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.