AN ATLAS OF NIGERIAN LANGUAGES

Roger Blench

May be freely quoted but please acknowledge

source

3rd. Edition

This version May 2011

Roger Blench
Kay Williamson Educational Foundation
8, Guest Road
Cambridge CB1 2AL
United Kingdom
Voice/Ans 0044-(0)1223-560687
Mobile worldwide (00-44)-(0)7967-696804
E-mail [email protected]
http://www.rogerblench.info/RBOP.htm

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................i
2. Definition of a Language...................................................................................................................................i
3. Form of the Head-Entries ................................................................................................................................ii
4. Language and Ethnicity ...................................................................................................................................ii
5. Changes in the Language Map ...................................................................................................................... iii
5.1 From Numbers to Names............................................................................................................................ iii
5.2 Addition of new languages ......................................................................................................................... iii
6. Reclassification of Languages........................................................................................................................ iii
Naming of subgroups.........................................................................................................................................iv
7. Addition and Correction of Topographic and Institutional Features ........................................................iv
8. Changes in Language Distribution .................................................................................................................v
8.1 Rural-Rural Migration and language distribution ........................................................................................v
8.2 Rural-Urban Migration and language distribution .......................................................................................v
8.3 Languages spoken by pastoralists.................................................................................................................v
8.4 Regions of mixed population........................................................................................................................v
8.5 Distribution of second languages .................................................................................................................v
8.6 Language endangerment and death ..............................................................................................................v
8.7 Pattern of language endangerment...............................................................................................................vi
9. Queries........................................................................................................................................................... viii
9.1 Resolving Queries..................................................................................................................................... viii
9.2 Unresolved Queries .....................................................................................................................................ix
9.3 Updating ......................................................................................................................................................ix
9.3.1 Maps .....................................................................................................................................................ix
9.3.2 Literacy and Printed materials...............................................................................................................x
9.3.3 Non-print media.....................................................................................................................................x
9.3.4 Language Use ........................................................................................................................................x
10. New Media.......................................................................................................................................................x
11. Scripts ..............................................................................................................................................................x
12. Deaf and sign languages .................................................................................................................................x
13. Acknowledgments...........................................................................................................................................x
Key to the Index..................................................................................................................................................xii

TABLES

Table 1. Distribution of languages with no status data by country ................................................................vi

Table 2. Nigerian languages written in Arabic script .......................................................................................x
Table 3. Individuals contributing information on particular languages ................................................................xi

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1. Introduction
The present electronic is a fully revised and updated edition of ‘An Index of Nigerian Languages’ by David
Crozier and Roger Blench (1992), which replaced Keir Hansford, John Bendor-Samuel and Ron Stanford
(1976), a pioneering attempt to synthesize what was known at the time about the languages of Nigeria and their
classification. Since 1990, all new information was either collected in the field by Roger Blench or resulted
from personal communications with him, hence his sole authorship of the present version. Many new
cagteories of information have been added since the 1992 edition, largely resulting from technologicla and
social change.
2. Definition of a Language
The preparation of a listing of Nigerian languages inevitably begs the question of the definition of a language.
The terms ‘language’ and ‘dialect’ have rather different meanings in informal speech from the more rigorous
definitions that must be attempted by linguists. Dialect, in particular, is a somewhat pejorative term suggesting
it is merely a local variant of a ‘central’ language. In linguistic terms, however, dialect is merely a regional,
social or occupational variant of another speech-form. There is no presupposition about its importance or
otherwise. Because of these problems, the more neutral term ‘lect’ is coming into increasing use to describe
any type of distinctive speech-form.

However, the Index inevitably must have head entries and this involves selecting some terms from the
thousands of names recorded and using them to cover a particular linguistic nucleus. In general, the choice of a
particular lect name as a head-entry should ideally be made solely on linguistic grounds. In the first edition of
the Index of Nigerian languages it was suggested that in the absence of absolute recognised criteria, mutual
intelligibility, lexicostatistics and sociolinguistic factors would be needed to determine appropriate groupings
of lects as languages and dialects.

As recognised then, even now, the information about many of the languages listed in this index is too limited to
actually make these sorts of judgment in a scientifically measured way. Linguists have recognised for a long
time that lexicostatistical counts made ‘cold’, i.e. in the absence of information about the phonology of a
language group will inevitably be lower than those made by someone who has studied the sound
correspondences. The idea that an arbitrary lexical cognate level of say 80 per cent alone determines the
boundary between language and dialect was not espoused. Other factors must be taken into consideration.
Moreover, it has become clearer that lects can have high cognacy counts and still differ substantially. For
example, the languages in the Yungur cluster have cognacy counts well above 80 per cent. However, a
syntactic process that has caused some of them to switch from noun-class suffixes to prefix systems has had
profound implications for sentence structure. As a result to call these languages ‘the same language’ would be
to stretch the usual meaning of these words to breaking point.

The choice of many of the head-entries must therefore rest on the judgment of individual linguists or the
viewpoint of the speech communities and will not necessarily conform to a unitary standard. This should not be
taken as a charter to give any lect the status of an individual language. One of the problems of a developing
sense of ethnicity is that there is a tendency to over-emphasize (or deny) linguistic differences for political and
administrative reasons.

A linguistic atlas should as far as possible refrain from becoming entangled in local and regional politics and
stay with the language data. Nonetheless, it should also be recognised that there is an element of self-fulfilling
prophecy. A group of people that retains a strong sense of apartness must inevitably develop an image of this in
their language, especially in cultural vocabulary.

One of the features of the first edition of the Index developed to characterise situations where there are groups
of related languages was the ‘language cluster’ and ‘dialect cluster’. Language cluster was defined as where
together with sociolinguistic factors and the issue of mutual intelligibility ‘the percentage of related words is
not less than 70 per cent’ and the figure of 80 per cent was adopted for dialect cluster. As suggested above,
‘hard’ figures like this can be problematic, but the principle of not giving primacy to a particular speech-form is

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practical and also tactful. For the present version of the Index, the number of clusters have been substantially
expanded, and many lects, previously listed as dialects, have been reclassified as equal members of a cluster.

3. Form of the Head-Entries

The desire to use a common orthography for head-entries has involved the making a series of choices which
may not always turn out to be appropriate. The principles used are as follows;

a. Where a community, through the agency of a literacy committee or a community development association
has definitely selected a particular form then that form is used.

b. Where there is no agreed name, then the name a community uses to refer to itself is preferred.

c. Where the name of the language and of the people are different, the name of the language is preferred. Thus
Fulfulde for Fulɓe. In some cases, where the variation is through the use of different prefixes or suffixes, the
convention for Bantu languages is adopted; the variable affix has been deleted and the remaining stem used for
both people and language. Thus the Wom people are ‘Pere’, and the suffixes marking people and language are
omitted.

d. Where this would lead to confusion through a variety of communities using the same name, geographical or
other markers are used to make the distinction. Thus in the case of Basa, region names, such as ‘Basa-Benue’
are used, even though the people themselves do not use these names. In the case of Yungur, where various
peoples call themselves by the same name, ɓəna, the outsiders’ names, Lala and Roba, are retained.

e. An alternative situation is where undefined dialectal differentiation has led to a variety of different names for
people and language within one language. Thus the Longuda have four different versions of their name. In this
case the usual name, ‘Longuda’ is retained.

f. Where the community’s own name is unknown the most common reference name if preferred, except where
this is apparently pejorative.

g. Where a reference name has been adopted from a community’s own name, it is usually cited without tone
marks or other diacritics. Subdots are so widely accepted in Nigeria that they constitute an exception.

h. Phonetic symbols such as schwa ‘ə’ and eng ‘ŋ’ are not generally used in head-entries although the
implosives and ejectives such as ɓ, ɗ, and ƙ are acceptable. The exception is where the correct name is known
but the community has made no decision about the form to adopt. Thus the Kotoko name Afaɗe (Afaɗə) has
been used until an alternative is accepted.

The consequence of this is that reference names will continue to be in a state of flux.

4. Language and Ethnicity

Linguists trying to develop language classifications always warn about the dangers of confusing language and
ethnic group distributions. These warnings are routinely disregarded by non-linguists since the language maps
produced handily illustrate the distribution of ethnic groups. Indeed, it would be disingenuous to claim that
there are no general correspondences between language and ethnic distribution, especially in the case of
minority groups. However, it must be emphasized that the social definition of an ethnic group has many
aspects, of which language is just one. The following examples illustrate the wide range of variation that can
occur;

1. Fulɓe /Fulani. The Fulɓe people presumably originally came to Nigeria as pastoral nomads and many of
them still pursue this occupation today. The language of the Fulɓe is Fulfulde (Pulaar in regions west of
Nigeria) although not all Fulɓe still speak this language. They are divided into a complex nexus of inter-related
clans, leƴƴi, which are kinship-based units. Speakers usually claim that the clan of a speaker can be known

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from the way they speak, but this is only true when the speaker is also resident in the same geographical area.
Broadly speaking, Fulfulde has developed regional dialects, notably in Sokoto and Adamawa. However, these
have no distinct boundaries, as would be expected from mobile populations; populations entering a new
geographical region must accomodate regional peculiarities with the speech of their ‘home’ clan. Nonetheless,
the differences at extreme ends of the dialect chain are enough to make western Sokoto speech
incomprehensible to Fulɓe from Adamawa.

Distinctions are equally strong between urban and pastoral Fulɓe, between the Fulɓe wuro and the Fulɓe na’i.
An urban speech lect has developed among the town Fulɓe in Yola and adjacent centres in Cameroun, which is
syntactically and lexically distinct from rural speech forms. In this case, there is a asymmetric relationship
between the town and country, as urban Fulɓe have difficulty understanding rural Fulɓe speaking among
themselves, but the rural groups are fluent in the speech of the towns.

Apart from these distinctions, many Fulɓe no longer speak Fulfulde. For at least two centuries, Fulɓe have been
settling in both the towns and rural regions of Hausaland and other parts of Northern Nigeria. Their gradual
assimilation into the local community has led them to drop Fulfulde in favour of Hausa and to adopt external
features of Hausa society in terms of dress and other customs. However, they retain the ethnic label ‘Fulani’
and social distinctions are still made between individuals on this basis, regardless of the linguistic
homogeneity.
5. Changes in the Language Map
The language map accompanying the Index has inevitably changed substantially since the first edition and it is
worth tabulating the types of changes that have occurred;
5.1 From Numbers to Names
The map accompanying the first edition had numbers assigned to individual languages. This has the advantage
of taking up less space on the map but it was extremely difficult to actually find the less well-known languages.
In the present version, language names have been placed on the map. No significance should be attached to the
point size in which the names are printed which is usually the largest that will fit in the space available. The
use of names makes for easier cross referencing between the index and the map and this has helped in the
elimination of certain inconsistencies in the first map.
5.2 Addition of new languages
Since the second edition of the Index, approximately thirty previously unreported languages have been
recorded and in some cases, dialects or dialect clusters have been split into their component members following
more detailed research.
6. Reclassification of Languages
The major change in language classification since the first edition is the re-alignment of the former Eastern
Kwa into (New) Benue-Congo. In crude terms, the red areas of the former map are now simply considered part
of the blue. Kwa is retained for the former Western Kwa and the only languages that fall into this category are
Gun and Aja. Njọ and its related single language Defaka, have been excluded from either group and are now
recognised to constitute a distinct branch of Niger-Congo. These new classifications are explained and justified
more explicitly by the contributors to ‘The Niger-Congo languages’ (Bendor-Samuel 1989).

Within Benue-Congo the most distinctive feature has been the ramification of sub-groups. The now standard
view (Williamson, 1989) divides Benue-Congo into twelve branches without proposing higher-order linkages.
Blench (1989) constitutes one proposal for the internal classification of Benue-Congo but it is clear that much
work remains to be done before the situation is clarified.

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The main changes in Benue-Congo have been;

1. The establishment of Ọkọ, Akpes and Ukaan as distinct branches

2. The splitting away from Plateau of the Kainji languages (Greenberg’s Plateau 1)
3. The division of the newly constituted Plateau into Plateau, Jukunoid and Tarokoid
4. Uniting Ebira with the other Nupoid languages
5. The addition of Dakoid (previously classified as Adamawa) and its combination with Mambiloid into
North Bantoid

Adamawa languages are far more problematic, in part because they are less known. The most recent survey
(Boyd, 1989) divided Adamawa into a large number of subgroups. Bennett (1983) has proposed an internal
subgrouping, but this has yet to be accepted.

The other language families represented in Nigeria, notably Chadic, Saharan, Gur and Mande have not changed
substantially in the outline of their classification.

Naming of subgroups
As the pattern of previously little-known language groups gradually becomes clearer, new names will be
proposed and some adopted. The author has been particualrly active in the area of Plateau and is responsible
for the first records of many languages, or else for extended wordlists. As subgroups have become delinated, so
names that reflect their linguistic features or other aspects become appropriate. Following a series of
publications, the following names have been adopted.

Beromic Plateau 2
Ninzic Plateau 4

A number of subgroups whose membership has at best been uncertian are now given names to reflect this. For
example, the ‘Jaba cluster’ is now renamed Hyamic, and the various languages falling under the label Koro are
now renamed the Koro cluster. No doubt not all of these will survive, but classification is an ongoing process
and affectd by political and social considerations.
7. Addition and Correction of Topographic and Institutional Features
The outline of Nigeria used in the first edition of the map was schematic and so did not include water-bodies
such as the lagoon region of Lagos, for example. Also Lake Chad was noted but no open water marked. Since
the 1970s, a large number of dams and barrages have been built, especially in Northern Nigeria and the lakes
formed by backing up now cover sizeable land areas. These have been traced from Landsat imagery. It is
generally assumed that no language is spoken ‘on’ a water body, although this is clearly not the case on Lake
Kainji, where Sarkawa and Reshe fishermen inhabit islands within the Lake. Lake Chad, by contrast, has
virtually disappeared and almost all the land area within Nigeria is inhabited, and is so represented.

The first edition of the map did show some of the main National Parks. The present version of the map adds
some more National Parks and also a number of significant Forest Reserves. Ordinance Survey maps show a
very large number of Forest Reserves, but many of them are inhabited and are thus for language mapping
purposes treated as absent.

Another addition has been the inclusion of urban areas where these are sufficiently large as to constitute a
significant region of the map and are known to be polyglot and cannot therefore be assigned to a particular
language. The most important of these are Lagos and Kaduna urban areas. Other large urban areas, such as
Enugu, Ibadan and Kano are considered to be sufficiently homogeneous linguistically as to not require special
treatment.

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8. Changes in Language Distribution
Languages are spoken by people and in a developing society such as Nigeria change is a constant feature of
human populations. The most common source of change is migration.
8.1 Rural-Rural Migration and language distribution
One result of the increasing human population of Nigeria is pressure on farmland and the consequent urge to
migrate to less densely populated regions. This process has probably always occurred but it has been boosted
by the ready availability of roads, transport and other communications. As a result, farmers can assess other
regions of the country for their agricultural potential and may move their villages wholesale. The Zarma
populations southeast of Lake Kainji resulted from a transplanting of Zarma villages in the northwest to the
region north of Mokwa in the early 1980s.
8.2 Rural-Urban Migration and language distribution
Cities by their very nature attract polyglot mixtures of ethnic groups. Even in the pre-colonial era, major cities
such Kano and Lagos had quarters for non-indigenous peoples such as the Nupe. However, the growth of cities
during the twentieth century has accentuated this trend dramatically and the oil-wealth of Nigeria has permitted
an urban expansion hardly paralleled elsewhere in Africa.
8.3 Languages spoken by pastoralists
One of the most problematic aspects of representing languages on maps with fixed boundaries is the case of
pastoral societies. Pastoralists move with their herds, carrying their language with them and interpenetrate
settled communities. The most well known are the Fulɓe but there are many other groups, especially in
northeastern Nigeria, such as the Jetko, Koyam, Teda, Shuwa and Yedina. Some nomadic pastoralists, such as
the Uled Suliman and the Twareg, only enter Nigeria in the dry season, returning to the Republic of Niger
during the rains. Obviously the movements of such peoples cannot be captured on a single map and sketches to
show the migratory circuits of some pastoral groups have been added. It should be noted, however, that these
are at best schematic. Pastoral peoples are by the nature of their life-style, flexible and liable to change their
movements. They could therefore expand into new regions or withdraw from them very rapidly. The maps
therefore only represent the situation recorded in 1990 and should be regarded as subject to change.
8.4 Regions of mixed population
One of the most problematic aspects of representing languages is regions of mixed population. Populations
often form linguistically homogeneous zones, especially with the more widespread languages. Elsewhere,
communities develop networks of interdependence that create interlocking communities and thus intertwined
languages. A notable example of this is the region immediately northeast of the Niger-Benue confluence, where
Gbari, Ebira and Basa villages co-exist. Many large settlements have wards representing the three major
groups. These are marked as together in single polygon, but an approximate border is shown where one group
begins to dominate. This cartographic convention should be taken as only a schematic representation of reality.
8.5 Distribution of second languages
The use of second languages for communication and in administration was well-established in pre-colonial
Nigeria and has further expanded as the diversity of migrations has required the development of linguae
francae. The most notable languages used in this way are English, Pidgin, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde, Yoruba,
Igbo and Efik. Some of these are expanding, such as Hausa and Yoruba and others in decline, notably Kanuri
and Efik.
8.6 Language endangerment and death
Since this enterprise began, interest in language endangerment has become a highly significant topic, although
this has not necessarily led to significantly more documentary work being undertaken on endangered languages
in Nigeria. Nonetheless, a category of degree of endangerment has been introduced and information provided
where recent sociolinguistic data is available. The following data compares Nigeria with the other countries of
West Africa.

‘Declining’ and ‘moribund’ are categories to try and capture languages that are apparently in decline despite
having a viable number of speakers. The assumption is that there are many more languages of this type. The
availability of information is extremely uneven, so the data was further analysed by country, as shown in Table
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1. This illustrates yet again Nigeria’s exceptional situation; its languages are less-known than any other country
even in percentage terms.

Table 1. Distribution of languages with no status data by country

Country Total languages No Data % No data
Niger 11 0 0.0
Togo 39 0 0.0
Sierra Leone 21 1 4.8
Mali 26 2 7.7
Senegal 35 4 11.4
Guinea-Bissau 21 3 14.3
Ghana 66 10 15.2
Liberia 32 5 15.6
Mauretania 5 1 20.0
Burkina Faso 68 16 23.5
Côte d’Ivoire 76 18 23.7
Gambia 19 5 26.3
Guinea 27 8 29.6
Benin 50 16 32.0
Nigeria 550 231 42.0
Total and Mean 1050 320 30.5

The explanation for this is actually quite simple; all other West African countries have had a fairly active
programme of language survey conducted either by the French research establishment or by the SIL. In Nigeria,
since the virtual cessation of SIL activities in 1976, very limited further survey work was conducted.

8.7 Pattern of language endangerment

In general, West African languages are in a healthy state. Compared to Eastern and Southern Africa, only a few
languages are disappearing. The clear contrast with East Africa which almost certainly reflects the dominance
of smallholder farming systems. A lack of mobility and a relative inflexibility in reinventing subsistence
strategies tends to conserve language and maintain classic patterns of diversification such as areal spread and
dialect chains. Language endangerment in West Africa generally through language shift, which usually reflects
the rise of a dominant culture, formerly military, but often nowadays commercial or religious. This is
particularly the case with Islam; conversion to Islam was historically associated with the rise of highly
militarised cultures and indeed the slave trade. Thus, Hausa, Arabic, Mandinka, Bambara, Fulfulde and Kanuri
have all been associated with aggressive expansionism and the forcible conversion of enslaved peoples. In the
colonial era, the convenience of these languages was such that they were frequently adopted as secondary
languages of communication. Promoted by the administration they became ever more the vehicle of
assimilatory forces pressing on minority languages.

Box 1 illustrates the case of Yangkam, a language of Central Nigeria that is severely endangered because the
association of its people with Islamic expansion during the nineteenth century.

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Box 1. The case of Yangkam

The Yangkam people live in a region west of Bashar town, on the Amper-Bashar road, in Plateau State,
Central Nigeria. They are known as ‘Bashar’ or ‘Basherawa’ (the Hausaised name for the people) in almost
all the literature (Greenberg 1963; Crozier & Blench 1992). The correct name of the Bashar language and
people is Yàŋkàm, plural aYaŋkam. Crozier and Blench (1992) give a figure of 20,000 speakers of the
language located in and around Bashar town, some 50 km east of Amper on the Muri road. This estimate
turned out to be entirely erroneous. The Yangkam people were heavily affected by nineteenth century slave
raids, perhaps by the Jukun as well as the Hausa. They converted to Islam and a relatively powerful centre
was established at Bashar. At the same time they began to switch to speaking Hausa, while still retaining
strongly their Bashar identity. In the region of Bashar town in 1997, there were just two old men who remain
reasonably fluent in the language, in the village of Yuli, some 15 km northwest of Bashar. However, it turns
out that at the time of the raids, the population split into two and another group sought refuge in Tukur.
Yangkam is spoken in some four villages, Tukur, Bayar, Pyaksam and Kiram. However, even here Yangkam
is only spoken by people over fifty and all the young people speak Hausa. There seems to be no likelihood
that Yangkam will be maintained as speakers are quite content with the switch to Hausa. The local estimate
of the number of fluent speakers is 400, and falling every year. There are many hamlets around Bashar town
in Wase local Government whose populations are ethnically Yangkam but who no longer speak the
language.

Yangkam is something of a paradox; members of the ethnic group are very proud of their history and
identity, but do not associate that with retention of the language. Hausa is not spoken as a first language by
any populations nearby and Bashar is today well-off major routes for long-distance trade. A typescript of the
history of Bashar circulates in the district, larded with non-Hausa names and words but Yangkam do not
draw the conclusion that there is any link between this identity and the language they formerly spoke.
Although Yangkam has nearly disappeared as a language, the populations who formerly spoke it are likely to
retain Basherawa and Basheranci as their name for the people and language as long as they retain a separate
identity.
Source: Author’s unpublished fieldwork

Not all large vehicular languages were the products of Islamisation; Moore, Yoruba, Efik/Ibibio, Akan and
Wolof seem to have expanded, often in a military context, but prior to or unrelated to Islam. Interestingly, these
languages have been less successful in the post-colonial phase of cultural expansion, suggesting that the
transition to a trade language was less successful than, say, Hausa or Bambara. Islam, as also Christianity, has
always had long-distance trade as a second arrow in its quiver, when the impetus for military conquest was
exhausted. This made languages with a prior embedded trade vocabulary highly suitable to the colonial
administrators. Less commerce-oriented languages made more limited inroads in an era of relative peace.

Interestingly, the apparent preconditions for language death set up negative expectations that turn out to be
unnecessarily pessimistic. Surveys of Plateau languages 1993-1999 showed that in almost every case, even
languages with relatively small numbers of speakers appeared to be flourishing, rather against expectation. Box
2 gives an example of two related languages form the Mambiloid family which might appear prime candidates
for endangerment which appear to be thriving.

