi State, Dass LGA;
Plateau State, Pankshin LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Unclassified. Survey needed.
TAROK (YERGAM, YERGUM, APPA) [YER] 150,000 (1993 SIL). Plateau State,
Kanam, Wase, and Langtang LGA's; Gongola State, Wukari LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid.
Dialects: HILL TAROK, PLAIN TAROK. 50% to 75% literate. NT 1988. Bible
portions 1917-1966.
TAURA (TAKAYA) [TDM] Still a few speakers (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi
State, Toro LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct.
TEDA [TUQ] 2,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1990 Blench); 40,000 in Niger (1991
L. Vanderaa CRC); 2,000 in Libya (1954 Lebeuf); 28,501 in Chad (1993
census); 72,500 in all countries. Borno State, northeastern LGA's, a few
villages. Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Central. Dialects: KECHERDA, AZA, TEDA,
TUBU (TEBU, TEBOU, TIBBU, TOUBOU). Kecherda dialect is in Nigeria. Muslim.
Work in progress.
TEME (TEMA) [TDO] 4,000 or fewer (1995). Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA,
along the banks of the Mayo Belwa River. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang,
Mumuye. Speakers use Hausa or Fulfulde as second language. Some can speak
Sate (Kumba), Yendang, or Gengle. Low literacy rate. Agriculturalists.
Traditional religion, Muslim. Survey needed.
TERA (PIDLIMDI) [TER] 50,000 (1970 P. Newman). Bauchi State, Gombe and Akko
LGA's; Borno State, Biu LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1,
Western. Dialects: NYIMATLI (NYEMATHI, YAMALTU, NIMALTO, NYIMATALI),
PIDLIMDI (HINA, HINNA, GHUNA, GHENA), BURA KOKURA. Dialect cluster. Bible
portions 1930. Survey needed.
TESHENAWA [TWC] Jigawa State, Keffin Hausa LGA, Teshena town. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. Extinct.
THIR [TWI] Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, north of Ga'anda. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. Reported to not be the same as
Ga'anda. Survey needed.
TIBA [TTB] Adamawa State, Ganye LGA; Tiba Plateau, between Garba Sbege and
Jada, north of the Shebshi Mountains. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Tiba. Survey needed.
TITA (HOAI PETEL) [TDQ] Taraba State, Jalingo LGA, at Hoai Petel.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo. Survey needed.
TIV ("MUNSHI") [TIV] 2,212,000 in Nigeria, 2.5% of the population (1991
SIL). Benue State, Makurdi, Gwer, Gboko Kwande, Vandeikya, and Katsina Ala
LGA's; Plateau State, Lafia LGA; Taraba State, Bali, Takum, and Wukari
LGA's. A few in Cameroon. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. "Munshi" is a perjorative name.
Regionally important language. Used in initial primary education.
Christian, traditional religion. Bible 1964. NT 1936-1942. Bible portions
1916-1959.
TSAGU (SAGO, CIWOGAI) [TGD] 3,000 (P. Newman OIEL 1992). Bauchi State,
Ningi and Darazo LGA's, near the Diri. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B..2.
Related to Diri, but a separate language. Survey needed.
TSIKIMBA (AGAUSHI, AUNA, KIMBA, AKIMBA, KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI) [KDL]
50,000 (1996). Niger State, Magama and Mariga LGA's, Auna and Wara areas,
just west of Kainji Lake on the Niger River. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. Dialects: AGAUNSHE,
ASHEN. Closest to Tsishingini and Cishingini, but a separate language.
Spoken by all ages. Speakers are called 'Akimba'. Speakers can use Hausa,
and some can use English or other Kambari languages. 20% literate in Hausa.
Muslim, traditional religion, Christian. Work in progress.