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Box 2. Mvanɨp and Ndunda

Meek (1931) gives a short wordlist of a language he calls Magu, spoken at Zongo Ajiya in the northwest of the
Mambila Plateau in southeastern Nigeria. While undoubtedly a Mambiloid language, it seems to be distinct
from Mambila proper. In Crozier & Blench (1992) the population is given as ‘less than 10,000’ and called
‘Mvano’. Following a field visit in 1999 we ascertained how incorrect this information was. The Mvanip
people are only 100 (chief’s estimate) consisting of a few households in one quarter of Zongo Ajiya. Almost all
individuals seemed to be fluent in the other languages of Zongo Ajiya, Fulfulde, Mambila and Ndoro. Despite
this, the language seems to be alive –the Jauro assured us that all the children still speak it, and we observed
this to be true. A long wordlist was taped and there is no doubt this is the same language given in Meek as
Magu.

When we asked for the language closest to Mvanip, to our surprise, we were given the name of the Ndunda
people. Ndunda is a village some 5km. from Yerimaru, past Kakara on the tea estate road south of Zongo
Ajiya. And indeed, there are a people and language of this name whose existence seems so far to have entirely
eluded the reference books. Their language resembles Mvanip but the two are sufficiently distinct as to be
regarded as separate languages. There are probably 3-400 speakers of Ndunda. The language is also alive and
well although the Ndunda settlement is much more ethnically homogeneous than Zongo Ajiya.

Mvanˆp and Ndunda would appear to be prime candidates for language loss. Their numbers are very small, and
the populations live in close proximity to prestigious and numerically dominant languages associated with
Islam. However, they seem to have developed a situation of stable multilingualism and religious synthesis that
allows them to conserve their traditions without seeming anomalous to outsiders. In contrast to the Yangkam
(see Box 1) the Mambila Plateau is off major trade routes and remains highly inaccessible even in modern
Nigeria.
Blench & Connell, survey notes 1999

9. Queries
9.1 Resolving Queries
The first edition of the Index of Nigerian Languages listed the following languages as extinct;

Ashaganna Fali of Baissa Shirawa

Auyokawa Kpati Taura
Bassa-Kontagora Lufu

Further investigations have established the status of some of these languages:

Ashaganna no further data

Auyokawa definitely extinct
Bassa-Kontagora 10 speakers alive in 1987
Fali of Baissa Spoken by a few individuals on the Falinga Plateau in southern Taraba State. A
fragmentary wordlist was recorded by Robert Koops in the early 1970s, suggesting
that the language is clearly Benue-Congo, but its further affiliation is uncertain.
Kpati no further data
Lufu not extinct, see entry
Shirawa extinct but a manuscript wordlist shows that it was merely a dialect of Bade
Taura still extant: see entry and Shimizu (1982)

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The following languages appear to have become extinct:

Ajanci, a north Bauchi language, reported by Skinner (1977) (=Ajawa in the first edition)
Akpondu, a language related to Alumu
Basa-Gumna, a Basa lect, no competent speakers in 1987
Buta-Ningi, an East Kainji language, Speakers were contacted by Ian Maddieson in 1975 but enquiries in 1990
revealed no remaining speakers
Holma, a relative of Njanyi, with 4 aged speakers in 1987

9.2 Unresolved Queries

Notes on Unresolved Queries in Editions 1 and 2.

Agalawa A Hausa clan no distinct linguistic element

Ajawa See above
Ambo Tivoid
Bakarawa possibly a-Koor (see Kag cluster)
Bellawa Now known from Schuh (1978) (see entry)
Buru Bantoid language of the Baissa region
Cineni A distinct language closely related to Gava-Guduf (Kraft 1981) now given an entry
Dazawa Daza: a Chadic language of the Bole-Tangale group (Schuh 1978)
Ganawa Northern Jos language (Shimizu 1982)
Jilbu Fali of Jilvu
Jiriya Ziriya (Shimizu 1982). Now extinct
Jubawa =Jibawa, i.e. Jibu
Kofa Language spoken near Sorau in Adamawa State related to Bata
Kolbila Spoken only in Cameroun
Laka =Kamuku Laka, Hausa-speaking Kamuku
Oruma See text
Purra A cover term for the northern clans of the Yungur
Roma A village in the Zuru area referred to in Rowlands (1962), whose inhabitants are the Adoma.
Although the language spoken there today is Lela, the original language was presumably related
to Gwamhi-Wuri (Regnier, p.c.)
Rumada Generic term for former serfs of the Ful∫e, nmo distinct linguistic identity
Shau Northern Jos language (Shimizu 1982)
Subku =Subtuu, a Yungur clan
Teshenawa A long-extinct Chadic language
Wudufu =Kariya Wudufu, i.e. Mburku
Wushishi Probably Basa-Gumna
Yan =Yang (town name), i.e. Lala
Yingilim Not spoken in Nigeria
Yumu Town name. Kambari spoken in the region

9.3 Updating
Computers have made the task of keeping the task of updating the Index and the maps a much less daunting
task for the future. Future editions will contain additional information in the following areas:
9.3.1 Maps
a) detailed maps of complex regions
b) maps to show the migrations of pastoral groups
c) maps of the distribution of major linguae francae, and other important socio-linguistic features.

ix
9.3.2 Literacy and Printed materials
More detail on the status of different speech forms. To know that there is printed material in a language is not
to have information on whether literacy is actually a significant feature of a language.
9.3.3 Non-print media
Categories for media other than print: such as radio, television, cassettes, film and video have become more
important and they are becoming significant in the promotion or otherwise of individual languages. Data on the
use of these media would be valuable.
9.3.4 Language Use
First and second language use. What other languages are commonly spoken by the speakers of particular lects?
10. New Media
Since the earlier editions, much has changed in the technology of language dissemination; no reference was
made even to radio and television in previous syntheses. Now both the internet and SMS text-messaging have
to be considered. Indeed, text-messaging and the possibilities of transmitting texts in particular languages may
turn out to be crucial to their acceptance among the next generation of speakers.
11. Scripts
Earlier editions of the Index had little to say about indigenous (i.e. pre-European) scripts. The most well-known
script falling into this category is the use of adapted Arabic script to write Hausa and other northern languages.
Although far behind the use of the Roman alphabet, Islamic revivalism has led to a renewed interest in Arabic
script, something also encouraged, ironically, by the Arabic Script initiative supported by Christian
organsations. Currently, the following languages are written in Arabic script (Table 2);

Table 2. Nigerian languages written in Arabic script

Language Name Current Comment
Hausa Ajami Yes
Fulfulde Yes
Kanuri Yes
Nupe No

Apart from this, there are a number of other scripts, all of twentieth century origin, invented by inspired
individuals, which have had more or less currency. These are principally for Hausa, but there is also the
intriguing Ibibio script.
12. Deaf and sign languages
Another area which has been poorly documented until recently are sign languages, spoken typically by deaf
communities but in some case also by hearing individuals. There is a Nigerian sign language, taught in deaf
schools, but this derives from American Sign Language (ASL). Information about numbers of users and their
competence is extremely sparse. At least one indigenous sign language has been documented, that used by the
Bura people in NE Nigeria (Blench 2004). However, by virtue of sheer numbers, there must be many more
waiting to be recorded.
13. Acknowledgments
An enterprise such as the Atlas of Nigerian Languages is above all a co-operative enterprise. It depends on
scholars making available advance copies of field materials and local enthusiasts willing to assist in the
plotting of language distribution and discussion of dialect and intelligibility issues.

Table 3 below may be said to constitute major acknowledgments, that is scholars who have contributed
substantially to improved knowledge of language distribution in unpublished communications. The
acknowledgments given in the introduction to the first edition are not repeated here, but the author would like
to thank those earlier contributors for their work. New maps of published materials are included in the
bibliography and are therefore not referred to here.

x
Table 3. Individuals contributing information on particular languages
Name Region or Language(s)
Apollos Agamalafiya Reshe
Katy Barnwell Various languages in Gombe and Bauchi States
Jacob Bess Mwaghavul
Bernard Caron South Bauchi languages
Anja Choon Uwu [=Ayere]
David Crozier Various languages
James McDonell Rin
Anthony Ndemsai Kirya-Konzəl
Barnabas Dusu (†) Berom
Mark Gaddis Ashe, Idũ and Nyankpa
Ben Gimba Baushi cluster
Daniel Gya Rigwe
David Heath tHun, ut-Ma’in
Barau Kato Plateau, Adamawa languages
Selbut Longtau Various languages
Alex Maikarfi Kadara cluster languages
Stuart McGill Cicipu, Damakawa and Kainji languages
Gareth Mort Various West Kainji languages
John Nengel East Kainji languages
Mike Rueck Various languages
Sophie Salffner Ikaann
Anne Storch Jukunoid languages
Musa Tula Tula
Andy Warren Berom, Bura and Arabic script
Mohammed bin Yauri Hungwǝryǝ
Zachariah Yoder Various languages

xi
Key to the Index

The index is arranged alphabetically with the language entries in large print at the margin. Cross references are
in smaller print and indented.

The information about each language is classified according to the numbers 1 to 17.

1.A Alternate spellings of the head name

1.B The peoples’ own name for their language
1.C The peoples’ own name for themselves
2.A Other names for the language based on its location
2.B Other names for the language
2.C Other names for the people
3. Location by state and local government area
4. Approximate number of speakers
5. Linguistic classification
6. Dialects
7. Publications in the language
8. Scripture publications in the language
9. Linguistic publications (also drafts in circulation)
10. Second language use
11. Endangerment status
12. Media use (Television, Radio)
13. Literacy
14. Internet presence
15. Text-messaging
16. Sign languages
17. Scripts

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
A. 9. Dictionary: Gardner (1980);
Refs. Wolff (1959); Talbot (1926: I:14, II.2)
aBaangi = Baangi: a dialect of Kambari I
Abacha = Basa-Benue Abuan = Abua
Abadi = Avaɗi: a dialect of Kambari I
Abak – a dialect of Anaang 3. Abureni
Abakan = Kpan 1.C Mini
Abakpa = Ekin: see the Ejagham cluster 2.C Mini
Abakwariga = Hausa – (from Jukun) 3. Rivers State, Brass LGA
Abanliku = Obanliku 4. 3 villages
Abanyom = Bakor 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central
Abanyum = Bakor Delta group
Abaro = Boro–Abaro Source(s) Williamson 2002;
Abatsa = Basa Benue
Abawa – Gupa–Abawa Aɓeele = Ɓele
Abayongo – member of the Agwagwune cluster Àɓéelé = Ɓele
Abbi – dialect of Ụkwuanị: see Ụkwuanị–Aboh– Ache = Koron Ache = Begbere, see the Tinor-
Ndọnị Myamya cluster
Abewa = Asu Abuloma = Obulom
Abini – member of the Agwagwune cluster Achipa = next
Abinsi – member of the Kororofa cluster Achipawa = Sagamuk
Abiri = Abini: see the Agwagwune cluster Achiro – mentioned in Shimizu (1971)
Abisi = Piti Acipa = Sagamuk
Abo – dialect of Bokyi Ada = Kuturmi
Aboh – a member of Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị cluster Adamawa – dialect group of Fulfulde
Abokpna – a dialect of Gbari Adara = Kadara
Abong = Abon Adarawa – a Hausa subgroup
Ade – unknown except for a reference by Temple
1. Abon (1922: Kabba Province)
1.A Abong Adere = Dzodzinka
1.B Abõ Ãdədka = Madaka: dialect of Bauchi
1.C Abõ Aḍibom – dialect of Oḍual
2.A Abon Adikummu Sukur = Sukur
2.C Ba’ban Adim – member of the Agwagwune cluster
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Abong town (east of Adiri = Dzodinka
Baissa) Adoma = Kar: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–
4. Only spoken in Abong town Us–Zuksun cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid Adong = Idun
Source(s) Blench (1990) Adũ= Idun
Refs. Meek (1931: II:562); W&B (1952: 113);
Shimizu (1980a: 22) 4. Aduge
3. Kwara State, Oyi LGA
Aboro = Nincut 4. 1,904
Abu = Jidda–Abu cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: Northwestern Edoid
7. Descriptive Work: phonology and syntax – Ilorin
2. Abua University
1.B Abuan Refs. Abiodun (1983); Ogunwale (1985); Elugbe
1.C Abua (1989)
3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA
4. 11,000 (1963): estimated 25,000 (Faraclas 1989) Adun = Idun
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central Adun – dialect of Mbembe
Delta Adyaktye = Kakanda
6. Central Abuan, Ẹmughan, Ọtabha (Ọtapha), Afa = Paá
Okpeḍen Afa – member of Arigidi cluster
7. Reading and Writing Book 1966; Primer 1 1971; Afade = Afaɗe
Primer 2 1973; 3 post–primer books 1972, 73; Afadee = Afaɗe
8. New Testament 1976; Scripture portions from
1967; Selections from Psalms, 1990;
1
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Afaɗə Agbo = Legbo
1.A Afade, Affade, Afadee Agbor = Nka
1.B Afaɗə Agfa misprint for Affa (1st edition) = Afa: see the
2.A Kotoko, Mogari Arigidi cluster
3. Borno State, Ngala LGA; and in Cameroon Agholo = Kolo: see Kolo cluster
4. Twelve villages in Nigeria, estimate less than Agoi = Agọi
20,000 (1990)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara B: Mandage group 7. Agọi
Source(s) Blench (1990); Tourneux (1997) 1.A Agoi
Refs. Seetzen (1810); Barth (1858: 759); Lukas 1.C WaGọi
(1936); Breton and Dieu (1984: 9) 2.A Ibami
2.B Ro Bambami
Afakani = Defaka 2.C Wa Bambami
Afal: Mbe Afal = Obe cluster 3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA, Agoi–Ekpo,
Afango = Berom Ekom–Agoi, Agoi–Ibami and Itu–Agoi towns
Afao = Eloyi 4. 3,650 (1953); estimated 12,000 (Faraclas 1989)
Afawa = Paá 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Afenmai = Etsakọ = Yẹkhee Cross
Aferikpe = Afrike: see the Obe cluster Refs. Cook (1976)
Affa – member of the Arigidi cluster
Affade = Afaɗe Agolok = Kagoro: see the Katab cluster
Afi = Batu Afi: a member of the Batu cluster Agoma = Kagoma
Afikpo – dialect of Igbo Agudiama – a dialect of Epie
Afizarek = next Aguro = Kagoro: see the Katab cluster
Afizere = Izere
Afkabiye = Guduf: Guduf–Gava cluster 8. Agwagwune cluster
Afo = Eloyi 1.A Agwa–Gwunɛ
Afo – dialect of Yoruba 3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA
Afrike – member of the Afrike-Irungene cluster 4. 20,000 (SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
6. Afrike-Irungene cluster Cross: North–South group
*Afrike Refs. Williamson (1971: 275)
1.A Aferikpe
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA 8.a*Agwagwune
4. 3,500 (1953) 1.B Gwune
*Irungene 1.C Agwagwune
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA 2.A Akunakuna (not recommended), Akurakura (of
Refs. Otronyi et al. (2009) Koelle)
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Egup–Ipa
Afu = Eloyi Development Area
Afudu – dialect of Tangale 8. Luke 1894
Afunatam = Nta: see the Bakor cluster Source(s) BCCWL 2
Afungwa = Fungwa Refs. Koelle (1854); Talbot (1926: II.422)
Afusare = Izere 8.b*Erei
Agaɗi – dialect of Kambari I 1.C Ezei
Agalawa – Hausa subgroup in Katsina State 2.B Enna
Agaraíwa = Nwanci: see the Kambari II cluster 3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Erei
Agari = Gbiri: see the Gbiri–Niragu cluster Development Area
Agari = Gura: see the Lame cluster Refs. Williamson (1971)
Agatu – dialect of Idoma North 8.c *Abini
Agaushi – dialect of Kambari II 1.A Bini, Abiri
Agbaragba = Bakor 1.B Obini
Agbarho – dialect of Urhobo 3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Egup–Ipa
Agbari = Gbari Development Area
Agbawi = Kwange: see Gbari Refs. Williamson (1971: 275); BCCWL; Talbot
Agbiri = Gbiri: see the Gbiri–Niragu cluster (1926: IV.195)
Agbiri = Gura: see the Lame cluster 8.d *Adim

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.A Arəm, Dim
1.B Odim 11. Ake
2.B Orum 1.A Akye, Aike
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Egup–Ipa 3. Nassarawa State, Lafia LGA
Development Area 4. 354 (Meek 1925); 3000 (Blench 1999)
Refs. Williamson (1971: 275); Cook (1969b) 5. Benue-Congo: Plateau: Western group:
8.e *Abayongo Southwestern subgroup: cluster 2
1.A Bayono, Bayino Source: Blench (1999); Kato (2006)
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Egup–Ipa Refs. Temple (1922: 6); Meek (1925: II.185);
Development Area Gerhardt (1989)
8.f *Etono II
1.C Etuno Akẹnfai – a dialect of Epie
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, Ubaghara Ákə@tsə#kpə@ = Ashuku: see Mbembe (Tigong)
Development Area Akimba a dialect of Kambari II
Akịta – member of Inland Njọ cluster: Njọ
Agwara = Nwanci – dialect of Kambari II Ákìzà – dialect of Ninzam
Agwatashi – dialect of Alago Ako – dialect of Ẹkpeye
Agwe = Koro Agwe: see the Tinor-Myamya cluster Akoiyang = Kiọng
Agwere = Begbere–Ejar Akoko - a term used for the Arigidi cluster, Ahan,
Agwolok – next Ayere and Ọka
Agwot = Kagoro: see the Katab cluster Akono – dialect of Yoruba
Akonto = Mbembe (Tigong) cluster
9. Ahan aKoor = Koor: Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–
1.C Àhàn Zuksun cluster
3. Ondo State, Ekiti LGA, Ajowa, Igashi, and Omou Akpa-Yace – see Akpa and Yace
towns
5. Benue–Congo: West: Ayere-Ahan 12. Akpa
Source(s) Williamson (1991) 2.B Akweya
3. Benue State, Otukpo LGA
Aike = Ake 4. 5,500 (1952 RGA)
Aho = Eloyi 5. Benue-Congo: Idomoid
Aholio = Sholio: see the Katab cluster Refs. Armstrong (1979)
Aika = Ukaan
Aja – part of the Gbe cluster Akpambe = Nkum–Akpambe: a dialect of Yala
Ajami = Hausa Arabic script Akpanzhi = Kpan
Ajanci – an extinct member of the North Bauchi Akparabong = Ekparabong: see the Ndoe cluster
languages formerly spoken at Kworko: Thomas
(1914); Temple (1922); Meek (Thomas) (1925) Gunn 13. Akpes cluster
(1953); Skinner (1977) 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA
Ajanji = Janji 5. Benue–Congo: Akpes
Ajawa = Ajanci Refs. Ibrahim–Arirabiyi (1989)
13.a *Akpes
10. Ajuwa-Ajegha 1.B Akpes
1.B Ajuwa 2.A Akunnu
1.C Ajuwa 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Akunnu and
3. Kaduna State, Kajuru LGA Ajowa towns
4. Towns; Kalla, Afogo, Iburu, Idon, Makyali Refs. Daramọla (1984)
Sources: Maikarfi (2007) 13.b *Asẹ
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Asẹ town
Aje – a member of the Arigidi cluster *Daja
Ajure = Kajuru: see Kadara 1.B Daja
Akajuk = Ekajuk 1.C Daja
Akam – dialect of Mbembe 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ajowa town
Akamkpa = Ejagham 4. 5,000
Akanda = Kakanda: see the Nupe cluster Refs. Ayoọla (1986)
Akasa = next 13.c *Efifa
Akassa = Akaha: member of KOIN: Njọ cluster 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ajowa town
Äkäyöñ = Kiọng
3
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
(N.B. This may not exist, as the only wordlist 16. Alago
collected is Yoruba – doubtful status at least) 1.A Arago
13.d *Esuku 1.C Idoma Nokwu
1.A Echuku 3. Nasarawa State, Awe and Lafia LGAs
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ajowa town 4. 15,000 (1953 RGA)
13.e *Gedegede 5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid: group b
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Gedegede town 6. Agwatashi, Assaikio, Doma, Keana in towns of
13.f *Ibaram these names
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ibaram town 8. Mark 1929
13.g *Ikorom Source(s)
1.A Ikaram
2.B Ikeram, Ikaramu Alataghwa = Zaladva: see the Lamang cluster
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ikaram town
4. 5,000–8,000 (1986) 17. Alege
Refs. Raji (1986) 3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA
13.h *Iyani 5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi i.

Akpet–Ehom = the Ukpet–Ehom cluster Alifokpa – dialect of Yace

14. Akpondu 18. Alumu-Təsu cluster

1.B Akpondu 1.A Arum–Chessu
3. Plateau State 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA
4. 1 (2005). The last speaker is only a remember and 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau:
can only recall fragmentary vocabulary 18.a *Alumu
5. Benue-Congo: Plateau: Alumic 1. Arum
10. Ninzo 4. Seven villages. ca. 5000 (Blench 1999)
11. Moribund 18.b *Təsu
Source: Blench & Kato (2005) 1. Chessu
4. Two villages. ca. 1000 (Blench 1999)
Akpoto = Idoma Source Blench (1999), Kato (2003)
Akpọ–Mgbu–Tolu – dialect of Ikwere
Ákúcūkpú = Ashuku see Mbembe (Tigong) Alụu – dialect of Ikwere
Akuku = Ọkpẹ–Idesa–Akuku Am Pìkkà = Bole
Amala = Mala
15. Akum Amana = Emane
1.C Anyar Amanda = Batu Amanda: see the Batu cluster
3. Taraba State, ca. 6°50N, 9°50E Amar = Amar Randa, Amar Tita – dialects of Ninzam
4. 3 villages in Nigeria; 600 in Cameroun (1976) Amap = Amo
5. Benue-Congo: Jukunoid
Refs. Breton (1993) 19. Ambo
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA
Akunakuna = Agwagwune 4. A single village east of Baissa
Akunnu = Akpes 5. Benue–Congo; South Bantoid; Tivoid?
Akurakura = Agwagwune: see the Agwagwune Source(s) Blench (1987)
cluster
Akurumi = Kurama Amegi = Biseni: member of Inland Njọ: Njọ cluster
Akusa = Yoruba
Akuut = Berom 20. Amo
Akwa = Rin 1.A Amon, Among
Akweya = Akpa 1.B Timap
Akye = Ake 1.C Amap pl., Kumap sg.
Ala = Koron Ala: see Ashe 2.B Ba
Alada – dialect of Gbe 3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka
LGA
4. 3,550 (NAT 1950)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji
Refs. Di Luzio (1972/3)

4
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Amon = Umon Anyeb = Balep: member of the Ndoe cluster
Among = Amo Ànyìgbá – dialect of Igala
Ampeyi = Nupe Anyima = Lenyima
Ampika = Bole Aŋma = Aŋma Asanga: see Sanga
Amtul = Tal Apa – dialect of Kpan
Amusigbo – a dialect of Yoruba Apanị – dialect of Ikwere
Àmzírív = Zizilivəkən Apiapum – dialect of Mbembe
Apoi = Apọị – a south central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ
21. Anaang cluster
1.A Annang, Anang, Anaŋ Apọị – a south central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
3. Akwa–Ibom State, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Appa – dialect of Kpan
Abak, Ukanafun and Oruk–Anam LGAs Appa = Tarok
4. 246,000 (F&J 1944-5): estimated 1,000,000 (1990) Aqua = Ekin: see the Ejagham cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Cross: Central group 22. Arabic cluster
6. Abak, Ikot Ekpene, Ukanafun 1.A Arabic
Refs. Connell (1991) 1.B Arabiyye
3. Borno and Yobe States
Anabeze = Buji: see the Jere cluster 5. Afroasiatic: Semitic
Anafejanzi = Janji
Anaguta = Iguta 22.a *Shuwa
Anang = Anaang 1.A Choa, Chiwa, Schoa, Shooa, Shuge, Sôougé,
Anaŋ = Anaang Shua,
Ànarubùnu = Ribina: see Jere 2.A Shuwa Arabic: Shuwa is regarded as pejorative in
Anazele = Jere: see the Jera cluster Chad at least
Ancha – dialect of Ninzam 3. Borno State: Dikwa, Konduga, Ngala and Bama
Andombo = Batu Andombo – a dialect of Batu LGAs can be regarded as residential areas, but Shuwa
Andoni = Obolo range widely across Borno and Yobe States on
Anegorom = Gurrum – dialect of Ribina: see the Jera transhumance. Also in Cameroun, Chad and Niger. In
cluster Cameroun & Chad it has lingua franca status.
Anemoro = Lemoro 4. Over 1.7 million total: 1.56 million in Chad (1986);
Anep = Balep: member of the Ndoe cluster 63,600 in Cameroon (1982 SIL); approximately
Angan = Kamantan 100,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL). Fluctuating
Angbe = Angwe: see the Batu cluster population as many Shuwa migrate to neighbouring
Aniakawa – only referred to in Temple (1922: 17) countries.
who lists 220 in Bauchi Division: 8. New Testament 1967
Anibau = Gusu: see the Jera cluster Source(s) Blench (1990)
Anika = Bole Refs. Howard (1921); Kaye (1971)
Aniocha = next 22.b *Uled Suliman
AniÚ̀cha – dialect of Igbo 1.A Libyan Arabic
Anirago = next 1.B Arabiyye
Aniragu = Niragu: see Gbiri–Niragu 1.C Uled Suliman
Ankulu = Ikulu 2.C Ouled Suliman
Ánkpa – dialect of Igala 3. Borno State, Geidam, Mober, Yunusari LGAs.
Ankwa = Iku, Gora Also in Chad and Niger.
Ankwe = Goemai 4. The Uled Suliman were formerly seasonal migrants
Ankwai = Goemai to Nigeria, but now are based in NE Borno. their
Annang = Anaang migratory loops are now extending far southwards
Anorubuna = Ribina: see the Jera cluster into Yobe and Jigawa states in the Hadejia-Nguru
Anosangobari = Gusu: see the Jera cluster wetlands. There are probably as many as 20,000
Anowuru = Lemoro regualrly trasnhuming in Nigeria.
Anpika = Bole Source(s) Blench (1990, 2003)
Anufawa = Nupe 22.c *Baggara
Anupe = Nupe 1.A Sudanese Arabic
Anupecwayi = Nupe 1.B Arabiyye
Anuperi = Nupe 1.C Baggara
Anyama – member of Kolo cluster 3. Yobe State. Also in Sudan.
Anyaran = Ukaan Source(s) Blench (1990)
5
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.B Ọ̀wo$̀n Ùdò
Arabiyye = Arabic: see Arabic cluster 2.A Oke–Agbe
Aragba – dialect of Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Oke–Agbe town,
Arago = Alago Udo section
Aregwe = Irigwe 23.j *Uro
Arek – Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA. South of the 3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Uro–Ajọwa town
Rumada, east of Gwandara, north of Mada and east of 4. 3,000 (1986)
Numana. Shown on map of Gunn (1956). Refs. Ayọdele (1986)
Arewa – subgroup of Hausa
Arəm = Adim: see the Agwagwune cluster aRor = Ror. Member of the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–
Arhe – a member of the Ivbie North–Okpela–Arhe Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
cluster Arogbo – south western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Arĩ = Rin Arokwa = Ẹrụwa
Arringeu = Rin
23. Arigidi cluster Arughaunya – dialect of Oḍual
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA; Kwara State, Kogi Arum–Chessu = Alumu–Tesu
LGA Arumaruma = Ruma
5. Benue–Congo: Defoid: Akokoid Aruo – only known from Ballard (1971) Map H14 Jos
Refs. Capo (1989) Division area
23.a *Afa Asanga = Gusu: see the Jera cluster
1.B Ọ̀wo$̀n Àfá Asanga = Sanga
1.C Àfá Ase – member of the Akpes cluster
2.A Oke–Agbe Asebi = Rin
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Oke–Agbe town, Asennize = Sheni
Affa section Aséntó – dialect of Gbe
23.b *Arigidi asFer = Fer: a member of the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–
1.C Arìgìdí Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Arigidi town Ashaganna – Benue–Congo: Kainji, extinct
23.c *Eruṣu Ashaku = Ashuku: see the Mbembe (Tigong) cluster
1.A Erusu, Erushu
1.C Erúṣú 24. Ashe
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Eruṣu town 1.A Ache
Refs. Ajiboye (1986) 1.B únɛ́r ìzɛ̀ sg. Bɛ̀zɛ̀ pl.
23.d *Ese 1.C Ìzɛ̀
1.B Ọ̀wo$̀n Èsé 2.A The Ashe share a common ethnonym with the
1.C Èsé Tinɔr-Myamya (q.v.) which is Uzar pl. Bazar for the
2.A Aje, Oke–Agbe people and Ìzar for the language. This name is the
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Oke–Agbe town, origin of the term Ejar.
Ese section 2.C Koron Ache
23.e *Igaṣi 3. Kaduna State, Kagarko LGA, Nasarawa State,
1.A Igashi, Igasi Karu LGA
1.B Ọ̀wo$̀n Ìgáṣí 4. 35,000 including Tinɔr-Myamya (1972 Barrett). 8
1.C Ìgàshí villages (2008) between Katugal and Kubacha.
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Igaṣi town 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North–
4. 45,000 (1986) western subgroup: Koro cluster
Refs. Fakoyo (1986) Source(s) Blench (1982, 2008)
23.f *Oge Refs. Goro (2000)
1.B Ọ̀wọ̀ Ògè
1.C Òge Ashinginai = Cishingini: see the Kambari I cluster
2.A Oke–Agbe Ashingini – member of Kambari I cluster
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Oke–Agbe town, Asholio = Sholio: see the Katab cluster
Oge section Ashuku – dialect of the Mbembe (Tigong) cluster
23.g *Ọjọ Asiga = Leyigha
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Ajọwa town Asolio = Sholio: see the Katab cluster
23.h *Oyin Assaikio – dialect of Alago
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, Oyin–Akoko town
23.i *Udo
1.A Ido
6
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
25. Asu Auchi – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
1.B Asu Auga – dialect of Ukaan
1.C Asu Auna – see Agaushi and Akimba – dialects of
2.A Abewa Kambari II
2.B Ebe aUs = Us: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–
3. Niger State: Mariga LGA: several villages south of Zuksun cluster
Kontagora on the Mokwa road Auyokawa – Jigawa State, Keffin Hausa LGA, Auyo;
4. 5000 (Blench 1987) former Chadic: West branch B: Bade group, now
5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Nupe group extinct
Source(s) Blench (1987) Avaɗi – dialect of the Kambari I cluster
Avande = Evant
Asumbo = Iyive Avbianwu – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
As-Us = Us: a member of the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar– Avbiele – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster Avianwu – a dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
Ataba – dialect of Obolo Aviara – dialect of Isoko
Atak = Jiru Avɔnɔ = Vono
Atakar – member of the Katab cluster Awain = Esan with Ora–Iuleha–Emai
Atakat = Atakar: a member of the Katab cluster Awak = Yebu
Atala = Degema Awəgə – dialect of Rin
Atam – Efik cover term for Kohumono, Lokạ, Legbo Awok = Awak
and other languages in the Cross River area Awori – dialect of Yoruba
Atam = Nta: see the Bakor cluster Aworo – dialect of Yoruba
Ate = next Awulenga –unidentified group north of Bajoga,
Atẹ = Arhe: see the Ivbie North–Okpela–Arhe cluster Bauchi State (Adelberger)
Aya = Ayu
26. Aten Aya = Ya: member of the Vaghat cluster
1.B Ten, Etien
1.C sg Àtên, pl. Nìtèn 28. Ayere
2.B Ganawuri, Jal 3. Kwara State, Oyi LGA, Kabba District
3. Plateau State, Barkin Ladi LGA; Kaduna State, 5. Benue–Congo: Ayere-Ahan
Jema’a LGA
4. 6,710 (1963 Census): est. 40,000 (Kjenstad 1988); Ayiga = Leyigha
est. 40,000 (Blench 2003) Ayikiben = Yukuben
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Beromic
7. 29. Ayu
8. Mark 1940, Four Gospels 1.A Aya
9. Dictionary draft: Blench & Dang (2002) 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA
Source(s); Kjenstad (1988); Blench (1999, 2002); 4. 2,642 (Ames 1934)
Refs. Bouquiaux (1964); Hoffmann (n.d.) 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: South–
western subgroup: cluster i.
Aticherak = Kacicere: see the Katab cluster
Atissa = Epie–Atissa: see Epie Azaghvana = Dghweɗe
Azbinawa = Tamajeq
27. Atsam Azelle = Jere: see the Jera cluster
1.C sg. Tsam, pl. Atsam Azhiga = Rin
2.C Chawai, Chawe, Chawi Azora = Zora
3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA aZuksun = Zuksun: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–
4. 10,200 (1931 Gunn); 30,000 (1972 Barrett) Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: group A
8. John 1923, Mark and John 1932
Refs. Temple (1922: 86) Meek (1931a: II,145) B.

Atsipawa = Səgəmuk Ba = Amo

Attaka = next Ba Giiwo = Giiwo
Attakar = Atakar: see Katab Ba–Kuk = Tiyal: see Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
Atte = Atẹ: see the Ivie North–Okpela–Atẹ cluster
Atyab = next
Atyap = Katab: see the Katab cluster
7
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
30. Baa 33. Bade
1.B nyaa Báà 1.A Bedde
1.C raBáà sg, Báà pl. 2.B Gidgid
2.A Kwa 3. Borno State, Bade LGA; Jigawa State, Hadejia
3. Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Gyakan and Kwa LGA
towns, after Munga 4. 31,933 (1952 W&B) includes Duwai and Ngizim;
4. 1,000 (1973 SIL) 100,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Kwa group 5. Chadic: West branch B: Bade/Warji major group:
Source(s) Blench (1987); Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) Bade group
6. Western Bade (Magwaram, Maagwaram), Southern
31. Baan Bade (Bade k-Aɗo), Gashua Bade (Mazgarwa)
2.A Ban–Ogoi 7. Folktales, 1975
2.B Goi, Ogoi Refs. Schuh (1972, 1975, 1978)
3. Rivers State, Gokana–Tai–Eleme LGA, Ban–Ogoi
plus villages Bade k-Aɗo – a dialect of Bade
4. Less than 5,000 (1990) Badni = Vodni, part of Mwaghavul
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta-Cross: Ogoni: Baɗa – member of Jar cluster
Kegboid Bagba = Geji
6. Ka–Ban, Kesari Baggara – member of the Arabic cluster
Refs. ??? Bagira = Ɓween
Bagura = Gura: see the Lame cluster
Baangi – a dialect of the Kambari I cluster Bagwama = Kurama; and Ruma
Baatonu = Baatọnun Baho = Berom
Bahuli = Huli: see the Fali cluster
32. Baatọnun Bahumono = Kohumono
1.A Batonu Baissa – Fali of Baissa extinct
1.C Baatonu, Batonu Bajama = Gnoore: see Mumuye
2.B Bariba, Barba, Berba Bajara – unidentified group near Muri (Adelberger)
2.C Bàrgú sg., Barba pl., Bartomba, Burgu, Borgu, Bajingala – Dibo? in Federal Capital Territory, Kwali
Borgawa, Bogung, Zana, U-zo pl., Ba-zo sg. (from LGA, North of Dangara
Reshe) Bajju = next
3. Kwara State; mainly in Benin Republic Baju = Jju
4. 62,634 in Nigeria (1963); 220,000 total (1987 Bakarawa – Kebbi State, Yauri LGA; Possibly inter-
UBS) married Reshe and Kambari: Harris (1939); Bertho
5. Gur (1952); Gunn and Conant (1960)
7. Monthly newsletter published in Benin Republic Bakele = Kukele
8. In Benin – New Testament 1977; Old Testament
translation in progress 34. Bakor
9. Dictionary 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid
Bantu
Ba’ban = Abõn Source(s) BCCW
Babal = Margi babal – dialect of Margi Refs. Koelle (1854: 11); Thomas (1914: 8); Winston
Babir = Bura–Pabir (1964: 77); Crabb (1965: 7); Asinya (1987)
Babur = Bura–Pabir 34.a *Abanyom
Bacama – member of the Bata cluster 2.A Abanyom, Abanyum
Bachama = Bacama: see the Bata cluster 2.B Befun, Bofon, Mbofon
Bache = Che 3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA, main village
Bacheve – member of the Iceve cluster Abangkang
Bachit – dialect of Berom 4. 12,500 (1986)
Bada – member of the Jar cluster 34.b *Efutop
Badara = Duguri of Badara – member of the Jar 1.A Ofutop
cluster 2.A Agbaragba
Badawa = Baɗa: Jar cluster 3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA
Badawai – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu 4. 8,740 (1953), 10,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid
Bantu
Refs. Crabb (1965)
34.c *Ekajuk
8
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.A Akajuk 35. Bakpinka
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA, Bansara, Nwang, 1.C Iyongiyong, Iyoniyong
Ntara 1,2 and 3, and Ebanibim towns 2.A Uwet
4. more than 10,000 (Crabb 1965); 30,000 (1986 2.C Begbungba
Asinya) 3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid 4. Said to be dying out
Bantu 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
7. Reading and Writing Book 1967, 3 Primers 1969, Cross: East–West group
various post-primer books, proverbs Source(s) (Sterk, n.d.)
8. New Testament 1971, Scripture portions from
1969, 16 books of Old Testament stories 1969 Bakulung = Kulung
Refs. Crabb (1965) Balar = Kir–Balar
34.d *Nde–Nsele–Nta cluster Balaabe = Yukuben
3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA Balagete = Evant
4. 10,000 (1973 SIL) Balep – member of the Ndoe cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid
Bantu 36. Bali
Refs. Asinya (1985) 1.B Ìbáalí
34. *Nde 1.C Ɓalo, Máyá
2.B Ekamtulufu, Mbenkpe, Udom, Mbofon, Befon 3. Taraba State, Numan LGA, at Bali, a single village
4. 4,000 (1953); est. 12,000 (Asinya 1987) south of Jalingo
*Nsele 4. 1,000 (SIL)
1.A Nselle 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
4. 1,000 (1953); est. 3,000 (Asinya 1987) group: Yendang subgroup
34. *Nta
1.C Atam, Afunatam Bali Holma = Holma
4. est. 4,500 (Asinya 1987) Balleri – a dialect of Dadiya
Source(s) Baltap = Montol
34. *Nkem–Nkum cluster Bambami – see Agọi
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA Bambara = next
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid Bambaro = Mbárù: see the Lame cluster
Bantu Bambuka = Kyak
34. *Nkem Bambur = Kulung
1.A Nkim Bamburo = Mbárù: see the Lame cluster
2.A Ogoja Ban = Baan
2.B Ishibori Banda = Shoo: see the Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster
4. 11,000 (1953); est. 18,000 (Asinya 1987) Bandas = Durr–Baraza: see the Das cluster
6. Nkim, Ogoja, Ishibori, Isibiri, Ogboja Bandawa = Shoo: see the Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster
8. Ishibori catechism, Catholic hymnbook Bang – a dialect of Nor
34. *Nkum Banga – member of the Mboi cluster
4. 5,700 (1953); est. 16,500 (Asinya 1987) Banga, Banganci, Bangawa = Baangi: a member of
Refs. Winston (1964), Crabb (1965) Kambari I cluster
34. *Nnam Banga, Banganci, Bangawa = Gwamhi–Wuri
2.B Ndem Bangunji = Bangwinji
3. Cross River State, Ikom and Ogoja LGAs
4. 1,230 (1953); est. 3,000 (Asinya 1987) 37. Bangjinge
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid 1.A Bangunji, Bangunje, Bangwinji
Bantu 1.B Báŋjìŋè sg. Báŋjìŋèb pl.
1.C nyii Bánjòŋ
3. Gombe State, Shongom LGA
4. Estimated less than 6,000. 25 villages (2008)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group i.
6. Nabang, Kaloh [orthgraphy based on Nabang]
7. Reading and Writing Book (2007)
8. Gospel of Luke ready for printing
11. Cassettes of Gospel of Luke
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992); Blench (2008)

9
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Bánjìŋè = Bangwinji 3. Federal Capital Territory, Yaba and Kwali LGAs,
Bánjìŋèb = Bangwinji along the Gurara river
Banjiram – dialect of Longuda Source(s) Blench (1981)
Bánjùn (nii Bánjùn) = Bangjinge Refs. Sterk (1977)
Bankal = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster 39.b*Basa-Benue
Bankala = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster 1.A Basa
Bankalanci = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster 1.B RuBasa
Bankalawa = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster 1.C TuBasa
Bara – dialect of Bole 2.B Abacha, Abatsa
Baram – member of the Polci cluster 2.C (Basa-Komo, Basa-Kwomu not recommended)
Baranci = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster (not to be confused 3. Kogi State, Bassa, and Ankpa LGAs, Nasarawa
with Ɓarawa) State, Nassarawa LGA
Barang = Baram: see the Polci cluster 4. 30,000 (1944-50 HDG); 100,000 (1973 SIL)
Baraza = Durr–Baraza: see the Das cluster 7. Literature being produced
Barba = Baatọnun 8. Pilgrim’s Progress (s.d.), Scripture portions from
Bare = Bwazza: see the Mbula–Bwazza cluster 1946, New Testament 1972, first draft of Old
Baredawa – Small community in Bauchi Emirate Testament translation 1988, Hymnbooks
Temple (1922: 39) Source(s) Blench (1992)
Bareshe = Reshe Refs. UBS (1989)
Bargu = Baatọnun 39.c*Basa-Makurdi
Bari = Nyamnyam 3. Benue State, Makurdi LGA, several villages on the
Bariba = Baatọnun north bank of the Benue, northwest of Makurdi
Barke = next
Barko = Mburku 40. Basa-Gurmana
Barkul = Mabo–Barkul 1.B Kɔrɔmba
Barma = Zul: the Polci cluster 3. Niger State, border of Rafi and Chanchaga LGAs,
Baron – dialect of Bokkos: see Ron cluster Kafin Gurmana
Bartomba = Baatọnun 4. more than 2,000 speakers (1987)
Barukul = Barkul: Mabo–Barkul 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku–
Basa = Kuda–Camo Basa group
Basa (Gwandara Basa) = Nimbia: a dialect of Source(s) Blench (1987)
Gwandara
Basa – reference name for a cluster of languages Basa-Kaduna = Basa-Gumna
tentatively subgrouped as Basa-Komo = Basa-Benue
Basa-Gurara – Basa-Benue – Basa-Makurdi, Basa- Basa Kuta = Basa-Gumna
Gumna – Basa-Kwomo = Basa-Benue
Basa-Kontagora and Basa-Gurmana Basa-Kwomu = Basa-Benue
Basa Nge = Nupe Tako: see the Nupe cluster
38. Basa-Gumna–Basa-Kontagora cluster Basan – South–Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– Basang – member of the Obanliku cluster
Basa group Basanga = Doko–Uyanga
*Basa-Gumna Bàsáu = Basang: see the Obanliku cluster
2.B Gwadara-Basa, Basa Kuta, Basa-Kaduna Basharawa = Yangkam
3. Niger State, Chanchaga LGA Bashiri = Yangkam
4. Only 2 known semi-speakers. The population Bashua – dialect of Bokyi
known as Basawa speaks only Hausa Bassa = Basa
Source(s) Blench (1987) Bassan – a South–Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
*Basa-Kontagora Basua – dialect of Bokyi
3. Niger State, Mariga LGA, N.E. of Kontagora Báswó – dialect of Bokyi
4. less than 10 speakers in 1987 Bat = Bada: see the Jar cluster
Source(s) Blench (1987)
41. Bata cluster
39. Basa-Gurara–Basa-Benue–Basa-Makurdi 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara A: Bata group: Bata cluster
5. Benue-Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– *Bacama
Basa group 1.A Bachama
39.a*Basa-Gurara 1.B Kwaa–Ɓwaare
2.A Basa-Kwali 1.C Ɓwaare
2.C Gboare, Bwatiye
10
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Adamawa State, Numan and Guyuk LGAs, Kaduna Begbungba = Bakpinka
State, north east of Kaduna town. Bacama fishermen Bekulu = Ikulu
migrate long distances down the Benue with camps as
far as the confluence. 43. Bekwarra
4. 11,250 (1952) 20,000 (1963) 1.A Bekwara, Bekworra
6. Mulyen (Mwulyin), Dong, Opalo, Wa-Duku 2.B Yakoro
7. Orthography (1987) 3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA
8. Mark 1915 4. 27,500 (1953), 34,000 (1963), 60,000 (1985 SIL)
Source(s) Jacobson (19??) wordlist; 5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi
Refs. Carnochan (1970) 7. Reading and Writing book 1965; Sounds and
*Bata Syllables 1969; Picture book 1970; 6 Post–Primer
1.A Batta, Gbwata books 1970–1975; Primers 1–4 1975; Literacy
3. Adamawa State, Numan, Song, Fufore and Mubi programme in progress
LGAs; also in Cameroon 8. 11 Bible Story leaflets 1966–71; Mark 1976;
4. 26,400 (1952), est. 2,000 in Cameroon; 39,000 Questions on Mark 1970; Come and Listen 1972;
total (1971 Welmers) Ephesians, Philippians 1975; New Testament 1983
6. Koboci, Kobotschi (Kobocĩ, Wadi, Zumu (Jimo), Refs. Stanford (1967)
Malabu, Bata of Ribaw, Bata of Demsa, Bata of
Garoua, Jirai Bekworra = Bekwarra
Refs. Meek (1931) Bele = Ɓeele
Bellawa = Ɓeele
Batonu = Baatọnun Belegete = Evant
Batta = Bata Bendeghe – member of the Ejagham cluster
Bendi = Bete–Bendi
42. Batu cluster Bengkpé = Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, several villages east Benin = Ẹdo (Binĩ
of Baissa, below the Mambila escarpment Beŋkpe – dialect of Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster
4. 25,000 (SIL) Berba = Baatọnun
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid Bere = Bwazza: see the Mbula–Bwazza cluster
Source(s) Koops (1971); Blench (1990) Beriberi – dialect of Kanuri, and alternative name
Refs. Meek (1931b: II.398ff)
*Amanda–Afi cluster 44. Berom
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Batu Amanda and 1.A Birom, Berum
Batu Afi villages 1.B Cèn Bèrom
*Angwe 1.C sg. Wòrom, pl. Berom, Birom (Du dialect)
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Batu Angwe village 2.B Afango, Akuut, Baho, Gbang, Kibbo, Kibo,
*Kamino Kibbun, Kibyen, Sine
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Batu Kamino village 2.C Shosho, Shaushau (not recommended)
3. Plateau State, Jos and Barkin Ladi LGAs; Kaduna
Batura = Daffo–Butura: see Ron State, Jema’a LGA
Bauci = Baushi pop. 2,650 (Gunn 1949); less that 4. 54,500 (HDG), 200,000 (1985 SIL)
20,000 (1987) 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Beromic
Baushi see Mɨn, Wãyã, Ndəkə, Samburu, Rubu, 6. Gyel–Kuru–Vwang; Fan–Foron–Heikpang;
Hɨpɨna (cf. Blench 1987; Regnier 1992) Bachit–Gashish; Du–Ropp–Rim–Riyom; Hoss (?)
Baule – dialect of Tula 7. Folk Stories 1975, Trial primer in 3 parts, Literacy
Baya = Gbaya programme in progress; Official Orthography (Kuhn
Bayak: 4,025 in Bauchi Emirate: Temple (1922: 58) & Dusu 1985).
Bayino = Abayongo – member of Agwagwune cluster 8. Scripture portions from 1916, Hymnbook, New
Bayobiri – member of the Ukpe–Bayobiri cluster Testament 1984, Old Testament translation in
Bayono = Abayongo: see the Agwagwune cluster progress
Bazo = Baatọnun 9. Dictionaries; Bouquiaux (2001) [Du]; (Blench et
Bazza = Dakwa: see Kamwe al. in prep.) Grammar Bouquiaux (1970) [Du]
Bebi – member of the Obanliku cluster Sources: Dusu (2003)
Becheve = Baceve: see Iceve cluster Refs.
Bedde = Bade cluster
Befon = Nde: see the Bakor cluster Berum = Berom
Befun = Bakor
Begbere-Ejar = Tinor-Myamya 45. Bete
11
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Taraba State, Wukari LGA, Bete town 49. Bo-Rukul
4. Language dying out. 1.A Mabo–Barkul
5. Unclassified. 2.A Mabol, Barukul
2.B Kulere; Kaleri (erroneous)
46. Bete–Bendi 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA, Richa district
1.A Bette–Bendi 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Southeastern group
2.B Dama Source(s) Blench (1998)
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA
4. 17,250 (1952), 36,800 (1963) Bobar – member of the Jar cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi Bo Dera = Dera
6. Bete, Bendi Bofon = Nde: see the Bakor cluster
7. Primers 1–3, literacy programme in progress Bofon = Bakor
8. Portions of Scripture 1977, New Testament 1984
Source(s) 50. Boga
1.A Boka
Bələ = Buli: see the Polci cluster 3. Adamawa State, Gombi LGA
Bərbou – dialect of Tsobo 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara branch A: Tera group:
Biakpan – member of the Ubaghara cluster Eastern Cluster
Bibot = Boto: see the Zari cluster Source(s) S. Lukas wordlist
Bijim – member of the Vaghat cluster Refs. Newman (1964) fn.4
Bilanci = Ɓile
Bili = Buli: the Polci cluster Bogana = Binawa
Bili = Ɓile Bogghom = Boghom
Biliri = Tangale
Bille = Ɓile 51. Boghom
Billiri – dialect of Tangale 1.A Burom, Burrum, Burma, Borrom, Boghorom,
Bogghom, Bohom, Bokiyim
47. Bina 2.C Burumawa
2.B Bogana 3. Plateau State, Kanam LGA
2.C Binawa 4. 9,500 (1952 W&B), 50,000 (1973 SIL)
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA 5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group: Boghom
4. 220 (NAT 1949), 2,000 (1973 SIL) subgroup
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern 8. Portions of Scripture from 1955
Jos group: Kauru subgroup Source(s)
Refs. Shimizu (1975b); Newman (1977)
Binawa = Bina Bindege = next
Bindiga = Bendeghe: see the Ejagham cluster Boghorom = Boghom
Bini = Ẹdo Bogung = Baatọnun
Binna = Ɓena Bòhé áɓéelé = Ɓeele
Biotu = the Njọ name for Isoko Bohom = Boghom
Bira = Igu: see Ebira Boi = Ya: member of the Vaghat cluster
Biri = Igu: see Ebira Boje – dialect of Bokyi
Birom = Berom Boka = Boga
Bìsá = Bisa: member of the Busa cluster Boki = Bokyi
Biseni – member of the Inland Njọ cluster: see Njọ Bokiyim = Boghom
Bishiri – member of the Obanliku cluster Bokkos – dialect of Ron
Bisi = Piti Boko – dialect of Busa
Bissaula – dialect of Kpan Bokobaru = Kaiama: member of the Busa cluster
Bisu – member of the Obanliku cluster Bokos = Bokkos: see Ron
Bokwa – dialect of Glavda?
48. Bitare
2.B Njwande, Yukutare 52. Bokyi
3. Taraba State; Sardauna LGA, near Baissa; and in 1.A Boki
Cameroon 2.B Nki, Okii, Uki
4. 3,700 in Cameroon (1987 SIL); 3,000 in Nigeria 2.C Nfua
(1973 SIL) 3. Cross River State, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu LGAs;
5. Benue–Congo; Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid and in Cameroon