TSISHINGINI (KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI, SALKA, ASHINGINI) [KAM] 80,000
(1996 SIL). Niger State, Magama and Mariga LGA's, Salka area. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Dialect: IBETO. Spoken by all ages. Speakers are called 'Ashingini'. An
important language in the Kambari language cluster, including Cishingini
and Tsikimba, with which speakers have little or no intelligibility. 15%
literate. Area opened by large dam. Primarily rural. Speakers can use some
Hausa, and some can use English or other Kambari languages. 20% literate in
Hausa. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion. Bible portions 1933. Work
in progress.
TULA (TURE, KOTULE, KUTELE) [TUL] 19,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Kaltungo
LGA, 30 km. east of Biliri. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. Bible portions 1929.
Survey needed.
TURKWAM (TURKPA) [TDV] 6,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Tarokoid. Arum and Chessu may be dialects. Survey needed.
TYENGA (TYANGA, TIENGA, KYENGA, KENGA) [TYE] 4,000 in Nigeria; 1,000 in
Benin; 5,000 in both countries (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Kebbi State, Geshuru,
Kaele, Saufu, and Tuni villages, all west of Illo, and in the Boko villages
of Maze, Samia, Baikinrua, and Pisa. Also Tungan Bage in Benin.
Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Eastern, Busa. It is reported
that nearly all Tyenga do not speak their language any longer but Hausa or
Dendi, and those who do speak them are bilingual in Hausa. Tyenga and
Shanga have 70% lexical similarity with each other. Not intelligible with
the Busa group; 38% to 40% lexical similarity. Traditional religion,
Muslim. Survey needed.
UBAGHARA [BYC] 30,000 (1985 UBS); 24,000 Biakpan (1991 UBS). Cross River
State, Akampka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South,
Ubaghara-Kohumono, Ubaghara. Dialects: BIAKPAN, IKUN, ETONO, UGBEM, UTUMA
(UTAMA, UTAMU). Dialect cluster. Bible portions 1984. Work in progress.
UBANG [UBA] Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. Survey needed.
UDA [UDA] 10,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey
needed.
UHAMI (ISHUA) [UHA] 5,498 (1963). Ondo State, Akoko South and Owo LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern,
Osse. Listed separately from Iyayu by Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
UJIJILI (TANJIJILI, KORO FUNTU OF KAFIN KORO, KORO FUNTU OF MINNA, KORO OF
SHAKOYI) [UJI] Niger State, Chanchaga and Suleija LGA's, on the road from
Minna to Abuja at Kafin Koro. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern. All the alternate names listed
except 'Tanjijili' are names of the people. Listed separately in Crozier
and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
UKAAN (IKAN, ANYARAN, AUGA, KAKUMO) [KCF] 18,000 (1973 SIL). Ondo State,
Akoko North LGA, towns of Kakumo-Akoko, Auga, Ishe; Edo State, Akoko Edo
LGA, town of Anyaran, Kakumo-Aworo. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Ukaan-Akpes. Dialects: ISHE, KAKUMO. Yoruba is
lingua franca. Survey needed.
UKPE-BAYOBIRI [UKP] 12,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Obudu and Ikom
LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River,
Bendi. Dialects: UKPE, BAYOBIRI. Dialect cluster. Survey needed.
UKPET-EHOM (AKPET-EHOM) [AKD] Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper
Cross, Akpet. Dialects: UKPET (AKPET), EHOM (UBETENG, EBETENG). A dialect
cluster. Survey needed.
UKUE-EHUEN (EKPENMI, EKPENMEN, EPINMI) [UKU] 11,468 (1963), including 5,766
Ehuen (1963), 5,702 (1963) Ukue. Ondo State, Akoko South LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse.
Dialects: UKUE, EHUEN. Crozier and Blench 1992 treat Ukue and Ehuen as
separate languages. Survey needed.
UKWA [UKQ] Cross River State, Akampka LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross,
Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
UKWUANI-ABOH [UKW] 150,000 (1973 SIL). Delta State, Ndokwa LGA; Rivers
State, Ahoada LFA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Igboid, Igbo. Dialects: UKWUANI (UKWANI, UKWALI, KWALE), ABOH (EBOH). A
dialect cluster within the Igbo language cluster. Survey needed.
ULUKWUMI [ULB] 10,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Delta State,
Aniocha and Oshimili LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri. Survey needed.
UMON (AMON) [UMM] 20,000 or fewer (1995). Cross River State, Akampka LGA,
25 villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross
River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono,
Kohumono. Bible portions 1895. Survey needed.
UNEME (ULEME, ILEME, INEME) [UNE] 6,000 (1952). Edo State, Etsako, Agbazko,
and Akoko-Edo LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. Survey needed.
URHOBO (BIOTU, "SOBO") [URH] 546,000 (1993 Johnstone). Delta State, Ethiope
and Ughelli LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, Southwestern. Dialects: AGBARHO, ISOKO (IGABO). Used in initial
primary education. Formerly called "Sobo", which is offensive. Bible 1977.
NT 1951. Bible portions 1927-1963.
USAKADE (USAKADET, ISANGELE) [USK] 10,000 (1990 Connell). Cross River
State, Odukpani LGA. Reported to be mainly in Cameroon, Isangele
Subdivision. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross
River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Unclassified. Listed separately in Crozier
and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
UTUGWANG (PUTUKWAM, MBE AFAL, MBUBE EASTERN, OBE) [AFE] 12,000 or more
(1973 SIL); 3,500 Afrike (1953). Cross River State, Obudu and Ogoja LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Dialects: UTUGWANG (OTUKWANG), OKOROGUNG, OKOROTUNG, AFRIKE (AFERIKE),
OBOSO. Speakers are reported to understand Bekwarra well. Traditional
religion, Christian. Survey needed.
UVBIE ("EVHRO", UVHRIA, UVWIE, EVRIE, EFFURUN) [EVH] 6,000 (1952). Delta
State, Ethiope LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, Southwestern. Related to Urhobo. The name "Evhro" is offensive.
Survey needed.
UZEKWE (EZEKWE) [EZE] 5,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta
Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele. Survey
needed.
VIN (VIMTIM, YIMTIM, FALI OF MUBI, FALI OF MUCHELLA) [FLE] 5,000 or fewer
(1995). Adamawa State, Mubi LGA. May be in Cameroon. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Not related to North Fali or South Fali of Cameroon.
Survey needed.
VUTE (MBUTE, MBUTERE, BUTE, WUTE, FUTE, BUTI, BABUTE, MFUTI, WETERE,
VUTERE) [VUT] 1,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1973 SIL); 30,000 in Cameroon
(1985 EELC); 31,000 in all countries. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Northeast
Mambila Plateau. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Suga-Vute, Vute. Bible portions 1988. Work in
progress.
WAJA (WAGGA, WUYA) [WJA] 50,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi State,
Akko, Biliri, Kaltungo LGA's; Adamawa State, northern Michika LGA; Borno
State, Gwoza LGA; Taraba State, Bali LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo,
Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Dialects: MALGWAL, MADZIGA, MAHALLA (YAGGA). Only small dialect
differences. Speakers use Fulfulde as second language. Agriculturalists
hunters; animal husbandry: cattle, goats, sheep. Traditional religion,
Christian, Muslim. Bible portions 1926-1935.
WAKA [WAV] 5,000 or more (1992). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. Survey needed.
WANDALA (MANDARA, NDARA) [MFI] 20,000 in Nigeria (1993), including 10,000
Gamargu, 9,300 Kirawa; 23,500 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); 42,800 in all
countries. Borno State, Damboa , Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Mandara.
Dialects: KAMBURWAMA, MASFEIMA, JAMPALAM, ZIOGBA, MAZAGWA, GWANJE, GAMARGU
(GAMERGU, MALGO, MALGWA), KIRAWA. Dialect cluster. Muslim, traditional
religion. NT 1988. Bible portions 1967.