12
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
4. 43,000 (1963); 50,000 in Nigeria (1987 UBS), Bourrah = Bura
3,700 in Cameroon (SIL) Boussa = Busa
5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi Bozo = Sorko (not recommended)
6. By clans: Abo, Bashua, Boje, East Boki, Irruan, Brass = Nembe–Akaha: see Njọ cluster
Osokum, Basua/Ɓashua, Wula: Báswó, Okúndi, Bu Giiwo = Giiwo
Kecwan (data from Del Springer) BuBure = Bure
7. 6 Readers, tests for the Readers, Teachers’ Manual Bucepo = Sagamuk
1972, Post–Primer books 1972–1975, dictionary Bucinda = Cinda: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
1975, literacy programme in progress Buduma = Yedina
8. Scripture portions from 1972, New Testament Bugaje = Tamajeq
1978, complete Bible in press 1985 Bugel = Bujiyel, Gusu: see the Jere cluster
Source(s) Bruns (1975) Buhungwɔrɔ = Hungw
ry

Bujel = Bujiyel, Gusu: see the Jere cluster
Bolanci = Bole Buji – member of the Jere cluster
Bujial = Bujiyel – dialect of Gusu: see the Jere cluster
53. Bole Bujiyel – dialect of Gusu: see the Jere cluster
1.B Bòò Pìkkà, Bopika
1.C Am Pìkkà, Ampika 54. Bu-Ningkada cluster
2.A Fika, Piika 1.A Jidda, Ibut
2.B Bolanci 2.B Nakare
2.C Anika, Bolewa 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA
3. Bauchi State, Dukku, Alkaleri, and Darazo LGAs; 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
Borno State, Fika LGA Southwestern subgroup: cluster 2
4. 32,000 (1952 W&B); est. >100,000 (1990) 6. Jida, Abu, Raga (dialect of Abu)
5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group: Source(s) Blench (1980, 1999)
Bole group
6. Bara, Fika (Fiyankayen, Anpika) 54.a Bu
7. Pamphlets; Reading and Writing Book (2006) 54.b Ningkada
8. NT extracts (2007)
9. Dictionary (Gimba et al. 2004) 55. Bukwen
Source(s) Lukas (1952–3); Schuh p.c.; Newman p.c.; 3. Taraba State, near Takum
Leger (1990);Blench (2007) 5. Benue–Congo: South Bantoid: Beboid
Refs. Lukas (1970–71), P. Newman (1977) Source(s) Koops (1971), Blench (1992)

Boleri = Dadiya Bukuma = Ogbrọnuagụm

Bolu – member of the Geji cluster Buli – member of the Polci cluster
Boma = Ḅụmọ: a dialect of Nzọn: see the Njọ cluster
Bomawa – small clan in Bauchi Emirate: Temple 56. Bumaji
(1922: 69,427) 3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA
Bombaro = next 5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi
Bomborawa = Bambaro: see the Lame cluster
Bonny = Nḅanị: member of the KOIN cluster: see Njọ Ḅụmọ – South–Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
cluster Bunborawa = Bambaro: see the Lame cluster
Bonny = Bonny & Apobo: dialect of Igbo Bungnu = Mbongno
Boo = Boko: see Busa Bunu = Mbongno
Bòò Pìkkà = Bole Bunu = Ribina: see the Jera cluster
Boodlə = Zumbul: see the Das cluster Bunu = dialect of Yoruba
Boot = Boto: see the Zari cluster Bununu (Jarawan) = Gingwak: see the Jar cluster
Bopika = Bole Bura – see Bura–Pabir
Borgu = Baatọnun
Boritsu = Yukuben
Borno – dialect of Kanuri and alternative name
Bornu – dialect of Kanuri and alternative name
Boro–Aboro = Aboro: see Nincut
Borrom = Boghom
Botai – dialect of Gbari
Boto – member of the Zari cluster
Boúe – dialect of Kana
13
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
57. Bura–Pabir 60. Buru
1.A Bourrah, Burra, Babir, Babur 2.A Buru
1.B Mya Bura 3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, east of Baissa: a
1.C Two peoples with one language: the Bura and the village near Batu
Pabir 5. Benue–Congo: South Bantoid: unclassified
2.A Kwojeffa, Huve, Huviya Source(s) Koops (1971), Blench (1990)
3. Borno State, Biu and Askira–Uba LGAs Refs. Temple (1922)
4. 72,200 (1952 W&B), 250,000 (1987 UBS)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara branch A: Bura–Higi major Burumawa = Boghom
group: Bura group
6. Bura Pela (Hill Bura), Bura Hyil Hawul (Plains 61. Busa cluster
Bura) 1.A Boussa
7. mimeo Dictionary (1959, 1962); Expanded 1.C sg. Busa, pl. Busano
dictionary 2009 posted on internet 2.B Busagwe, Busanse, Boussanse, Busanci
8. Scripture Portions from 1925, New Testament 3. Kwara State; Niger State, Borgu LGA; Kebbi
1950, revised 1987; Old Testament translation in State, Bagudo LGA; also in Benin Republic
progress, hymnbook 4. 11,000 in Nigeria (1952 W&B); 50,000 in Nigeria,
13. Extensive literacy materials 50,000 in Benin (1987 UBS)
16. Sign language (Blench 2004) 5. Niger–Congo: Mande: Southeast Mande
Source(s) Warren (2005); Blench (2009) 7. Read and Write Busanci, 1971, Riddle Book, 1976
Refs. Newman (1977); Hoffmann (1987) 8. Mark, Titus 1970 in Bokobaru, hymnbook 1972,
Boko New Testament 1984
58. Burak Source(s)
1.B yu Ɓuurak pl. yele Ɓuurak Refs. Prost (1945); Wedekind (1972); Ross (19xx)
1.C nyuwǎ Ɓúúrák *Busa
2.A ‘Yele 1.B Bìsã́
2.C Shongom [name of an LGA] 1.C sg. Busa, pl. Busano
3. Gombe State, Shongom LGA, Burak town. 25 2.A Bussa, Boussa
villages. 3. Niger State, Borgu LGA. Busa town
4. 4,000 (1992 est.) 9. Dictionary; Ross (2004)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group * Bokobaru
6. Tadam is a village speaking a highly distinctive 1.B Zogbeya
form of the language 1.C sg. Busa, pl. Busano
7. Reading and Writing Book (2008) 2.B Kaama, Zogbme, Zugweya
8. Luke ready for printing 2.C Kaiama
11. Cassettes for book of Luke 3. Kwara State. Kaiama town and surrounding
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992); Blench (2008) villages
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1968–9: 202) 4. 30-40,000 (est. 2004)
9. Dictionary; Ross (2004)
59. Bure *Boko
1.B BuBure 1.B Boo
1.C Bure 1.C Boko
2.B Bure 3. Niger State, Borgu LGA. Nikki–Kande area, Benin
3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA Republic.
4. A single village southeast of Darazo town 4. 120,000 all populations (2004 est.)
5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group: 7. 2 trial primers and 1 post–primer 1970, 1972 in
Bole group Bokobaru; literacy programmes in progress in
Source(s) Leger (1992) Bokobaru and Boko in Benin Republic
8. Mark, Titus 1970 in Bokobaru, hymnbook 1972,
Buregi = Regi: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster New Testament 1984
Burgu = Baatọnun 9. Dictionary; Ross (2004)
Burkunawa = Mburku
Burma = Boghom Busagwe = Busa
Burom = Boghom Busano = Busa
Burɔgɔ = Rogo Busanse = Busa
Burra = Bura: see Bura–Pabir Buseni = Biseni: member of the Njọ Inland cluster: Njọ
Burrum = Boghom cluster
Busəgəmuk = Sagamuk
14
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Bushama = Shama: Shama–Sambugu cluster Ɓəna = Ɓena and also used as an autonymn by the
Busi – member of the Obanliku cluster Lala, Roba and Voro
Bussa = Busa
Buta = Gamo: see the Gamo–Ningi cluster 64. Ɓile
Bute = Vute 1.A Bille, Bili, Bilanci
Butu = Gamo: see the Gamo–Ningi cluster 1.B Kun–Ɓíilé
Butura (Daffo–Butura) – member of Ron cluster 1.C ɓa Ɓíilé
Buu = Zaranda: the Geji cluster 3. Adamawa State, Numan LGA, 25km south of
Buwane = Diri Numan, east of the Wukari road.
Buzu = Tamajeq 4. 30,000 (CAPRO, 1992); there are 36 villages
Bwagira – dialect of Bana reported to be wholly Ɓile-speaking and another 16
Bwal = Bwol: see the Kofyar cluster where some Ɓile is spoken
Bwazza – member of the Mbula–Bwazza cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu; Jarawan Bantu
Bwərĩ = Rin 6. Kun–Ɓíilé is said to be intercomprehensible with
Bwol – member of the Kofyar cluster Mbula
10. Hausa, Fulfulde, English are widely used second
Ɓ/Ḅ languages
11. Ɓiile is still widely used but code-switching with
Ɓa Ɓiile = Ɓile Hausa is common among the youth
Ɓaaraawaa = Ɓarawa 12. Occasional television and radio broadcasts from
Ɓalo = Bali Yola
Ɓankal = Zhàr: see the Jar cluster Source(s) Blench (1990); Kleinewillinghöfer (1992);
Ɓarawa – a term covering the Das, Geji, Polci, Saya, Rueck et al. (2009)
Zari and Zeem clusters. Refs. Maddieson and Williamson (1975); CAPRO
(1992)
62. Ɓeele
1.A Bele Ɓoye (Korom Boye) = Kulere
1.B Àɓéelé Ḅụmọ – South–Eastern dialect of Nzọn
1.C bòhé áɓéelé sg., Àɓéelé pl. Ɓuurak = Burak
2.B Bellawa Ɓwaare (also Kwaa–Ɓwaare) = Bacama: see the Bata
3. Bauchi State cluster
4. 120 Temple (1922); a few villages
5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group: C.
Bole group
Refs. Schuh (1978) Cagere = Rin

Ɓele = Ɓeele 65. Cakfem–Mushere

1.A Chakfem, Chokfem
63. Ɓena 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA
1.A Ebina, Binna, Gbinna 4. 5,000 (SIL)
1.B Ebəna 5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group:
1.C Ɓəna Angas group
2.A Lala (not recommended), Purra (general term for 6. Kadim–Kaban, Jajura
northern Ɓəna) Source(s)
2.B Yungur, Yangur
2.C Yungirba, Yungur Calabar = Efik
3. Adamawa State, Song and Guyuk LGAs Cala = Ron
4. 44,300 (1963) probably including Lala and Roba; Cala–Cala = Lela
less than 100,000 (1990 est.) Cam–Mwana = Dijim: Dijim–Bwilim
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Yungur group Camajere = Rin
6. Ɓəna is divided into seventeen clans each of which Camo = member of the Kudu–Camo cluster
is said to have a distinct speech–form, although these Cancara = Kyan Kyar: a dialect of Gwandara
are too close to be properly called dialects Cansu = Rin
Source(s) Blench (1983/90); Kleinwillinghöfer
(1992) 66. Cara
Refs. Meek (1931) 1.A Chara, Nfachara, Fakara, Pakara, Fachara, Terea,
Teria, Terri, Tariya
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA
15
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
4. 735 (1936 HDG); 3-4000 (Blench 1999) Chikide = Cikide: see Guduf
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: North– Chilala = Lela
central subgroup Chip = Miship
Source(s): Blench (1999) Chiwa = next
Refs. Shimizu (1975c) Choa = Shuwa: see the Arabic cluster
Chobba = Huba
Caundu – dialect of Rin Chokfem = Cakfem: see Cakfem–Mushere
Cen Berom = Berom Chokobo = Zora
Chomo = Como–Karim
67. Cen Tuum Chong’e = Kushi
1.B Centúúm Chori – see Cori
1.C Centúúm
2.C Jalabɛ, Jaabɛ –Dijim names 69. Cibak
3. Balanga LGA, Gombe State. Cham town. 1.A Chibak, Chibuk, Chibbuk, Chibbak, Kyibaku,
4. A small number of old people among the Dijim Kibaku
speak this language 1.C Cíbɔ$k, Kikuk
5. Language isolate 3. Borno State, Damboa LGA, south of Damboa town
10. All speakers are fluent in Dijim 4. 20,000 (1973 SIL)
11. Moribund. 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara branch A: Bura–Higi major
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) group: Bura group
Source(s)
Central: see Idoma Central, Idoma; Igbo Central, Refs. Temple (1922: 568), Hoffmann (1955b:118,
Igbo; Nupe 1987), Newman (1977), Kraft (1981)
Central, Nupe
Ceriya (nya Ceriya) – dialect of Longuda ciBaangi = Baangi: see the Kambari I cluster
Cesu = Arum–Cesu Cibbo = Tsobo
Chaari = Danshe: the Zeem cluster Cicipu = Cipu
Chakfem = Cakfem: see Cakfem–Mushere Cikide – dialect of Guduf
Challa = Ron Cikobu = Zora
Cham–Mwana = Dijim–Bwilim Cilela = Lela
Chamba Daka = Samba Daka
Chamba Leko = Samba Leko 70. Cinda-Regi-Rogo-Kuki cluster
Cham–Mwona = Dijim–Bwilim 2.C Kamuku
Chamo – member of the Kudu–Camo cluster 3. Niger State, Chanchagga, Rafi and Mariga LGAs
Chara = Cara 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku–
Chawai = Atsam Basa group
Chawe = Atsam 6. Oxford Primary Maths 1 (1988?)
Chawi = Atsam Source(s) Blench (1987); Regnier (1992)
*Cinda
68. Che 1.A Jinda, Majinda
1.A Ce 1.B Tucində
1.B Kuche 1.C sg. Bucində pl. Cində
1.C Bache 3. Niger State, Mariga, Rafi, Kusheriki LGAs,
2.A Rukuba Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA
2.B Sale, Inchazi Source(s) Blench (1987); Spencer (2008)
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA *Regi
4. 15,600 (1936 HDG); 50,000 (1973 SIL) 1.B Turegi
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: 1.C sg. Buregi pl. Regi
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1 3. Niger State, Mariga, Rafi, Kusheriki LGAs,
8. Mark 1924, John 1931 Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA
Source(s) Wilson (1993) Source(s) Blench (1987); Spencer (2008)
Refs. Hoffman (n.d.), Gerhardt (19xx) *Kuki
1.A Tiyar [may only be a town name not a language]
Cheke = Guɗe 1.B TuKuki
Chekiri = Iṣẹkiri 1.C BuKuki pl. Kuki
Chessu = Arum–Cesu 2.A Kamuku
Chibak = Cibak 3. Niger State, Mariga, Rafi, Kusheriki LGAs,
Chibbuk = Cibak Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA
16
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
6. Azana, Akubyar 73. Ciwogai
Source(s) 1.A Tsagu
*Kwacika (†) 2.B Sago, Tsaganci
1.B Tukwacika 3. Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs
1.C sg. Bukwacika pl. Kwacika 4. 3,000 (1977 Skinner)
3. Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade/Warji group:
4. There was only one old speaker in the 1980s so the Warji group
language is almost certainly extinct Refs. Skinner (1977)
Source(s) Blench (2008)
*Kwagere Clela = Lela
3. Niger State, Chanchagga, Rafi and Mariga LGAs C–lela = Lela
Source(s) Blench (1987); Spencer (2008)
*Rogo 74. Como–Karim
1.B TɔRɔgɔ 1.A Shomoh, Shomong, Chomo, Shomo
1.C BɔRɔgɔ sg. Rɔgɔ pl. 2.A Karim, Kirim
2.C Ucanja Kamuku 2.B Kiyu, Nuadhu
3. Niger State, Rafi and Kusheriki LGAs, around 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido and Jalingo LGAs
Ucanja town, 30 km northwest of Kagara. 5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid:
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– Wurbo cluster
Basa group
Source(s) Blench (1987); Regnier (1992) 75. Cori
1.A Chori
Cineni = Cinene 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA
4. A single village and associated hamlets
71. Cinene 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North–
1.A Cinene western subgroup: Hyamic
1.C Cinene 7. Grammar (Dihoff 197x)
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA, east of Gwoza town in Source(s) Blench (1990)
the mountains. Five villages.
4. 3200 (Kim 2001) Cumɓween = Ɓween: see the Fali cluster
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara branch A:
Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group: Mandara group
Source(s) D.
Refs. Wolff (1974–75: 205; 1974: 23); Kraft (1981);
Kim (2001) Da Holmaci = Holma: see the Nzanyi–Holma cluster