WAPAN (JUKUN WUKARI, WUKARI, WAKARI, WAPÃ, JUKUN WAPAN, JUKU, JUKUM, JUKON,
JUKU JUNKUN, JINKUM) [JUK] 100,000 (1994 UBS). Taraba State, Wukari LGA;
Plateau State, Shendam, Lafia, Awe, and Langtang LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid,
Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. Dialect: WUKAN. It is in the
Kororofa language cluster. Traditional religion. NT 1994. Bible portions 1914.
WARJI (WARJA, WARJAWA, SAR) [WJI] 70,000 (1978 MARC). Bauchi State, Darazo
and Ningi LGA's; Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West,
B, B.2. Gala may be a dialect. 10% literate. Traditional religion, Muslim,
Christian. Survey needed.
WASE (JUKUN WASE) [JUW] Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang LGA's.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun. In Jukun language cluster.
Traditional religion. Survey needed.
WEDU [WEU] 1,000 or fewer (1971 GR). Plateau State, Pankshin, Kanam, and
Langtang LGA's, scattered among the Angas. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A,
A.3, Angas Proper, 2. Related to Tal. Listed separately in Crozier and
Blench 1992. Survey needed.
WOM (PERE, PEREMA, PEREBA, ZAGAI) [WOM] 5,000 in Nigeria (1992); 13,000 in
Cameroon (1982 SIL); 18,000 in all countries. Adamawa State, Fufore LGA.
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Leko. Closely related to Samba Leko. It is reported that they
intermarry with Mom Jango speakers. May not be in Cameroon. Traditional
religion, Christian, 2 or 3 Muslims. Survey needed.
WUTANA [WUW] 1,075 (1922 Temple). Bauchi Emirate. Unclassified. Listed
separately in Crozier and Blench 1992. Survey needed.
YALA (IYALA) [YBA] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ogoja, Obubra, and
Ikom LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid,
Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. Dialects: NKUM (YALA IKOM), NKUM AKPAMBE (YALA
OBUBRA), YALA OGOJA. NT 1979. Bible portions 1974.
YAMBA ("KAKA", MBEM) [YAM] A few in Nigeria (1990 Blench); 30,000 to 40,000
in Cameroon (1993 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna, Gashaka LGA's, Antere and
other border villages. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields,
Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. NT 1992. Bible portions 1990.
YASHI [YBJ] 400 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western,
Southwestern, B. Survey needed.
YEKHEE (ETSAKO, ETSAKOR, AFENMAI, IYEKHEE, "KUKURUKU") [ETS] 274,000 (1995
UBS). Edo State, Etsako, Agbako, and Okpebho LGA's. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central,
Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. Dialects: AUCHI, UZAIRUE, SOUTH IBIE, UWEPA-UWANO
(WEPPA WANO), AVIANWU (FUGAR), AVIELE, IVHIADAOBI. Not all speakers of the
language recognize 'Yekhee' as the name of the language; some prefer
'Etsako'. However, 'Etsako' is not the only language listed as being spoken
in Etsako LGA. The name "Kukuruku" is derogatory. Bible portions 1980. Work
in progress.
YENDANG (YENDAM, YANDANG, NYANDANG, YUNDUM) [YEN] 62,640 (1987). Adamawa
State, Mayo Belwa and Numan LGA's; Taraba State, Yoro, Jalingo, Zing, and
Karim Lamido LGA's. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. Dialects:
KUSEKI, YOFO, POLI (AKULE, YAKULE). Speakers use Hausa, Fulfulde, Mumuye,
or English as second languages. Agriculturalists, animal husbandry. Survey
needed.
YESKWA (YASGUA) [YES] 13,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Plateau
State, Keffi LGA. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
YIWOM (GERKA, GERKAWA, GERKANCHI, GURKA) [GEK] 8,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau
State, Shendam and Langtang LGA's. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3,
Yiwom. Survey needed.