72. Cipu 76. Daba

1.B Cicipu 1.B Daba
1.C Tocipu 3. Adamawa State, Mubi LGA. Between Mubi and
2.A Acipa, Achipa, Achipawa, Atsipawa Bahuli
2.B Təcəp Tochipo Tə–Səgəmuk 4. A single village, less than 1,000. Mostly in
2.C Bucepo sg., Ucɛpo pl. Bu–Səgəmuk sg. Cameroun
3. Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA; Niger State, Mariga and 5. Central Chadic: West Central group: Daba group
Rafi LGA, Kaduna State Birnin Gwari LGA 8. Scripture Portions from 1984, New Testament in
4. 3,600 (1949 G&C) progress
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kambari
cluster Dadia = Dadiya
6. Kumbashi, Tikula, Ticihun, Tirisino, Tidipo, Dadira = Dadiya
Tizoriyo, Tiddodimo
Source(s) Blench (1987); Regnier (1992); McGill 77. Dadiya
(2007) 1.A Nda Dia, Dadia
Refs. Temple (1922); (1949 G&C) 1.B Bwe Daddiya pl. Daddiyab
1.C Nyíyò Daddiya
Cishingini = next 3. Gombe State, Balanga LGA, Taraba State, Karim
Cishingyini = Cishingini: see the Kambari I cluster Lamido LGA and Adamawa State, Lamurde LGA.
Cip = Miship Between Dadiya and Bambam.
Cirimba – dialect of Longuda 4. 3,986 (1961), 20,000 (1992 est.).
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
17
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992); Blench (2008) 3. Bauchi State, Das LGA, Zumbul town
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1968/69) 4. See Wandi
Refs. Temple (1922)
Daffa = Daffo–Butura – dialect of Ron *Wandi
Daffo–Butura – dialect of Ron 1.A Wangday
Dagara – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu 3. Bauchi State, Das LGA, Wandi town
Daja – member of Akpes cluster 4. 700 (including Zumbul) (LA 1971)
Daka = Samba Daka *Dot
Daka = Dirim 1.A Dwat
Dakarkari = Lela 1.B Zoɗi
Dakkarkari = Lela 1.C shérə́m zoɗi
Dakwa – dialect of Kamwe 2.A Dott
Dala: see Dulumi 3. South of Bauchi on the Dass road
Dalong = Pai 4. 2,300 (LA 1971); a single large village. 37,582
Dama = Bete–Bendi (local census 2003). Seven wards (of eleven) speak
Dama = Nama: see the Mbembe (Tigong) cluster Zoɗi
10. Hausa
78. Damakawa 11. The language borrows heavily from Hausa (25%
1.A Damakawa of lexical entries) and for this reason appears to be
2.C Tidama’un (Cicipu name) thriving rather than speakers switching to Hausa
3. Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA, villages of Inguwar Kilo Refs. Caron (2002)
and Marandu
4. 500-1000 ethnic population, but language now has Dat = Dot: see the Das cluster
only a few rememberers Daza = Teda
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kambari
cluster. N.B. the dubious reliability of some of the 80. Daza
data and the possibility of Cipu loans makes the 1.A Daza
classification of Damakawa slightly uncertain. 3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA
10. Speakers have now switched to cLela as their 4. a few villages
mother tongue 5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group:
11. Damakawa is moribund and only remains as (no data)
isolated words and phrases remembered by a few Refs. Schuh (1978)
individuals
Source: McGill (2008) Dede – dialect of Nzanyi

Dampar – member of the Kororofa cluster 81. Defaka

Damti = Gomme: see the Koma cluster 1.B Defaka
Dàmùl – see the Jar cluster 1.C Defaka
Dandawa = Dendi 2.B Afakani
Danshe – member of the Zeem cluster 3. Rivers State, Bonny LGA, ward of Nkọrọ town and
Dàŋ Shóó = Shoo: see the Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster Nwọma Nkọrọ
Daroro = Kacicere: see the Katab cluster 4. ca. 200 [n.b. competence levels vary]
5. Atlantic–Congo: Volta–Congo: Ijoid
79. Das cluster 10. Speakers are fluent in Nkọrọọ
2.C Ɓarawa 11. Highly endangered
3. Bauchi State, Toro and Dass LGAs Source(s); Connell (2007)
4. 8,830 (LA 1971) Refs. Jenewari (1983); Williamson (1988, 2000)
5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group
*Lukshi 82. Degema
1.B Dəkshi 1.A Dẹgẹma
4. 1,130 (LA 1971) 2.A Atala, Usokun
*Durr–Baraza 2.B (Udekama not recommended)
1.B Bandas 3. Rivers State, Degema LGA
3. Bauchi State, Das LGA, Durr and Baraza villages 4. 10,000 (SIL)
4. 4,700 (LA 1971); 30-40,000 (Caron 2005) 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: Delta Edoid
*Zumbul 6. Atala, spoken in Degema town, and Usokun spoken
1.A Boodlə in Usokun–Degema.
2.C Zumbulawa, Dumbulawa
18
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
7. Reading and Writing Book 1966 Rivers Reading 3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA
Project Reader I and Numerals. 4. 19,000 (1963), 7,900 (TR 1970), 30,000 (1980
8. Draft dictionary; Kari (n.d.) UBS)
Source(s) 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara A: Mandara group
Refs. Thomas & Williamson (1967), Thomas (19xx); 8. New Testament 1980
Kari (various) 9. Phonology; Frick (1978)
Source(s) Kosack (n.d.)
Dehoxde = Dghweɗe Refs. Wolff (1971a)
Dele (nya Dele) – dialect of Longuda
Delebe – dialect of Longuda Dia (Nda Dia) = Dadiya
Demsa – dialect of Bata
Deŋsa – member of the Lamja-Deŋsa-Tola cluster 87. Dibo
1.B Dibo
83. Dendi 1.C Dibo
1.C Dandi 2.B Shitako, Zitako, Zhitako
2.C Dandawa 2.C Ganagawa, Ganagana
3. Kebbi State, Argungu and Bagudo LGAs; mostly in 3. Niger State, Lapai LGA; Federal Capital Territory;
Benin Republic, and Niger Nasarawa State, Nassarawa LGA
4. 839 in Nigeria (1925 Meek); 21,000 in Benin 4. 18,200 (1931 DF); estimate more than 100,000
(1980 CNL); 10,000 in Niger (1990) – an unknown number of Dibo living among
5. Nilo–Saharan: Songhai the Gbari no longer speak their own language.
Refs. Tersis (1968) Source(s) Blench (1990)

Deng = Daka Diir = Dir: see the Polci cluster

84. Deno 88. Dijim–Bwilim

3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA; 45 km northeast of 3. Gombe State, Balanga LGA, Adamawa State,
Bauchi town Lamurde LGA
4. 9,900 (LA 1971) 4. 7,545 (1968). ca. 20 villages
5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group: 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
Bole group 7. Orthography based on Dijim lect. Reading &
Refs. Gowers (1907); Schuh (1978) Writing Book (2006)
8. Gospel of Luke ready for printing
85. Dera 11. Cassettes of Gospel of Luke
1.B Bo Dera Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1991)
1.C na Dera sg., Dera pl. Refs. Jungraithmayr (1968/9)
2.A Kanakuru *Dijim
3. Adamawa State, Shellen LGA; Borno State, Shani 1.B Dijim
LGA 1.C sg Níi Dìjí pl. Dìjím
4. 11,300 (W&B) 2.A Cham, Cam, Kindiyo,
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major 4. Cham 3,257.
group: Bole group 7.
6. Shani, Shellen and Gasi *Bwilim
8. Mark and Scripture portions, 1937 1.B Bwilə́m
Source(s) Blench (1992) 1.C sg Níi Bwilí pl. Bwilə́m
Refs. Newman (1977) 2.A Mwana, Mwona [Hausa name], Fitilai [village
name]
Dəknu = Gwamhi–Wuri 4. 4,282
Dəkshi = Lukshi: see the Das cluster
Dəmak = Doemak: see the Kofyar cluster Diko – dialect of Gbagyi
Dghwede = Dghweɗe Dim = Adim: see the Agwagwune cluster
Dghwéɗè = Dghweɗe Dimmuk = Doemak: see the Kofyar cluster
Dindiga = Bendeghe: see the Ejagham cluster
86. Dghweɗe Dingai = Lala
1.A Dghwede, Hude, Johode, Dehoxde, Tghuade, Dingi = Dungu
Toghwede, Traude Dir – member of the Polci cluster
1.B Dghwéɗè
2.B Azaghvana, Wa’a, Zaghvana 89. Diri
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.A Diriya, Dirya Doobe = Ndera: see the Koma cluster
1.B Sago, Tsagu Dookà – see Guruntum–Mbaaru
2.B Diryanci Doome = Ndera: see the Koma cluster
2.C Buwane, Diryawa Dòòrî – see the Jar cluster
3. Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs Dorofi – dialect of Nor
4. 3,750 (LA 1971) Dọsanga = Doko–Uyanga
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade/Warji group: Doso = Mingang Doso
Warji group Dosọ = Mingang Doso
Refs. Skinner (1977) Dot – member of the Das cluster
Dṣ’àràwa = Jar cluster
90. Dirim Dṣekiri = Iṣẹkiri
1.C Daka Du – dialect of Berom
3. Taraba State, Bali LGA, Garba Chede area: note Duguranci – see Jar cluster-Duguri
former map location erroneous Dugurawa – see Jar cluster-Duguri
4. 9,000 (CAPRO, 1992) Duguri, Duguranci, Dugurawa – name of several
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: Dakoid dialects in the Jar cluster
6. Doubts persist as to whether this language is really Dugusa = Tunzu
separate from Samba Daka (q.v.) Duka = Hun
Refs. Meek (1931), CAPRO (1992) Dukanci = Hun
Duku (Wa Duku) – dialect of Bacama: see the Bata
Diriya = Diri cluster
Dirya = Diri Dukuri = Duguri: the Jar cluster
Diryanci = Diri
Djerma = Zarma 93. Dulbu
Djiri = Lopa 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA
Djo = Njọ 4. 80 (LA 1971)
Dləge = next 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan Lábír group
Dlige – dialect of Lamang Central: see the Lamang Refs. Shimizu (1983)
cluster
Doemak – member of the Kofyar cluster Dulumi – Population 1000, (Mundu and Dala):
Doka – dialect of Miship Gospel Recordings (1971, 1974)
Doka cf. Idon-Doka-Makyali Dumawa – Small community Bauchi State: Bauchi
LGA: Dumi village: Temple (1922: 100); Campbell
91. Doko–Uyanga and Hoskison fieldnotes (1969)
1.B Dọsanga Dumbulawa = Zumbul; see Das cluster; possibly
1.C Basanga dialect of Zhar: Jar cluster
2.A Iko Dungerawa = Duguri: see the Jar cluster
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA Dungi = Dungu
4. Several towns
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper 94. Dungu
Cross: East–West group 1.A Dungi, Dingi, Dwingi, Dunjawa
Refs. Cook (1969, 1976), Simmons (1976) 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
4. 310 (NAT 1949)
Dokshi = Lushi: see the Zeem cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
Ɗolli – dialect of Kwaami Jos group: Kauru subgroup
Doma – dialect of Alago
Dunjawa = Dungu
92. Dong Durlong – Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA, Jungwa,
3. Taraba State, Zing and Mayo Belwa LGAs. At Namu and Njok. Possibly a dialect of Goemai: Carl
least six villages Hoffmann (n.d.); Bergman & Dancy (1966)
4. ca. 20,000 Durr–Baraza – member of the Das cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Dakoid Durop = Kọrọp
Source(s) Blench (1993) Dutse (Jarawan Dutse) = Izere
Refs. Shimizu (1979: 18,65), CAPRO (1992:87-89) Duurum = Geruma
Duwai = Ɗuwai
Donga – dialect of Kpan Dwat = Dot: see the Das cluster
Donga – dialect of Jukun of Takum Dwingi = Dungu
Dyarma = next
20
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Dyerma = Zarma 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Ebira cluster
Refs. Blench (1989)
95. Dza *Okene
1.A Dza, Ja 3. Kwara State, Okene, Okehi, and Kogi LGAs
1.B nnwa’ Dzâ 7. Reading and Writing Book 1972, Pre–primer 1973
1.C Èédzá, ídzà 3 Primers 1972–3, 3
2.A Jenjo, Janjo, Jen, post–Primers 1974; Official Orthography 1985
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA and Adamawa 8. Matthew 1891, John 1960, Christmas story 1972,
State, Numan LGA. Along the Benue River. Easter story 1972, John 1970, New Testament 1984
4. 6,100 (1952). N.B. Figures for Dza may include Refs. Scholz & Scholz (1972); Scholz (1976); Adive
other Jen groups such as Joole and Tha (q.v.) (1989)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Jen group *Etuno
Source(s) Blench (1987); Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) 1.A tụnọ
2.C Igara
Dzar – member of the Hyam cluster 3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA, Igara town
Dzərŋu (Margi Dzərŋu) – dialect of Margi Refs. Ladefoged (1964)
*Koto
96. Dzodinka 2.C Igu (Egu, Ika, Bira, Birĩ, Panda
2.A Adiri, Adere 3. Nasarawa State, Nassarawa LGA, Toto and
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA; also in Cameroon: a Umaisha towns, Kogi State, Bassa LGA
single village on the border Refs. Sterk (1977)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid:
Grasslands Bantu: East Ebode = next
8. Mark, 1923, John 1932 Ẹbode – member of the Lala cluster
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983) Eboh = Aboh: see the Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị cluster
Eboze = Buji: see the Jere cluster
Dzuuba = next Èbú – dialect of Igala
Dzuuɓa – dialect of Zaladva: see the Lamang cluster
Dzuwo – an unclassified Wurkum group of Taraba 99. Ebughu
State, Karim Lamido LGA 1.B Ebughu
1.C Ebughu
97. Ɗuwai 2.A Oron
1.A Duwai 3. Akwa Ibom State, Mbo and Oron LGAs
1.C Lvji 4. more than 5,000 (1988)
2.B Eastern Bade 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
3. Borno State, Bade LGA Cross:
5. Chadic: West Branch B: Bade/Warji major group: Refs. Connell (1991)
Bade group
Source(s) Schuh (2007) Eche – Echie
Echie – dialect of Igbo
East – see: East Boki, Bokyi; East Gwari, Gbagyi;
East
Ogbah, Ogbah; Mbe East, Mbe 100. Eda
Eastern – see: Hausa (Kano, Katagum, Hadejiya 1.A Adara
areas); Eastern Olodiama, Nzọn; Eastern Tarakiri, 1.B Ànda pl. Àda
Nzọn; Mbube Eastern, Utugwang; Njọ Eastern 1.C Èdà
Ebəna = Ɓena 2.A Kadara
Ebe = Asu 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA; Niger State, Paikoro
Ebeteng = Ehom: see the Akpet–Ehom cluster LGA
Ebina = Ɓena 4. 22,000 (NAT 1949); 40,000 (1972 Barrett). Towns;
Adunu, Amale, Dakalo, Ishau, Kurmin Iya, Kateri,
98. Ebira cluster Bishini, Doka (Kaduna road)
1.A Igbirra, Igbira, Egbira, Egbura 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Northern group
3. Kwara State, Okene, Okehi, and Kogi LGAs; 6. There is town called Agunu in Kachia LGA which
Nasarawa State, Nassarawa LGA; Edo State, Akoko– speaks a language very similar to Eda. There are
Edo LGA towns called Mai Ido and Kufai where the people are
4. 154,500 (1952 P.Bruns), 500,000 (1980 UBS);
about 1M (1989 Adive)
21
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
called Anawyi and they speak Ewyi. This is said to be Efiɔm = Ufiom: see the Oring cluster
very close to Eda.
7. Reading and Writing Book (2006); Counting and 104. Efik
Numbering (2006) 2.A Calabar
8. NT extracts (2006) 3. Cross River State, Calabar municipality, Odukpani
12. Request programme, Zuma FM Radio and Akamkpa LGAs; and in Cameroon
Source(s) Maikarfi (2007) 4. 26,300 (1950 F&J), 10,000 in Cameroon; 360,000
Refs. Smith (1953) first language speakers; spoken as a second language
by 1.3 million (UN 1960), 3.5 million (1986 UBS)
diminishing
Èdè = Yoruba 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Ediba = Kohumono Cross: Central group
Ediro – dialect of Engenni 7. Literary language; Official Orthography
8. Bible 1868, reprinted 1952/62/64, Scripture
101. Ẹdo portions from 1850, Catechism 1956, second draft of
1.A Oviedo, Ovioba new New Testament in progress (1989 UBS)
2.A Benin Source(s) Connell (1991)
2.B Ẹdo (Binĩ Refs. Dictionaries: Goldie (1862), Adams (1952/3);
3. Edo State, Ovia, Oredo and Orhionmwon LGAs Goldie (1868) grammar; UBS (1989); further
4. 203,000 (1952), 1,000,000 (1987 UBS) bibliography in Cook (1985)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid i.
7. Various readers, including set of 1–6, (1987); Efutop = Bakor
Dictionaries (1937, 1986); Official Orthography Ẹ̀gbá – dialect of Yoruba
8. Scripture portions from 1914; New Testament Ẹgbado = Yoruba
1981; Old Testament in preparation (1989 UBS) Egbe – dialect of Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster
Refs. Melzian (1937); Agheyisi (1986); UBS (1989); Ègbé = Mbe West: see Mbe
Elugbe (1989) Egbedna – dialect of Ikwere
Egbema – dialect of Igbo
102. Edra Egbema – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
1.B Àndara pl. Àdara Egbira = Ebira
1.C Èdrà Egbura = Ebira
3. Kaduna State, Kachia, Kajuru LGAs Egede = Igede
4. Towns; Maru, Kufana, Rimau, Kasuwan Magani & Egedde = Igede
Iri Ẹgẹnẹ = Engenni
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Northern group
12. Some broadcasts on Kaduna State Radio 105. Eggon
Source(s) Maikarfi (2007) 1.A Egon
Refs. Smith (1953) 1.B onumu Egon
1.C Mo Egon
Edzu = Abawa: see Gupa–Abawa 2.B Mada Eggon, Hill Mada
Èédzá = next 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga, Nassarawa–Eggon and
Èéjá = Dza Lafia LGAs
4. 52,000 (Welmers 1971)
103. Efai 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
1.B Efai Southwestern subgroup: cluster 2
2.B Effiat (from Efik) 6. 25 dialects are locally recognised although the
3. Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA; Cameroon Republic, status of these is unclear
Isangele sub–division 7. 2 readers
4. >5,000 (1988 est.) 8. New Testament 1975, Scripture portions from
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower 1935, hymnbook
Cross: Source(s) Blench (1992)
Refs. Connell (1991) Refs. Anon. (1940) Dictionary; Gerhardt (1983)

Effiat = Efai Eghom = Okom: see Mbembe

Effium = Ufiom: see the Oring cluster Egnih = East Ogbah: a dialect of Ogbah
Effurum = Uvbiẹ Egon = Eggon
Effurun = Uvbiẹ Egu = Igu: see Ebira
Efifa – Yoruba dialect Egun = Gbe
22
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Ehom – member of the Akpet–Ehom cluster 4. 5000 plus (1988)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
106. Ehuẹun Cross: (no data) – dialect of Efik?
2.A Ẹkpenmi, Ekpimi, Epimi Refs. Connell (1991)
3. Ondo State, Akoko South LGA
4. 5,766 (1963) Ekid = Eket
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid ii. Ekin – member of the Ejagham cluster

Ejagam = Ejagham: see the Ejagham cluster 109. Ekit

1.A Ekid, Eket
107. Ejagham cluster 3. Akwa Ibom State, Eket and Uquo Ibeno LGAs
2.C Ekoi (Efik name) 4. 22,000 (1952 W&B); estimated 200,000 (1989)
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa, Ikom, Odukpani and 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Calabar LGAs, and in Cameroon Cross: Central group
4. 80,000 total: 45,000 in Nigeria, 35,000 in Source(s) Connell (1991)
Cameroon (1982 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid Èkìtì – dialect of Yoruba
Bantu Ekoi = Ejagham
6. 5 dialects in Nigeria, 4 in Cameroon Ekokoma = Mbembe
Refs. Watters (1981) Ekparabong – member of the Ndoe cluster
*Bendeghe Ekpari = Yace
1.A Bindege, Bindiga, Dindiga Ekpetiama – a north central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
2.B Mbuma Ẹkpenmi – name used for both Ehuẹun and Ukue
3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA
*Etung North 110. Ẹkpeye
2.A Icuatai 2.B Ekpabya (by Abua), Ekkpahia, Ekpaffia
3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA 3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA
4. 13,900 (1963) 4. 20,000 (1953); 50,000 (1969 Clark)
7. Reading and Writing Book 1966, Tortoise Stories 5. Benue–Congo: Igboid: Southern: Lowland: Delta
1969, Folk Stories 1969 6. According to clan names: Ako, Upata, Ubye,
8. Stories of Abraham 1969 Igbuduya
*Etung South 7. Rivers Readers Project, Dictionary of Proper
3. Cross River State, Ikom and Akamkpa LGAs Names, Reading and Writing book
4. 4,200 (1963) 8. Hymnbook c. 1989
*Ejagham 9. Dictionary; Blench draft (2005)
2.B Ekwe, Ejagam, Akamkpa Refs. Clark (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974)
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA and in
Cameroon Ekpimi = Ehuẹun
7. Primers 1–3 1969, English–Ejagham–French Ekumuru – Kohumono
Vocabulary 1970, folktales 1981, 1985 (Cameroon) Ekuri = Nkukoli
8. New Testament in preparation in Cameroon Ekwe = Ejagham
*Ekin Elele – dialect of Ikwere
2.A Qua, Kwa, Aqua
2.B Abakpa 111. Eleme
3. Cross River State, Odukpani and Calabar LGAs 3. Rivers State, Gokana–Tai–Eleme LGA
4. 900 active adult males (1944–45): bilingual in Efik 4. 55,000 (1987 UBS)
(Cook 1969b) 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Ogoni:
Refs. Forde and Jones (1950), Cook (1969b) West group
7. Rivers Readers Project, reading and writing book
Ejar – see the Tinor-Myamya cluster 1973, Reader 1,1972
Ekajuk – Bakor 8. Common prayer 1970, Hymnbook 1972, Mark
Ekama – dialect of Mbembe
Ekamtulufu = Nde 112. Eloyi
Eket = Ekit 2.B Afo, Epe, Aho, Afu, Afao
3. Nasarawa State, Nassarawa and Awe LGAs; Benue
108. Eki State, Otukpo LGA
1.B Eki 4. 20,000 (Mackay 1964); 25,000 (SIL)
3. Cross River State 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau
23
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
6. Mbeci (=Mbekyi, Mbejĩ, Mbamu 8. New Testament 1979, Scripture portions from 1968
7. Primer Source(s)
8. Hymnbook Refs. Thomas and Williamson (1967); Thomas
Sources: Kato (2006) (1978)
Refs. Temple (1922); Armstrong (1955, 1964, 1979);
Mackay (1964) 117. English
4. An official language widely used in media and as a
Elu – dialect of Isoko first language by an increasing proportion of Nigerian
urban populations.
113. Emai–Iuleha–Ora cluster 5. Indo–European: Germanic
2.B Kunibum 10. Main second language of all urban populations,
2.C Ivbiosakon except in Hausa cities of the far north
3. Edo State, Owan, LGA 12. Main language of television, radio and
4. estimated 100,000 plus (1987 Schaefer) newspapers
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North Central Edoid
6. Ivhimion Enhwe – dialect of Isoko
8. Four gospels 1908–10 Eni – see the Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsanyẹn cluster
*Emai Enna = Erei: see the Agwagwune cluster
4. estimated 20–25,000 (1987 Schaefer) Enwan = Sasaru–Enwan–Igwẹ
7. Dictionary
Refs. Schaefer (1987) dictionary 118. Enwang
*Iuleha 1.B Enwang
1.C Aoma 1.C Enwang
4. estimated 50,000 (1987 Schaefer) 2.A Oron (incorrectly)
*Ora 3. Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA
4. estimated 30,000 (1987 Schaefer) 4. estimated 50,000 plus (1988)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
114. Emane Cross
1.A Amana Refs. Connell (1991)
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA; and in Cameroon
4. No proof of permanent communities in Nigeria Ẹnwẹ – dialect of Isoko
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid Enyong – dialect of Ibibio
Epe = Eloyi
Emede – dialect of Isoko
119. Epie
115. Ẹmhalhẹ 2.B Epie–Atissa, Epie–Atiṣa
2.A Somorika (Semolika) 3. Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA
3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA 4. 12,000 (SIL)
4. 249 in Semolina town (Temple 1922) 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: Delta–Edoid
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid: 6. two clans Epie and Atiṣa in at least three towns:
Southern Agudiama, Akẹnfai, Yẹneguẹ
7. Primer. Rivers Readers Project, Reader 1, Reading
Emoro = Lemoro and Writing book
Emọhua – dialect of Ikwere Refs. Thomas and Williamson (1967); Elugbe (1973,
Emu – dialect of Ụkwuanị: see Ụkwuanị–Aboh– 1983, 1989)
Ndọnị
Ẹmughan – dialect of Abuan Epimi = Ehuẹun
Eneeme = Nama: see the Mbembe (Tigong) cluster Erakwa = Ẹrụwa
Eregba – dialect of Kpan
116. Engenni Erei – member of the Agwagwune cluster
1.A Ngene, Ẹgẹnẹ Erohwa = Ẹrụwa
1.B Ẹgẹnẹ Eruṣu – member of the Akoko cluster
3. Rivers State, Yenagoa and Ahoada LGAs
4. 10,000 (1963); 20,000 (1980 UBS) 120. Ẹrụwa
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: Delta–Edoid 1.A Erohwa, Erakwa, Arokwa
6. Ediro, Inedua, and Ogua; Zarama in Yenagoa LGA 3. Bendel State, Isoko LGA
7. Reading and Writing book 1966, 3 Primers 1971 to 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: Southwestern Edoid
1975, 2 post–primers, poems 1975 Refs. Elugbe (1989)
24
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Refs. Elugbe (1989)
121. Esan
1.A Ishan 125. Etulo
1.B Awain 1.A Utur, Eturo
3. Bendel State, Agbazilo, Okpebho, Owan and 2.C Turumawa
Etsako LGAs 3. Benue State, Gboko LGA, Taraba State, Wukari,
4. 183,000 (1952); 500,000 estimated in 1963: Okojie LGA
& Ejele (1987) 4. 2,900 (1952 RGA); more than 10,000 (Shain, p.c.
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North Central Edoid 1988)
6. Many dialects 5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid: group b
7. Primer 1951, readers 1952, 1980 7. Etulo/English diglot of Etulo customs
8. Luke 1974, New Testament in press (1987), Refs. Armstrong (1964)
Catholic catechism c. 1930
Refs. Okojie and Ejele (1987); Ejele (1982, 1986) Etung North – member of the Ejagham cluster
Etung South – member of the Ejagham cluster
Esuku – member of Akpes cluster Etuno = Etono II: see the Agwagwune cluster
Etche = Echie: see Igbo Etuno = next
Ẹtụnọ – member of the Ebira cluster
122. Etebi Eturo = Etulo
1.B Etebi Evadi – a dialect of Kambari
2.A Oron (incorrectly); Ekit (incorrectly)
3. Akwa Ibom State, Uquo Ibeno LGA 126. Evant
4. estimate 15,000 (1989) 1.A Avande, Evand, Ovande
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower 2.B Balagete, Belegete
Cross: Central 3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA and in Cameroon
Refs. Connell (1991) 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid
Source(s) Gray Wordlist
Ethun = Hun Refs. Breton et Dieu (1984); Regnier (1990)
Etien = Aten
Etkye = Kentu: see Kpan Evrie = Uvbiẹ
Evhro = Uvbiẹ
123. Etkywan Ewumbonga = Ofombonga: see Mbembe
1.A Icen, Ichen, Itchen Eyagi = Yoruba
1.B Kentu, Kya)tõ, Kyanton, Nyidu Ẹyẹ – dialect of Ọkpamheri
3. Taraba State, Takum and Sardauna LGAs Eza = Ẹzaa
4. 6,330 in Donga district (1952 W&B); more than Ezei = Erei: see the Agwagwune cluster
7,000 (1973 SIL) Ezekwe = Uzekwe
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid: Ẹzaa – a member of the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
Kpan–Icen group Ezelle = Jere
Source(s) Blench (1991) Ezọn = next
Ẹzọn = Nzọn
Etono I – member of the Ubaghara cluster Ezopong = Osopong: see Mbembe
Etono II – member of the Agwagwune cluster Ẹzza = Ẹzaa: see the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
Ẹkakumọ = Ukaan
124. Etsako Lshinginai – a dialect group of the Kambari I cluster
1.B Yẹkhee: not all speakers of the language Lvji = Ɗuwai
recognise this as the name of the language. Fa’awa = Pa’a
2.A Etsakọ: the language is not the only language Fachara = Cara
listed as being spoken in Etsako LGA. Fadan Wate = Ninzam
2.B Iyẹkhee, Afenmai, Kukuruku (not recommended) Fadawa – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
3. Edo State, Etsako, Agbako and Okpebho LGAs Faishang – dialect of Izere
4. 73,500 (1952), 150,000 (UBS 1987) Faka = next
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid Fakai = next
6. Auchi, Uzairue, South Ivbie, Uwepa–Uwano, Fakanci = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–
(Weppa–Wano), Avbianwu (Fugar), Avbiele, Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
Ivbiadaobi Fakara = Cara
8. New Testament in progress, translation of Psalms Fakawa = next
in progress (UBS 1989)
25
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Fakkanci = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor– Fem = Fyam
Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster Fer – see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–
Fali – Bana (in error) Zuksun cluster
Fali of Baissa – nearly extinct Fezere = Izere
Fali of Fali Plateau – unknown classification 5–6 Fier = Fyer
speakers only remaining (per K. van Wyk (1984)) Fika = Bole
Fali of Jilbu = next Fikyu – dialect of Kuteb
Fali of Jilvu = Zizilivakan Filane – Filani = Fulfulde
Fali of Kiria – Kirya-Konzəl Filatanci = Fulfulde
Fali of Mijilu – Kirya-Konzəl Filiya = Pero
Fali of Mubi – Fali cluster Fillanci = Fulfulde
Fali of Mucella = next
Fali of Muchella – Fali cluster 129. Firan
1.A Faran, Forom
127. Fali cluster 1.B Firàn
2.A Fali of Mubi, Fali of Muchella 1.C yes Firàn sg. yes Bèfiràn pl.
2.C Vimtim, Yimtim 2.A Kwakwi
3. Adamawa State, Mubi LGA 3. Plateau State, Barakin Ladi LGA, at Kwakwi
4. Four principal villages. Estimate more than 20,000 station, south of Jos
(1990) 4. less than 1500 (1991)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: South–
Source(s) Blench (1992) Central subgroup: Izere cluster
*Vin Source(s) Regnier (1991); Blench (2004)
1.B Uroovin Refs. Shimizu (1975);
1.C Uvin
2.A Vimtim Fire = Tsobo
3. Vimtim town, north of Mubi Fiti = Surubu
*Huli Fitilai = Bwilim: Dijim–Bwilim
1.A Bahuli Fiyankayen = Fika: a dialect of Bole
1.B Urahuli Fizere = Izere
1.C Huli, Hul Fobur – dialect of Izere
3. Bahuli town, northeast of Mubi Foni = Pa’a
*Madzarin Forom = Firan
1.B Ura Madzarin Foron with Fan–Foron–Heikpang – dialect group of
1.C Madzarin Berom
2.A Muchella Ftour = Xedi
3. Muchella town, northeast of Mubi FuCaka = Pa’a
*Ɓween FuCiki = Pa’a
1.B Uramɓween Fugar = Avianwu: see Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
1.C Cumɓween Fula = next
2.A Bagira Fulani = next
3. Bagira town, northeast of Mubi Fulɓe = Fulfulde

128. Fam 130. Fulfulde

1.B Fam 1.B Fulfulde
1.C Fam 1.C Pullo pl. Fulɓe
2.C Kɔŋa, Konga 2.B Fillanci, Filatanci, Fula
3. Taraba State, Bali LGA, 17km east of Kungana 2.C Fulani, Filani, Rumada
4. less than 1,000 (1984) 3. Scattered throughout the country; also in other
5. Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: Mambiloid: Fam countries of West-Central Africa
Source(s) Blench (1984) 4. 3,000,000 (1952)
5. Atlantic–Congo: Atlantic: Northern Branch:
Fan – dialect of Berom Senegal group
Fantuan = Kafancan: see the Katab cluster 6. Main dialects in Nigeria: Central: Kano–Katsina–
Faran = Firan Bauchi–Borno; East: Adamawa; West: Sokoto
Fedare – next 7. newspaper; Official Orthography
Federe – dialect of Izere
Feserek = Izere
26
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
8. New Testament 1964 in Benin Republic, Old 4. 7,600 (1952); 10,000 (1973 SIL)
Testament translation in progress, New Testament 5. Chadic: Biu Mandara branch A: Tera group:
1968 in Cameroon 136a. Ga’anda
9. Dictionaries: Taylor (1932), Noye (1990). 1.B Tləka’andata pl. Ka’andəca
Grammars: Taylor (19xx), Stennes (1967), Macintosh 4. Six villages
(19xx); Pedagogical texts: Skinner & Pelletier (19xx) 136b. Kaɓən
Refs. Blench (1990) 1.B Tləkaɓənɗa pl. Kaɓənca
4. Twelve villages
131. Fungwa 136c. Fərtata
1.B Tufungwa 1.B Tləfərtata pl. Fərtaca
1.C Afungwa 4. Five villages
2.A Ura, Ula Source(s)
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, at Gulbe, Gabi Tukurbe, Refs. R. Newman (1966)
Urenciki, Renge and Utana
4. 900 (1949 H.D. Gunn) 136. Boga
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– 1.A Boka
Basa group 3. Adamawa State, Gombi LGA
Source(s) Blench (1987) 4. 5 villages
5. Chadic: Biu Mandara branch A: Tera group:
Fursum – dialect of Izere Source(s)
Fụrụpagha – a south–western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ Refs.
cluster
Funtu (Koro Funtu of Minna) = Jijili Gabin = Ga’anda
Futu – dialect of Kamwe Gabu – dialect of Igede

132. Fyem 137. Gade

1.A Pyam, Pyem, Paiem, Fem, Pem 1.A Gede
2.B Gyem 1.B Gade
3. Plateau State, Jos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs 1.C Gade
4. 7,700 (1952 W&B); 14,000 (1973 SIL) 3. Federal Capital Territory; Nasarawa State,
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Southeastern group Nassarawa LGA
9. Grammars: Nettle (1998) 4. 60,000 (Sterk 1977);
Source(s) 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid
9. Grammar: Sterk (1978). Dictionary: Sterk (19xx)
Fyandigere = Gera Refs. Sterk (1977)

133. Fyer Gaejawa = Geji: see the Geji cluster

1.A Fier Gala – dialect of Warji
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA Galambe = Galambu
4. 1,500 (1970); 10,000 (Blench 1999)
5. Chadic: West branch A: Ron group 138. Galambu
Source(s) Blench & Seibert (1999) 1.A Galembi, Galambe
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1970) 1.B Galambu
1.C Galambu
134. Gaa 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, at least 15 villages
2.A Tiba 4. 8505 (Temple 1922); 2020 (Meek 1925); 1000
3. Adamawa State: Ganye LGA: Tiba Plateau; (SIL)
4. <5000 (1987 Blench) 5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group:
5. Benue–Congo: North Bantoid: Dakoid Bole group
Source(s) Blench (1987); Boyd (1995) Refs. Gowers (1907); Schuh (1978)

Ga–tiyal = Tiyal: see Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster Galamkya – dialect of Baɗa: Jar cluster
Galavda = Glavda
135. Ga’anda cluster Galambe = Galambu
1.C Kaɓən Galembi = Galambu
2.B Mokar [name of the place where the rolling pot Gamergou – member of the Wandala cluster
stopped] Gamergu – member of the Wandala cluster
3. Adamawa State, Gombi LGA Gambar Leere = next
27
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Gambar Lere – dialect of Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar 2.A East Gwari, Gwari Matai
cluster 2.B Gwari
Gamargu = Malgwa: see the Wandala cluster 3. Niger State, Rafi, Chanchaga, Shiroro and Suleija
Gambiwa – 285 in Bauchi Emirate: Temple (1922: LGAs; Federal Capital Territory; Kaduna State,
113,428) Kachia LGA; Nasarawa State, Keffi and Nasarawa
Gamishawa = Gamshi: Offset of Geruma LGAs
Gamo = Ngamo 4. 200,000 (1952 G&C) including Gbari; 250,000
(1985 UBS)
139. Gamo–Ningi cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Gwari
3. Bauchi State, Ningi LGA 6. A spread of lects not clearly defined but the
4. 15,000 but most speak Hausa. variation represented here by town names: Vwezhi,
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Ngenge (Genge, Gyange), or Tawari, Kuta, Diko,
Jos group: Gamo–Ningi cluster Karu, Louome, Kaduna
Source(s) Maddieson (1988) 7. Some literature produced
*Gamo 8. Kuta: Scripture portions from 1912, New
1.B tì-Gamo Testament 1956, Pilgrim’s Progress (s.d.), 16 Old
1.C dòò-Gamo pl. à-ndi-Gamo Testament stories 1956, new translation in progress
2.B Butancii 9. Dictionary: Edgar (1909). Grammars: Edgar
2.C Buta, Butawa, Butu (1909), Hyman & Magaji (1970), Rosendall (1998)
4. There are some thirty-two settlements of Gamo, but Refs. James (1990)
of these only Kurmi still spoke the language in 1974
(Shimizu 1982). 141. Gbagyi Nkwa
9. Wordlist (Shimizu 1982) 1.B Gbagyi
*Ningi 1.C Gbagyi
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA
Gamsawa = next 4. more than 50,000 (1989 est.)
Gamshi = Gamishawa: Offset of Geruma: Temple Source(s) Blench (1989)
(1922: 113,428) Gbang = Berom
Gana – member of the Lere cluster Gbanraịn – north–central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Gana – member of the Mboi cluster Gbaranmatu = Oporoza: see the Nzọn cluster: Njọ
Ganawa = Gana: see the Lere cluster cluster
Ganagana = next
Ganagawa = Dibo 142. Gbari
Ganang – dialect of Izere 2.A Gwari Yamma, West Gwari
Ganawuri = Aten 3. Niger State, Chanchaga, Suleija, Agaie and Lapai
Gar – dialect of Baɗa: see Jar cluster LGAs; Federal Capital Territory; Kaduna State,
Gar (Duguri of Gar) – see the Jar cluster Kachia LGA; Nasarawa State, Nassarawa LGA
Gàr – see Guruntum–Mbaaru 4. 200,000 (1952 G&C) including Gbagyi
Garaka = Baɗa: see the Jar cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Gwari
Garbabi – dialect of Jibu: see the Jukun cluster 6. A spread of lects listed in the previous edition
Garoua – dialect (outside Nigeria) of Bata according to town names: Botai, Jezhu, Konge,
Gasi – dialect of Dera Kwange (Agbawi, Wake, Wĩ Wahe, or Kwali, Paiko,
Gashish – dialect of Berom Izom, Gayegi, Yamma (Gwari Gamma). Speakers
Gaticɛp = Sagamuk attest a division of lects based on river locations:
Gau – language extinct Bauchi State: Toro LGA: Gau Shigokpna, Zubakpna, Abokpna, Sumwakpna
village: Temple (1922: 116,428); Shimizu (1982: 7. Dictionary draft: Blench & Doma (1992)
123) 8. John in Paiko 1926, Mark in Gayegi 1925
Gauawa = Gau Source(s) Blench (1979-99); Rosendall & Rosendall
Gava – dialect of Guduf (1999)
Gayam – dialect of Jibu: see the Jukun cluster Refs. James (1990);
Gayàr – see Guruntum–Mbaaru
Gayegi – dialect of Gbari Yamma Gbari Yamma = Gbari
Gayi = Bisu: see the Obanliku cluster
Gayi – dialect of Kpan 143. Gbaya
Gbagye = Gbagyi 1.A Baya
1.B Gbaya
140. Gbagyi 1.C Gbaya
1.C Ibagyi, Gbagye
28
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Taraba State, Bali LGA, near confluence of Benue Gbo = Legbo
and Taraba Rivers; but mainly in Cameroon and Gboare = Bacama: the Bata cluster
Central African Republic Gbuhwe = Guduf: see Guduf–Gava
4. 200 (LA 1965) Gbwata = Bata
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa–Ubangi: Ubangi Gede = Gade
8. Scripture Portions from 1938, New Testament, Gedegede – member of Akpes cluster
1951, 1983 in Yaayuwee dialect of Central African Geeri–Ni = Jiir: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–
Republic Ror–Zuksun cluster
Refs. UBS (1989) Geerum = Geruma

144. Gbe cluster 147. Geji cluster

2.A Aja 2.A Kayauri, Kaiyorawa
3. Lagos State, Badagry LGA; and mainly in the 2.C Ɓarawa
Republics of Benin and Togo 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
5. Volta–Congo: Kwa: Left Bank 5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group
*Alada Refs. Gunn (1953); Campbell and Hoskison (1969)
8. Bible 1923, Scripture portions from 1886, *Məgang
Catechism 1885 1.A Bolu, Buli
*Asento 1.B Mə ̣gàŋ
1.A Aséntó 4. 1,250 (LA 1971), ‘a few hundred’ (Caron 2005)
*Gbekon *Pyaalu
*Gun 1.A Pelu, Belu
1.A Gũ, Egun 1.B Pyààlù
4. 300,000 (Atinwore 1986) *Geji
8. New Testament (1892, 1919); Bible (1923, 1972) 1.B Gyaazə
*Phela 2.A Bagba
1.A Phelá 2.C Gezawa, Gaejawa
*Savi 3. Toro, Bauchi LGAs, Bauchi State
*Weme 4. 650 (LA 1971), 1000 (Caron 2005). 20 villages
1.A Wéme (2007)
Refs. Asiwaju (1979); Capo (1979) 7. Reading and Writing Book (2006)
8. NT extracts (2007)
Gbékon – dialect of Gbe Refs. Gunn (1953)
Gbè ̣dè ̣ – dialect of Yoruba *Buu
1.A Zaranda
145. Gbǝtsu 1.B Bùù
2.A Katanza 4. 750 (LA 1971), ‘a few hundred’ (Caron 2002)
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA. About six villages east
of the road north of Akwanga Gela = next
4. 5000 (2008 est.) Gelanci (Gelanci Serim) = next
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Ninzic: Mada cluster Gelawa = Jiir: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–
Source: Blench & Kato (2008) Us–Zuksun cluster
Gelebda = Glavda
Gbhu = Ninzo Gema = Gyem
Gbinna = Ɓena Gemasakun = Sukur
Gembu – a dialect of Nor
146. Gbiri–Niragu cluster Genge = Gbagyi
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
4. 5,000 (1952 W&B) 148. Gengle
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern 2.B Wegele
Jos group: Kauru subgroup 3. Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore LGAs
*Gbiri 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
1.B Igbiri, Agari, Agbiri group: Yendang group
2.A Gura, Gure, Guri
*Niragu
1.B Anirago, Aniragu
2.A Kafugu, Kagu, Kahugu, Kapugu

29
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
149. Gera 1.C sg. Ba Giiwo, pl. Ma Giiwo
1.A Gere 3. Bauchi State, Alkaleri, Bauchi and Darazo LGAs,
1.B Fyandigere 24 villages
1.C sg. laa Fyandigere, pl. Fyandigere 4. 3,620 (1922 Temple); 14,000 (SIL)
2.C Gerawa 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi and Darazo LGAs group: Bole group
4. 13,300 (LA 1971); at least 30 villages. N.B. many Refs. Schuh (1978)
Gera villages no longer speak the language.
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major Gili – dialect of Bana
group: Bole group Gimbe = Gọmnọme: see the Koma cluster
Refs. Schuh (1978) Gingwak – member of the Jar cluster
Gitata – dialect of Gwandara
Gerawa = Gera Giverom = Gworam: see Roba
Gere = Gera Glanda = Glavda
Gerema = Geruma
Gerembe – dialect of Longuda 153. Glavda
Gerka = Yiwom 1.A Galavda, Glanda, Gelebda, Gələvdə
Germa = Geruma 2.C Wakura
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; also in Cameroon
150. Geruma 4. 20,000 (1963); 2,800 in Cameroon (1982 SIL)
1.A Gerema, Germa 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara–
1.B Geerum (Duurum dialect); Gyeermu (Sum dial.) Mafa–Sukur major group: Mandara group
1.C Geerum (Duurum dialect); sg. na Gyeermu, pl. 6. Ngoshe (Ngweshe)
Gyeermu (Sum dial.) 8. Mark 1967, Bible Stories 1966, Hymns and Psalms
3. Bauchi State, Toro and Darazo LGAs. At least 10 1966
villages 9. Dictionary; Rapp and Benzing (1968)
4. 4,700 (LA 1971) Refs.
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
group: Bole group Gnoore – dialect of Mumuye
6. Sum, Duurum, possibly Gamsawa/Gamshi Goba = Ngwaba
(Temple) Gobirawa – dialect of Hausa
Refs. Schuh (1978); Temple (1922)
154. Goemai
Gezawa = Geji 2.B Ankwai, Ankwe
Gələvdə = Glavda 3. Nasarawa State, Shendam, Awe and Lafia LGAs
Gə$mà Sákwún = Sukur 4. 13,507 in Shendam (1934 Ames); 80,000 (1973
Gəna – member of the Mboi cluster SIL)
Gəvoko = Gvoko 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Ghboko – dialect of Glavda? group: Angas group
Ghəna = Pidlimdi: see the Tera cluster Refs. Grammar and Dictionary in typescript
(Sirlinger 1937, 1942), Grammar (Hellwig in press)
151. Ghotuọ
2.A Otwa, Otuọ 155. Goji
3. Edo State, Owan and Akoko–Edo LGAs 1.B Fo Goji
4. 9,000 (1952) 1.C Nya Goji pl. Memme Goji
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid 2.B Chong’e
Refs. Thomas (1910); Elugbe (1989) 2.A Kushe, Kushi
3. Gombe State, Shongom LGA
Ghudavan = next 4. 4000 (1973 SIL); 5000 (1990). ca. 20 villages
Ghudeven = next (2007)
Ghudəvən – member of the Lamang cluster 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Ghumbagha – member of the Lamang cluster group: Bole–Tangale group
Ghye = Ghye (Za) – dialect of Kamwe 7. Reading and Writing Book (2006)
Gidgid = Bade 8. NT extracts (2007)
Sources: Blench (2007)
152. Giiwo
1.A Kirifi Goi = Baan
1.B Bu Giiwo
30
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
156. Gokana 2.C Linggava, Ney Laxaya, Yaghwatadaxa,
3. Rivers State, Gokana–Tai–Eleme LGA Yawotataxa, Yawotatacha, Yaxmare, Wakura
4. 54,000 (1973 SIL) Source(s)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Ogoni: Refs. Buchner (1964)
Kegboid *Cikide
7. Rivers Reader, Orthography (1991) 1.A Cikide
8. Catholic catechism, Hymnbook 1.C Cikide
Refs. Brosnahan (1964, 1967); Vopnu (1991) Refs. Buchner (1964); Kim (2001)