YORUBA (YOOBA, YARIBA) [YOR] 18,850,000 in Nigeria, 20.3% of the population
(1993 Johnstone); 465,000 in Benin (1993 Johnstone); 20,000,000 in all
countries (1991 UBS). Most of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo Osun, Kwara, and Lagos
states; and western LGA's of Kogi State. Also in Togo. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Dialects: OYO, IJESHA, ILA, IJEBU, ONDO, WO, OWE, JUMU, IWORRO, IGBENA,
YAGBA, GBEDDE, EGBA, AKONO, AWORO, BUNU (BINI), EKITI, ILAJE, IKALE, AWORI.
Oyo is the standard literary usage. The literacy rate is 35%. The official
language in the southwest. Used for government notices, radio, television,
primary and secondary education, university courses, a thriving literature
including books, newspapers, pamphlets. National language. Typology: SVO.
Christian, Muslim, traditional religion. Braille Bible portions. Bible
1884-1966. NT 1862-1993. Bible portions 1850-1960.
YUKUBEN (NYIKUBEN, NYIKOBE, AYIKIBEN, BORITSU, BALAABE, BALAABEN, OOHUM,
UUHUM, UUHUM-GIGI, UHUMKHEGI) [YBL] 15,000 in Nigeria (1992); 950 in
Cameroon (1986 R. Breton); 16,000 in all countries. Taraba State, Takum
LGA, between the Katsina Ala and Gamana rivers. About 20 villages in
Nigeria. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid,
Benue, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. Speakers use Jukun, Kuteb (in areas close
to Kuteb), or Hausa as second languages. Many women, especially in the
mountains, do not understand Hausa. Limited access. Trade language.
Traditional religion, Christian.
YUNGUR (BINNA, EBINA, BENA, EBUNA, BUNA, DUMNE, "LALA") [YUN] 95,000
(1992). Adamawa State, Guyuk, Gombi, and Song LGA's, between Shelleng and
Song. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi,
Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba. Speakers use Fulfulde, Kanakuru, or
Hausa as second languages. The name "Lala" is offensive. 'Purra' is a cover
term for the northern clans. Traditional religion, Christian, Muslim.
ZANGWAL (ZWANGAL) [ZAH] 100 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum. Survey needed.
ZARI (ZARIWA) [ZAZ] 3,950 or more including 2,950 Zakshi (1950 H.D. Gunn),
1,000 Boto (1950). Bauchi State, Toro and Tafawa Balewa LGA's.
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. Dialects: ZAKSHI (ZAKSA),
BOTO (BOOT, BIBOT), ZARI (KOPTI, KWAPM). In the Zari dialect cluster in the
Barawa language cluster. Traditional religion, Muslim, Christian. Survey
needed.
ZARMA (DYERMA, DYARMA, DYABARMA, ZABARMA, ADZERMA, DJERMA, ZARBARMA, ZERMA)
[DJE] 50,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL); 1,495,000 in Niger; 600 in Burkina Faso
(1987); 2,000,000 in all countries (1991 WA). Kebbi State, Argungu, Birnin
Kebbi, and Bunza LGA's; Niger State. Also in Benin. Nilo-Saharan, Songhai.
Muslim. Braille Bible portions. Bible 1990. NT 1954. Bible portions 1934.
ZEEM [ZUA] Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar
Proper. Dialects: ZEEM (TULAI), DANSHE (CHAARI), LUSHI (LUKSHI, DOKSHI).
The Zeem dialect cluster in the Barawa language cluster. Survey needed.
ZIRIYA (JIRIYA) [ZIR] Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Kere and Ziriya. Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos,
Jera. Nearly extinct.
ZIZILIVEKEN (ZIZILIVAKAN, ZILIVA, ÀMZÍRÍV, FALI OF JILBU) [ZIZ] A few
hundred in Cameroon (1992 Crozier and Blench). Near Nigerian border,
Bourrah Subdivision, Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Province. Also in
Nigeria. Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. People are called 'Fali
of Jilbu'. May be the same as Jilbe in Nigeria. Survey needed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part of the Ethnologue, 13th Edition, Barbara F. Grimes, Editor.
Copyright © 1996, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Send corrections and updates on the content of the Ethnologue, with your
sources, to: Editor.E...@sil.org