Golawa – 230 in Bauchi Emirate: Temple (1922: Gudupe = Guduf

116,428)
Gombe – dialect of Fulfulde 159. Guɗe
Gombi = Ngwaba 1.A Gude, Goudé
Gong = Kagoma 2.A Mubi
Gomla = next 2.B Cheke, Tcheke, Mapuda, Shede, Tchade, Mapodi,
Gomu = MoÚ̀ Mudaye, Mocigin, Motchekin
Gongla = Gnoore – dialect of Mumuye 3. Adamawa State, Mubi LGA; Borno State, Askira–
Gora = Iku–Gora–Ankwa Uba LGA; and in Cameroon
Goram = Gworam: see the Kofyar cluster 4. 28,000 (1952), est. 20,000 in Cameroon
Gori = Ọkọ: see Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsanyẹn 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group
Goudé = Guɗe 7. 3 Primers 1974, Folk tales 1973, literacy
Gu) = Gbe programme in progress,
Guba = next 8. Mark 1974, Bible translation in progress
Gubawa = next Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist
Gubi = Shiki Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983)
Gubu = next
Gubuwa = Shiki Gulak – dialect of Margi Central
Gude = Guɗe Gumar – unknown affiliation: referred to by Kraft
Gudi – dialect of Nungu Gun – dialect of Gbe
Gudo = Gudu Gunganci = Reshe
Gungawa = Reshe
157. Gudu
1.A Gutu, Gudo 160. Gupa–Abawa
3. Adamawa State, Song LGA, 120 km. west of Song. 3. Niger State, Lapai LGA around Gupa and Edzu
Approximately 5 villages. villages
4. 1,200 (LA 1971) 4. estimated more than 10,000 Gupa and 5,000
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group Abawa (1989)
Source(s) L. Jacobson wordlist 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Nupe
Refs. Meek (1931: I.124) 6. Gupa, Abawa
Source(s) Blench (1989)
158. Guduf–Cikide cluster
2.C Afkabiye (Lamang) Gura – member of the Lame cluster
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA, east of Gwoza town in Gura = next
the mountains. Six main villages. Gùrduŋ = Guruntum–Mbaaru
4. 21,300 (1963) Gure = next
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Guri = Gbiri–Niragu
Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group: Mandara group Gurka = Yiwom
*Guduf
1.C Kədupaxa 161. Gurmana
2.C Ɓuxe, Gbuwhe, Latəghwa (Lamang), Lipedeke 3. Niger State, Shiroro LGA. Gurmana town and
(Lamang). Also applied to Dghwede. nearby hamlets
6. Guduf, Cikide (Chikide) 4. estimated more than 3,000 (1989)
8. 47 hymns and psalms 1966 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Eastern
Source(s) group
Refs. Wolff (1971a:70); Kim (2001) Source(s) Blench (1989)
*Gava
1.A Gawa Gurrum – dialect of Ribina: see the Jera cluster
1.C Kədupaxa
31
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
162. Guruntum–Mbaaru 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A:
1.A Gurutum Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group: Mandara group
1.B Gùrduŋ Source(s)
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi and Alkaleri LGAs
4. 10,000 (1988 Jaggar) 165. Gwa
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group: 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
Guruntum subgroup 4. Less than 1,000 (LA 1971)
6. By settlements Dookà, Gàr, Gayàr, Kàràkara, 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan
Kuukù, and Mbaarù
Refs. Jaggar (1988); Haruna (2007) Gwak = Gingwak: see the Jar cluster
Gwali = Gbari and Gbagyi
Gurutum = Guruntum–Mbaaru Gwamfi = Gwamhi–Wuri
Gusu – member of the Jera cluster
Gussum = Gusu: see the Jera cluster 166. Wuri-Gwamhyə–Mba
Gutu = Gudu 1.A Gwamfi
1.C wa–Gwamhi sg. a–Gwamhi pl. and wa–Wuri sg.
163. Guus-Zaar cluster a–Wuri pl.
2.B Ɓarawa 2.B Banganci
2.C Sayanci 2.C Lyase–ne Dəknu Bangawa for Gwamhi
3. Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. West of 3. Kebbi State, Wasagu LGA; Gwamhi around Danko
Tafawa Balewa town. town and Wuri around Maga town
4. 50,000 (1971 Schneeberg); 50,000 (1973 SIL) 4. Two peoples with one language
5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Northern
*Guus Group
1.B mur gúús (one person); Gùùs (people) Source(s) Regnier (1992); Blench & McGill (2011)
1.C vìì kə gúús (mouth of Guus) Refs. Rowlands (1962)
2.A Sigidi, Sugudi, Sigdi, Segiddi
4. 775 (1950 HDG). 17 villages (Caron 2001) Gwanda (nya Gwanda) – dialect of Longuda
Refs. Schneeberg (1971); Caron (2001) Gwandaba – dialect of Longuda
*Zaar Gwandara–Basa = Nimbia: a dialect of Gwandara
1.A Za’r, Zar
1.B Vìk Zaar, Vigzar, 167. Gwandara
1.C Zaar pl. Zàrsɛ̀ 1.B Gwàndara
2.B Sáyánci 3. Niger State, Suleija LGA; Federal Capital
2.C Bàsáyè pl. Sáyá:wá, Saya, Seya, Seiyara [Saya Territory; Nasarawa State, Nassarawa, Keffi, Lafia
terms are now considered derogatory] and Akwanga LGAs; Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
6. Kal, Gambar Leere, Lusa 4. 12,000 (1952); 30,000 (1973 SIL)
7. Newsletter Konu ya Mbi in 5 vols. since 2004; 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Hausa group
Reading and Writing Book (2006) 6. Central: Gwandara Karashi, Western: Gwandara
8. NT extracts (2007) Koro, Southern: Kyan Kyar, Eastern: Toni; Gwandara
9. Grammar (Caron 2006) Gitata, Nimbia (Gwandara–Basa)
Source(s) Blench (2007) Source(s)
Refs: Caron (2006) Refs. Matsushita (1974, 1976); Na’Ibi and Hassan
(1969)
Guvja – a dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
Guyak – dialect of Longuda Gwanje – Dialect of Wandala similar to Malgwa:
Guyuwa (nya Guyuwa) – dialect of Longuda Westermann and Bryan (1952)
Guzubo – dialect of Tsobo Gwanto = next
Gwantu – member of the Numana–Nunku–Gwantu–
164. Gvoko Numbu cluster
1.A Gəvoko
2.A Ngoshe Ndaghang, Ngweshe Ndhang, Nggweshe
2.C Ngoshe Sama
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State,
Michika LGA
4. 2,500 (1963); 4,300 (1973 SIL); estimated more
than 20,000 (1990)

32
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
168. Gwara Habe (Lao Habe) = Laka
1.B iGwara Haɓe = Hausa
1.C uŋGwara sg. aGwara pl. Hadejiya – dialect or subgroup of Hausa
2.C Gora Hainare = next
3. Kaduna State, Kagarko, Jaba LGAs Hainari – dialect of Nor
4. Five villages [2009] Ham = Hyam
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North– Handa – member of the Mboi cluster
western subgroup: Nyankpa-Idun cluster
10. Hausa, Idũ, Nyankpa 171. Hasha
11. According to adults, Hausa is taking over among 1.A Iyashi, Yashi
younger people, although the extent of this is hard to 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA
gauge. 4. 400 (SIL); 3000 (Blench est. 1999)
Sources: Blench (2009) 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 2
Gwàrà – dialect of Margi Source: Blench (1999)
Gwari = Gbari – Gbagyi
Gwari Gamma = Gbari Hátè – dialect of Ninzo
Gwari Matai = Gbagyi
Gwari Yamma = Gbari 172. Hausa
Gwom = next 1.A Haussa, Haoussa
Gwomo = next 1.B Háusá
Gwomu = Mõ ̣ 1.C sg. m. Bàháushèe sg. f. Bàháushìyáa pl.
Gwong = Kagoma Hàusàawáa plus names by areas or towns e.g.
Gworam – member of the Kofyar cluster Adarawa, Agalawa, Arewa
Gworam = Roba 2.B Abakwariga, Mgbakpa, Haɓe, Kaɗo
Gwózà Wakane = next 3. Spoken as a first language in large areas of Sokoto,
Gwozo – dialect of Zaladva: see the Lamang cluster Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe and
Gwozum – Adamawa State: Michika LGA: people of Bauchi States, and in the Republic of Niger; also
the Gwoza hills including Lamang, Mafa etc.: Temple spoken as a regional language in extensive areas
(1922) where it is not spoken as a first language, e.g. in the
Gwune = Agwagwune Middle Belt of Nigeria, in northern Ghana and in
Gya)az) i = Geji: see the Geji cluster Benin Republic
Gyang–gyang – part of the Jar: Temple (1922: 170) 4. 5,700,000 (1952); 20 million (UBS 1984); 25
Gyange = Ngenge: dialect of Gbagyi million first and second language speakers including
Gyeermu = Geruma some 3.5 million speakers in other countries (1973
Gyell – a dialect of Berom SIL)
Gyem = Fyam 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Hausa group
6. Eastern: Kano, Katagum, Hadejiya; Western:
169. Gyem Sokoto, Gobirawa, Adarawa, Kebbawa, Zamfarawa,
1.A Gema Northern: Katsina, Arewa. Harris (1930:321)
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Lame district mentions a ‘secret dialect’ called Zauranchi and
4. 100 (LA 1971) Toganchi and ‘inverted and abbreviated’ speech-
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern forms used to deceive outsiders.
Jos group: Lame cluster 7. Large amount of literature in circulation and being
produced; Official Orthography
170. Gyong 8. Bible 1932 and 1957, New Testament (Linjila)
1.A Agoma, Kagoma 1965 and 1972, Old Testament –translation in
1.B Gyong progress, Scripture portions from 1853. Some
1.C Gong Scripture portions in Ajami (Arabic) script, Moslem
2.B Gwong, Gyong literature in Ajami (àjàmí) (Arabic) script.
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA 9. Dictionaries: Abraham (1946, 1962); Skinner
4. 6,250 (1934 HDG) (19xx); Ma Newman (19xx). Grammars: Robinson
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North- (18xx); Abrahams (19xx); Newman (19xx); Jagger
western subgroup: Hyamic (200x)
Source(s) Blench (1981) 14. Many internet sites. Google offered in Hausa.
Refs. Hagen (1981) 15. Text-messaging now common, but vowel-length
and hooked letters omitted
Haanda – member of the Mboi cluster
33
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
16. Indigenous Hausa sign language (Schmaling 176. Huba
2001) 1.A Həba
17. Two indigenous scripts of 20th century origin. 1.B Huba
Refs. Temple (1922: 4); 1.C Huba
2.A Chobba Kilba
Hawul (Bura Hyil Hawul) – dialect of Bura–Pabir 3. Adamawa State, Hong, Maiha, Mubi and Gombi
Heikpang – with Fan–Foron–Heikpang – a dialect LGAs
group of Berom 4. 32,000 (1952); 100,000 (1980 UBS)
Həba = Huba 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi
Hə$ɗkàlà – dialect of Ghumbagha: see the Lamang major group: Bura group
cluster 6. Luwa
Hide = next 7. Literacy programme in progress
Hidé = Xedi 8. Bible translation in progress, Mark 1976
Hidkala = Xədkala: see Ghumbagha: Lamang cluster Source(s) Blench (1992)
Higi = Kamwe
Hiji = Kamwe Hude = Dghweɗe
Hildi – dialect of Margi South Hul = next
Hima – dialect of Ebira Huli – member of the Fali cluster
Hina = Pidlimdi: see Tera Hum = Ham
Hinna = Pidlimdi: see Tera
Hitkala = Xədkala: see Ghumbagha: Lamang cluster 177. Hun–Saare
1.A Ethun
173. Hɨpɨna 1.B tHun, sSaare
1.A Supana 1.C Hunnɛ
1.B Tihɨpɨna 2.A Duka
1.C Vihɨpɨna pl. Ahɨpɨna 2.B Dukanci
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Supana town 3. Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA; Niger State, Rijau LGA
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: West: Baushi cluster 4. 19,700 (1949 Gunn and Conant); 30,000 (1980
Source(s) Blench (2010) UBS)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Northern
Hoai Petel = Tita group
6. Western (sSaare) (around Dukku), Eastern (tHun)
174. Holma (around Rijau), Tungan Bunu
1.A Holma 7. Primers 1–3 1976, Proverbs (s.d.)
1.B Da Holmaci 8. Hymnbook, 1976, New Testament nearly complete
1.C Bali Holma (2003)
3. Adamawa State. Spoken north of Sorau on the 9. Draft dictionary (Heath p.c.)
Cameroon border Source(s) Dettweiler (1992); Heath (n.d.)
4. 4 speakers (Blench, 1987). The language has Refs. Bendor–Samuel, Cressman and Skitch (1971);
almost vanished and been replaced by Fulfulde Cressmann & Skitch in Kropp–Dakubu (1980)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group
11. Probably extinct (2007)
Source(s) Blench (1987)
Refs. Meek (1931a)

Hona = Hwana
Hoode – dialect of Nzanyi

175. Horom
2.B Kaleri (erroneous)
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA. One village and one
hamlet
4. 500 (1973 SIL); 1000 (Blench 1998)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Southeastern group
Source(s) Blench (1998)

Hoss – dialect of Berom

34
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
178. Hùngwə̀ryə̀
1.B Cəhungwə̀ryə̀, Tʷə̀hungwə̀ryə̀ [ʨə̀hungwə̀ryə̀] I.
1.C Bùhùngwə̀ryə̀ sg., ə̀hùngwə̀ryə̀ pl.
2.C Ngwoi, Ngwe, Ungwe, Ingwe, Nkwoi, Ngwai, Nbaa – dialect of Ikwere
Ungwai, Hungworo Nbáalí = Bali
3. Niger State, Rafi, Kusheriki LGA, around Kagara Ibagyi = Gbagyi
and Maikujeri towns Ìbàjí – dialect of Igala
4. 1000 (1949 HDG), 5000 (2007 est.) Ibami = Agọi
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– Nḅanị – member of KOIN cluster: Njọ cluster
Basa group Ibara = Nupe Tako: see the Nupe cluster
6. Dialects: Bitbit (Kwabitu), Ləklək (Karaku), Jinjin Ibaram – member of Akpes cluster
(Makangara), Wũswũs (Karaiya), Təmbərjə Ibeno = Ibinọ
(Tambere) Ibeto – dialect area Kambari I
7. Alphabet booklet (2004); Simple sentences (2007);
Calendar (2008) 181. Ibibio
9. Phonology (2007), Grammar (2007) 1.A Ibibyo
10. Hausa is principal second language 3. Akwa–Ibom State, Ikono, Itu, Uyo, Etinan, Ekpe–
11. Language maintenance good in 2007 Atai, Uruan, Nsit–Ubium, Onna, Mkpat Enin and
12. Gospel recordings tape (2001) Abasi LGAs
Source(s) Blench (1987); Regnier (1992); Davey 4. 800,000 (1952) (may include Efik); 283,000 (1945
(2007) F&J); 2 million (1973 census); estimated 2.5 million
Refs. Temple (1922: 206); Rowlands (1962) (Ibibio proper 1990)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Hunnɛ = Hun Cross: Central group
Huve = next 6. Nkari, Enyong, Central, Itak, Nsit etc. roughly
Huviya = Bura according to clans
7. Efik decreasingly used as the literary language.
179. Hwana Primers (1987) Official Orthography
1.A Hona, Hwona 8. Bible translation in progress
3. Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, Guyuk and thirty 9. Grammars: Kaufmann (1968), Essien (1990).
other villages Dictionary: Kaufmann (1985)
4. 6,604 (1952 W&B); 20,000 (1973 SIL), estimate Refs. Connell (1991)
more than 20,000 (Blench 1987)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Tera group Ibibyo = Ibibio
Source(s) Kraft (1981); Blench (1987) Ibibyo = Ibibio
Ibie (South) – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
Hwaso = Kpan Ibie North = Ivbie North: see the Ivbie North–
Hwaye = Kpan Okpela–Arhe cluster
Hwona = Hwana Ibiede – dialect of Isoko
Hyabe = Kakanda
182. Ibinọ
180. Hyam cluster 1.A Ibuno, Ibeno
1.A Ham, Hum 3. Akwa–Ibom State, Uquo–Ibeno LGA
1.B Jaba 4. 10,000 (Faraclas (1989)
3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jama’a LGAs 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
4. 43,000 Cross: West group
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North– Refs. Westermann and Bryan (1952)
western subgroup: Hyamic
7. Alphabet chart (1999) Ibo = Igbo
8. Matthew, Mark 1923, Acts (n.d.) Ibot Obolo – dialect of Obolo
*Kwyeny Ibukwo = Kpan
*Yaat Ibuno = Ibinọ
*Saik Ìbunu = Ribina: see the Jera cluster
*Dzar
*Hyam of Nok 183. Ibuoro
1.B Ibuoro
Hyil (Bura Hyil Hawul) – dialect of Bura–Pabir 3. Akwa Ibom State, Itu and Ikono LGAs
4. 5,000 plus (1988)
35
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower 4. 56,000 (1952 RGA); 70,000 (1987 UBS)
Cross: Central group 6. Agatu, Ochekwu
Refs. Connell (1991) 7. Primer 1, Reader 1
8. New Testament in print 1984 in Agatu, Scripture
Ibut = Jidda–Abu portions from 1951, hymnbook, 4 Christian books, 4
Iɓo = Igbo Bible correspondence courses, various tracts and
Icèn – dialect of Izere booklets, Old Testament translation in progress
Icen = Etkywan Source(s) Mackay
*Idoma Central
184. Iceve cluster 2.A Oturkpo, Otukpo
2.B Banagere, Iyon, Utse, Utser, Utseu 2.B Akpoto
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA and in adjacent 3. Benue State, Otukpo and Okpokwu LGAs
Cameroon 4. 66,000 (1952 RGA)
4. 5,000 in Nigeria, 7,000 in Cameroon (1990 est.) 7. Primer; Official Orthograpy
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid 8. New Testament 1970, Scripture portions from
Source(s) Regnier (1990) 1927, Methodist catechism, Methodist hymnbook,
*Ceve Old Testament in first draft (UBS 1990)
1.A Icheve, Becheve, Bacheve, Bechere, Refs. Abraham (1951)
1.B Iceve
1.C Baceve *Idoma West
2.C Ochebe, Ocheve (names of founding ancestor) 3. Benue State, Okpokwu LGA
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA and mainly in 4. 60,000 (1952 RGA)
adjacent Cameroon *Okpogu
Source(s) H. Gray wordlist *Idoma South
*Maci 2.A Igumale, Igwaale, Ijigbam
1.A Matchi 3. Benue State, Okpokwu LGA
1.B Maci 4. 13,500 (1952 RGA)
2.A Kwaya, Olit, Oliti 8. John, Acts (n.d.), Mark
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA
Idoma Nokwu = Alago
Ichen = Etkywan
Ichèn – dialect of Izere 187. Idon-Doka-Makyali
Icheve = Baceve: member of the Iceve cluster 1.A Idong
Icuatai = Etung North: see the Ejagham cluster 1.B If this is the same as Ejegha of Maikarfi, then this
Ìdáh – dialect of Igala would be the correct name. Idon and Doka would
then no lnoger be separate languages.
185. Idere 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
1.B Idere 4. Three towns
3. Akwa Ibom State, Itu LGA 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Northern group
4. more than 5,000 (1988) Sources: Maikarfi (2007)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Cross: (no data) Idong = Idon-Doka-Makyali
Refs. Connell (1991) Idso = Njọ
Idu) = Idun
Idesa = Ọkpẹ–Idesa–Akuku Idua = Ilue
Idjo = Njọ Idum = Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster
Ido = Udo
Idoani = Iyayu

186. Idoma cluster

3. Benue State, Otukpo and Okpokwu LGAs;
Nassarawa State, Nassarawa and Awe LGAs
5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid
Refs. Armstrong (1955, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1989)
*Agatu
2.A Idoma North
3. Benue State, Otukpo LGA; Nasarawa State,
Nassarawa and Awe LGAs
36
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
188. Idun 3. Anambra State; Imo State; Abia State; Rivers State,
1.B Idṹ Etche, Bonny and Ahoada LGAs; Edo State,
1.C Udṹ sg. Adun, Adṹ pl. Oshimili, Aniocha, Ika and Ndokwa LGAs
2.A Dũya [‘language of home’] 4. 5,500,000 (1952); over 8 million (Emenanjo); est.
2.B Adong 12 million (1987 UBS)
2.C Jaba Lungu, Ungu, Jaba Gengere [‘Jaba of the 5. Benue–Congo: Igboid
slopes’] 6. A large number of dialects, e.g. Afikpo, AniÚ̀cha,
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a, Jaba LGAs; Nasarawa State, Ọka (Awka), Bonny–Opobo, Mbaisne
Karu LGA (Mbaise),Ngwa, Nsụka (Nsukka), Oguta, Ọhụhu,
4. 1,500 (NAT 1949). Twenty-one villages [2008] Ọnịcha (Onitsha), Ọlụ (Orlu), Owere (Owerrĩ,
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North– Unwana, etc., varying in mutual intelligibility. (A few
western subgroup: Nyankpa-Idun cluster outlying dialects are listed separately, see below). In
Sources: Blench (2008) the development of a common form, a name used in
some earlier literature was Isuama. It is a directional
Iduwini – a south–western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster name rather than a true dialect. It was replaced by
Ìdzà = Dza Union Igbo, an artificial form based on four dialects.
Idzo = Njọ This gave way to Central Igbo, based chiefly on a
Ifaki – a dialect of Yoruba simplification of the dialects of the Owerri and
Ìfè – dialect of Igala Umuahia areas. Standard Igbo is today accepted for
Ìfè ̣ – dialect of Yoruba written Igbo, replacing the earlier Central Igbo. The
Ifira – a dialect of Yoruba following belong to the same language cluster as
Ifunubwa = Mbembe Igbo, but are listed separately in the index: Ụkwuanị–
Igabo = Isoko Aboh–Ndọnị; Nka; Ogbah and Ikwere; Izi–Ẹzaa–
Ikwo–Mgbo. Echie and Egbema, though regarded as
189. Igala languages of Rivers State, are outlying Igbo dialects
2.C Igara and are not listed separately.
3. Benue State, Ankpa, Dekina, Idah and Bassa 7. A large amount of old and current literature,
LGAs; Edo State, Oshimili LGA; Anambra State, including novels, poetry and drama. In Echie and
Anambra LGA Egbema, under the Rivers Readers Project, a Reading
4. 295,000 (1952), 800,000 (1987 UBS) and Writing book and Reader 1 exist in each dialect;
5. Benue–Congo: Defoid: Yoruboid: group 2 Grammars and dictionaries; newspaper and cultural
6. Ánkpa and Ògùgù in Ankpa LGA; Ìfè in Ankpa magazines; Official Othography
and Dekina LGAs; Ànyìgbá in Dekina LGA; ‘Idáh 8. Isuama dialect: Scripture portions 1860–66
and Ìbàjì in Idah and Anambra(?) LGAs; and Èbú in Bonny dialect: Scripture portions 1892–1900
Oshimili LGA Unwana dialect: Scripture portions 1899–1907
7. Grammar (out of print), Primers 1 – 6, 2 readers, Ọnịca dialect: Scripture portions 1893–1906, New
literacy programme in progress; Official Orthography Testament 1900, and 1906
8. Bible 1970, gospels revised, New Testament Union Igbo: Bible 1913, 1952, 1960, New Testament
1935/1948/1966, Scripture portions from 1924, New 1908, 1913, and Scripture portions. First draft of a
Testament concordance, 8 Sunday School Teachers’ New translation of the whole Bible and Apocrypha
Manuals, 12 Bible Correspondence courses, complete
hymnbook, other Christian books, tracts and booklets 9. Dictionaries: Williamson (1972) [Ọnịca]; Echeruo
Refs. Musa (1987) (199x) [Not stated]; Green (1999) [based on Ohuhu].
Grammars: Emenanjo (?1978); Ndimili (199x)
Igara = Igala [Echie]
Igara = Etuno: a member of the Ebira cluster
Igashi – member of Akoko cluster Igbo Imaban = Legbo
Igbeeku (Yala Igbeeku) – dialect of Yala Ogoja Igbuduya – dialect of Ẹkpeye
Igbena – dialect of Yoruba Igedde = Igede
Igbide – dialect of Isoko
Igbira = Ebira 191. Igede
Igbiri = Gura: see Gure–Kahugu 1.A Igedde, Egede, Egedde
Igbirra = Ebira 3. Benue State, Oju, Otukpo and Okpokwu LGAs
Cross River State, Ogoja LGA
190. Igbo 4. 70,000 (1952 RGA), 120,000 (1982 UBS)
1.A Ibo, Iɓo, Ebo 5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid
2.C Unege 6. Three dialects: Òjù (Central), Ìtóò (Ito), Ụ̀wọò`kwù ̣
(Worku); also Gabu (Ogoja LGA)
37
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
7. Writing book 1966, Primer 1975, Folk–tales, 1976, 6. A cluster consisting of the closely related dialects
literacy programme in progress Kalaḅarị, Kịrịkẹ (Okrika) and Nḅanị and the isolated
8. Scripture portions from 1937, hymnbook, Catholic lect Nkọrọ
Catechism, New Testament 1981, Old Testament *Kalaḅarị
translation in progress (UBS 1990) 1.B Kalaḅarị
Source(s) 1.C Kalaḅarị
Refs. Bergman (1971, 1978); Oboh et al. (1987) 2.A New Calabar
3. Rivers State, Degema and Asari–Toru LGAs; 3
Igu – dialect of Ebira major towns and 24 villages
Igumale = Idoma South 4. 200,000 (1987, UBS)
7. Primer 1949, 1962, booklet 1953, Shell booklet
192. Iguta 1957, Rivers Readers Project Book 1 1971, Reading
1.C Anaguta and Writing book 1971, English–Kalabari phrase
2.A Naraguta book; Official Orthography
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA 8. Gospel of Mark 1981, Bible translation in progress,
4. 2,580 (HDG); 3,000 (1973 SIL) Christian handbook (Scripture passages and hymns),
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern prayer and hymnbook 1951
Jos group: group c *Kịrịkẹ
Source(s) 1.A Okrika (anglicized official form), Okirika
Refs. Shimizu (1982) 1.B Kịrịkẹ
1.C Kịrịkẹnị, Wakịrịkẹ
Igwaale = Idoma South 2.A Opu Kirika (‘Great Okrika’) by Nkọrọ
Igwẹ – member of the Sasaru–Enwan–Igwẹ cluster 3. Rivers State, Okrika and Port Harcourt LGAs; 13
Igwuruta – dialect of Ikwere towns and villages
iGyang – dialect of Tarok 4. 100,000 (1987, UBS)
Ihima = Hima: see Ebira 7. Primer, Readers 1–2 1969, Rivers Readers Project
Ijaw = Njọ book 1 1972, Reading and writing book 1972,
Ijẹbu – dialect of Yoruba traditional proverbs 1960
Ìjèshà = next 8. Matthew 1981, Bible translation in progress, prayer
Ìjè ̣ṣà – dialect of Yoruba and hymnbook, 1954
Ijiegu – dialect of Yace *Nḅanị
Ijigbam = Idoma South 1.A Ụḅanị (Igbo form), Bonny (anglicized), Obani
Ìjò` Àkpò`ì – a dialect of Yoruba (Cust 1883)
Ijo = next 2.A Okuloma, Okoloḅa (indigenous name of Bonny
Njọ = Nzọn town)
3. Rivers State, Bonny LGA; Bonny town and 35
193. Njọ cluster towns and villages. Some old people at Opobo are
1.A Djo, Idjo, Idso, Idzo, Ijaw, Ijoh, Jos, Udzo, Udsọ, also said to speak it, but this has not been confirmed.
Ujo 4. 60,000 (1987, UBS)
3. Rivers State; Delta State, Bomadi, Burutu, and 7. 2 primers 1870, Nḅanị reader 1947, 1975 readers
Warri LGAs; Ondo State, 1947, 1969, vocabulary 1903, Rivers Readers Project
4. Estimated total number of Njọ speakers is 2,000,000 book 1 1971, reading and Writing book 1971 8.
(1990). Scripture portions 1870, prayer and hymnbook 1954,
5. Atlantic–Congo: Volta–Congo: Ijoid Mark (1985)??
6. Njọ is a common name for a language cluster *Nkọrọ
comprising two subgroups: 1.A Nkọrọ
I East: consisting of KOIN (Kalaḅarị–Okrika– 1.B Kirika (autonymn c.f. Opu Kirika for Kịrịkẹ)
Nḅanị–Nkọrọ), and Nembe–Akaha; and 3. Rivers State, Bonny LGA; Opu–Nkọrọ town and
II West: consisting of Inland Njọ (Oruma, Ọkọdia, 11 villages
and Bisenĩ and Nzọn. 4. 20,000 (1963)
There is partial intelligibility between the groups in 8. Part of the Book of Common Prayer (ms)
each main branch and also between Nembe–Akassa Refs. Harry (1989)
and the southern dialects of Nzọn. *Nembe–Akaha cluster
Refs. Jenewari (1989) 2.A Brass–Njọ
*KOIN (Kalaḅarị–Okrika–Nḅanị–Nkọrọ) 3. Rivers State, Brass LGA
3. Rivers State, Asari–Toru, Degema, Bonny, Okrika, 4. 71,500 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin)
and Port Harcourt LGAs *Nembe
1.A Nimbi
38
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.C Nembe b. North–Central: subdivided into
2.A Brass, Nempe, Itebu (Cust 1883); (Nembe) Brass (ĩ North–East: Kolokuma with Opokuma,
(Tepowa 1904); Nembe–Brass (Book of Common Ekpetiama and Gbanraịn in Yenagoa LGA
Prayer, 1957); Ijo (Nembe) (Bible, 1956); Brass– (iĩ North–West: Ikibiri, Ogboin, and Tungbo (?)
Nembe–Ijaw (Rowlands, 1960); Nembe–Njọ (Alagoa, in Yenagoa LGA; (Western) Tarakiri, Kabowei
1967). Brass is the older term giving way to Nembe, (Kabou, Kabo, Patanĩ, Kumbowei (Kumbo),
the speakers’ own name. Seimbiri, Operemọ (Operemor), in Sabgama
3. Rivers State, Brass LGA, Nembe, Ọkpọma and LGA; Mein in Bomadi LGA; Tuomọ and
Tụwọn (Brass) towns and nearby villages Ọbọtẹbẹ (?), in Burutu LGA
4. 66,600 (1963) II. Western Delta:
7. Primers 1862, 1911, Traditional folktales 1963, Iduwini in Sagbama and Burutu LGAs, (Oporoza)
Rivers Readers Project Reader 1 1970, Nembe– Gbanranmatu and Ogbe Njọ in Warri LGA,
English Dictionary 1964–6, English–Nembe Phrase Ogulagha in Burutu LGA, Egbema in Warri and
book 1967, Numerals (Alagoa, 1967), part of Plato’s Ovia LGAs, (Western) Olodiama, (Western)
Phaedo (1968), book on traditional culture (1989) and Fụrụpagha and Arogbo.
other literature 7. An attempt to develop a standard form of Nzọn is in
8. Bible 1956, New Testament 1927, Scripture progress and a primer has been produced (1988)
portions from 1856, Catechism 1886, various prayer Kolokuma: Primers 1948, Folktales 1968, Rivers
and hymnbooks 1856–1962, Pilgrim’s Progress Reader 1 1969, Reading and Writing Book 1969,
(abridgement) 1967, Genesis 1939 Signs and Omens (diglot) 1971, Dictionary 1983, in
*Akaha progress;
1.A Akasa, Akassaa Mein: vocabulary 1961, adult primer 1956,
1.B Akaha orthography 1961, storybook 1958, Ozidi Saga
1.C Akaha (diglot) 1977, Dictionary
3. Rivers State, Brass LGA, Opu–Akassa town and Olodiama: Primers 1956, 1972, Traditional
nearby hamlets proverbs 1967, Poems 1972
4. 4,913 (1963) 8. Ḅụmọ and Oporoma: Bible passages 1969, Prayers
*Nzọn 1967, Easter Story c. 1989, Christmas Story 1990
1.A Ijo, Njọ, Ijaw, (these forms are used both in a Kabowei: Gospels 1924
general sense to refer to the whole language cluster Kolokuma: Mark 1912/15, Gospels 1951, Bible
and more specifically to refer to Nzọn; Nzọ (Freemann translation in progress, catechism, prayer and
1976), Ezọn (Onduku 1960), Ijọn (Tarebigha 1956 – hymnbook 1954–1970;
Primer), Izọn (Book of Common Prayer, 1954), Izọn, Mein: Catholic Prayer Book 1967, Catholic
Ezọn (Agbegha 1961), other forms attested in various Catechism 1959;
dialects are Ẹz’ọn, Ụjọ Refs. Williamson (1965); Williamson and Timitimi
1.B According to dialect: Ẹzọn (Kumboweĩ; Ezọn (1983)
(Mein); Nj’ọ (Iduwini, Oporoza); Njọ (Egbema); Nz’ọ *Inland Njọ
(Ḅụmọ, Apọị, Basan, East Olodiama, Iduwinĩ; Nzọn 3. Rivers State, Yenagoa and Brass LGAs
(Oporoma, East Tarakiri, Ogboin, Tungbo, 5. Atlantic–Congo: Ijoid: Ijo Inland cluster
Ekpetiama, Ikibiri, Kolokuma, Gbanraịn, Kabowei, *Biseni
West Tarakirĩ; Nzọn (Oiyakiri, Ogbe Njọ, Mein); Ụjọ 1.A Buseni
or Ụzọ (Ogulagha, Egbema, West Fụrụpagha); 1.B Biseni
3. Rivers and Bayelsa State, Yenagoa, and Sagbama 1.C Biseni
LGAs; Delta State, Burutu, Warri and Bomadi LGAs; 2.B Amegi
Ondo State, Ikale and Ilaje Ese–Odo LGAs 3. Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA, Akpeịdẹ, Egbebiri,
4. estimated 1,000,000 (Williamson 1989) Kalama,Tẹịn and Tụbụrụ towns
5. Atlantic–Congo: Ijoid 4. Community consisting of five sections
6. A large number of generally mutually intelligible *Akịta
dialects named after the ibe or ‘clan’ (except that 1.A Okordia, Ọkọdi‡
town names are used when a town speaks differently 1.B Akịta
from the rest of the clan), and grouped as follows: 1.C Akịta
I. Central: 3. Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA
a. South–Central: subdivided into 4. Community consisting of six sections, six towns
(ĩ South–East: Bụmọ (Boma), (Eastern) *Oruma
Tarakiri, and Oporoma in Yenagoa LGA; Oiakiri 1.B Tugbeni
(Oiyakirĩ in Sagbama LGA 1.C Tugbeni Kạạmạ
(iĩ South–West: (Eastern) Olodiama, Basan 3. Rivers State, Brass LGA
(Bassan), Koluama, and Apọị in Yenagoa LGA
39
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
4. A single town surrounded by Central Delta 1.B Adara
languages 1.C Ankwa probably corresponds to the Ehwa of
Maikarfi
Ijùmú – dialect of Yoruba 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
Ika = Igu: see Ebira 4. Towns; Gora, Ankwa
Ìkà) = Ukaan 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Northern group
6. [Iku status uncertain], Gora, Ankwa
194. Nka Source: Maikarfi (2007)
1.A Ìká
̣
2.A Agbor Ìkúmórò = Kohumono
3. Delta State, Ika and Orhionmwon LGAs Ikúmtale = Mbe West: see the Mbe cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Igboid Ìkúmúrù = Kohumono Ikun – member of the
6. ‘The dialect spoken around Agbor, the Ubaghara cluster
administrative and commercial headquarters, appears
to be developing into a standard form. Further east 198. Ikwere
and south from this centre, the similarity between Nka 1.A Ikwerre
and Igbo gets closer.’ (Report of the Committee on 1.C Ìwhnuruò`hnà
Languages of Midwestern State: 12) 3. Rivers State, Ikwerre, Port Harcourt and Obio–
7. 4 primers, proverbs 1959 Akpor LGAs
4. 54,600 (1940 F&J); possibly 200,000 (SIL)
Ikalẹ – a dialect of Yoruba 5. Benue–Congo: Igboid
Ikan = next 6. Northern dialects: Elele, Apanị, Ọmerelu, Ubima,
Ìkàn = next Isiokpo, Ọmagwna (Ọmuegwna), Ipo, Ọmudioga,
Ikani = Ukaan Ọmuanwa, Igwuruta, Egbedna, Alụu, Nbaa
Ikaram = next Southern dialects: Akpọ–Mgbu–Tolu, Ọbio,
Ikaramu = next Ọgbakiri, Rụmuji, Ndele, Emọhua
Ikeram = Ikorom: a member of Akpes cluster 7. Rivers Readers Project: Reader #1 1970, Reading
Ikiran = Ẹyẹ: see Ọkpamheri and Writing book, Primer (other than R.R.P.),
Ikibiri – a north–western dialect of Nzọn: see Njọ traditional proverbs 1975, Folktales 1985
cluster 8. Hymnbook 1969, 1971, prayers 1970
Iko = Doko–Uyanga Refs. Azunda (1987); Brown (1989);
Iko – dialect of Agoi
Ikwerre = Ikwere
195. Iko Ikwo – member of the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
1.B Iko Ila – dialect of Yoruba
2.A Obolo (incorrectly included within Obolo) Ilaje = Ilajẹ
3. Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Abasi LGA Ilajẹ – dialect of Yoruba
4. Three villages: 5,000+ (1988) Ileme = Unẹmẹ
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Cross 199. Ilue
Refs. Connell (1991) 1.A Idua
1.B Ilue
Ikolu = Ikulu 3. Akwa Ibom State, Oron LGA
Ikom (Yala Ikom) – dialect of Yala 4. 5,000 (1988); diminishing
Ikọm – member of the Olulumọ–Ikọm cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Ikorom – member of the Akpes cluster Cross
Ikot Ekpene – dialect of Anaang Refs. Connell (1991)
Ikpan = Kpan
Imaban (Igbo Imaban) = Legbo
196. Ikpeshi Imiv – dialect of Isoko
3. Bendel State, Etsako LGA Închà – dialect of Ninzam
4. 1,826 (Bradbury 1957) Inchazi = Rukuba
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North Central Edoid Inedua – dialect of Engenni
Ineme = Unẹmẹ
Ikpesi = Ipesi: a dialect of Yoruba Ingwe = Hungw
ry

Iku – see the Iku–Gora–Ankwa cluster Inidem = Nindem: see the Kanufi–Kaningkon–
Nindem cluster
197. [Iku]–Gora–Ankwa Inyima = Lenyima
40
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Ipesi – a dialect of Yoruba Isua = Uhami
Ipo – dialect of Ikwere Isuama – dialect of Igbo
Irhobo = Iṣẹkiri Itak – a dialect of Ibibio
Iri – dialect of Isoko iTarok = Tarok
Iri – dialect of Kadara iTarok Oga aSa = Tarok
Irigwe = Rigwe Itchen = Etkywan
Itebiegẹ – dialect of Isoko
Irri – dialect of Isoko Itebu = Nembe: Nembe–Akaha cluster: see Njọ cluster
Irruan – dialect of Bokyi Iteeji = Mtezi–Iteeji – dialect of Kukele
Nsan = Esan Itigidi = Legbo
Isanga = Gusu: see the Jera cluster Itsekiri = Iṣẹkiri
Isangele = Usakade Ito = next
Ìtóò – dialect of Igede
200. Iṣẹkiri
1.A Itsekiri, Ishekiri, Shekiri, Chekiri, Jekri, Izekíri, 202. Ito
Tshekeri, Dsekiri 1.B Ito
2.B Iwere, Irhobo, Warri 3. Akwa Ibom State, Akamkpa LGA
2.C Iselema–Otu (Njọ name for Warri/Itsekiri people), 4. 5,000 plus (1988)
Selemo 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
3. Delta State, Warri, Bomadi and Ethiope LGAs Cross: (no data)
4. 33,000 (1952); over 100,000 (1963 Omamor); Source(s) Connell (1991)
500,000 (1987 UBS)
5. Benue–Congo: Defoid: Yoruboid: Edekiri: 203. Itu Mbon Uzo
Itsɛkiri/South East Èdè 1.A Itu Mbuzo
7. Primers (1907, 1956, 1975, 1989, 1990) 1.B Itu Mbon Uzo
8. Scripture portions from 1945, New Testament and 3. Akwa Ibom State, Ikono LGA
Psalms (1985), Old Testament translation first draft 4. 5,000 plus (1988)
complete (1989 UBS), hymnbook, prayer book 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
1909/1974, Catholic catechism Cross: Central
Refs. Omamor (1982) Source(s) Connell (1991)

Iselema–Otu = Iṣẹkiri Itu Mbuzo = Itu Mbon Uzo

Ishan = Esan Iuleha – member of the Emai–Iuleha–Ora cluster
Ishe – dialect of Ukaan
Ìshɛ$ = Ukaan 204. Ivbie North–Okpela–Arhẹ cluster
Ishekiri = Iṣẹkiri 3. Edo State, Etsako and Akoko–Ẹdo LGAs
Ishibori = Nkem: see the Bakor cluster 4. 14,500 (1952); possibly 20,000 (1973 SIL)
Ishua = Uhami 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid
Isiokpo – dialect of Ikwere Refs. Elugbe (1989)
*Ivbie North
201. Isoko *Okpela
2.B Igabo, Sobo (see also under Urhobo) 1.A Okpella, Ukpilla
2.C Biotu (not recommended) *Arhẹ
3. Delta State, Isoko and Ndokwa LGAs 1.A Atẹ, Ate, Atte
4. At least 74,000 (1952 REB); 300,000 (1980 UBS)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: South–Western Edoid Ivbiosakon = Emai–Iuleha–Ora, Ghotuọ, Ihiebe?
6. West Central: Ozoro (Ọzọrọ), Ofagbe, Emede, Ivhiadaobi – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
Owe (Owhe), Elu; Standard: Aviara; Western: Iyede, Ivhimion – dialect of Emai–Iuleha–Ora
Imiv, Enhwe (Ẹnwẹ), Ume, Iwire (Igbide); East Iwere = Iṣẹkiri
Central: Olomoro, Iyede–ami, Unọgbọkọ, Itebiegẹ, Ìwhnuruò`hnà = Ikwere
Uti, Iyọwo, Ibiede, Oyede; Standard: Uzere; West Iwire – dialect of Isoko
Central: Irri (Irĩ, Ole (Oleh) Iyace = Yace
7. Readers 1954–58, Adult Education pamphlets; Iyala = Yala
Official Orthography Iyani – member of Akpes cluster
8. NT and Psalms 1970, hymnbook 1930, Scripture Iyashi = Yashi
portions from 1920
Refs. Donwa–Ifode (1983, 1985, 1986) 205. Iyayu
2.C Idoani
41
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Ondo State, one quarter of Idoani town *Faishang
4. 9,979 (1963) *Ganang
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid: Osse
208. Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
Iyede – dialect of Isoko 4. 593,000 (1973 SIL)
Iyede–ami – dialect of Isoko 5. Benue–Congo: Igboid
Iyẹkhee = Etsakọ = Yẹkhee *Izi
1.A Ezzi, Izzi
206. Iyive 3. Anambra State, Abakaliki and Ishielu LGAs;
1.A Uive Benue State, Okpokwu LGA
1.B Yiive 4. 84,000 (1940 F&J); 200,000 (1973 SIL)
1.C Ndir 7. Reading and Writing book 1967, primer 1975, 4
2.B Asumbo (Cover term used in Cameroon) post–primers 1972–74
3. Benue State, Kwande LGA, near Turan; and in 8. New Testament 1979, Scripture portions from
Cameroon (several villages in Manyu Département) 1971, hymnbooks 1972 and 1975
4. 2,000 9. Extended wordlist (199x)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid Source(s) De Blois (n.d.); Blench (2000)
Source(s) Gray wordlist Refs. Meier, Meier and Bendor–Samuel (1975)
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983) *Ẹzaa
1.A Eza
Iyongiyong = Bakpinka 3. Anambra State, Ezza and Ishielu LGAs; Abia State,
Iyọwo – dialect of Isoko Ohaozara LGA;
Izarek = Izere Benue State, Okpokwu LGA
Izekíri = Iṣẹkiri 4. 93,800 (1940 F&J); 180,000 (1973 SIL)
7. Trial Primer 1973, 2 post–primers 1974–5
207. Izere cluster 8. New Testament 1980, Scripture portions from
1.A Izarek, Zarek 1973, hymnbook 1972
1.C Afizere: other spellings – Fizere, Feserek, Source(s) IL/NBTT
Afizarek, Afusare, Fezere *Ikwo
2.B Jarawa 3. Anambra State, Ikwo and Abakaliki LGAs
2.C Jarawan Dutse 4. 38,500 (1940 F&J); 150,000 (1973 SIL)
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Plateau State, Jos South 7. Reading and Writing book 1973, trial Primer 1973,
and Barkin Ladi LGAs; Kaduna State, Jema`’a LGA 3 post–primers 1974–75
probably migrants only 8. New Testament 1980, Scripture portions from
4. 22,000 (LA 1971); 30,000 (1977 Voegelin & 1973, hymnbook 1972
Voegelin) Source(s)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: South– *Mgbo
central subgroup 1.A Ngbo
Source(s) Grainger p.c.; Gardiner (p.c.) 3. Anambra State, Ishielu LGA
Refs. Shimizu (1975); Regnier (1991) 4. 19,600 (1940 F&J); 63,000 (1973 SIL)
*Fobur
1.A Fobor iZini – a dialect of Tarok
2.C Northwestern Jarawa Nzọ = Nzọn: Njọ cluster
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Plateau State, Jos LGA; Izom – dialect of Gbari
4. less than 15,000 (1991) Nzọn – member of the Njọ cluster
6. Fobur, Shere, Jos Zarazon Izzi = Izi: see the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
7. Alphabet Chart 1978, Alphabet Booklet 1984, I Fa Ja (Tsure Ja) = Reshe
Yir Izere (Let’s Read Izere) 1985 Ja = Dza
8. Mark’s gospel 1940 Jaabɛ = Cen Tuum
*Northeastern Jaaku = Lábˆ@r
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Plateau State, Jos LGA; Jaalingo – dialect of South–Western Mumuye
6. Federe=Fedare, Zendi, Fursum, Jarawan Kogi Jaba = Hyam
*Southern Jajuru = Kajuru: see Kadara
1.A Forom Jakanci = next
3. Plateau State, Barkin Ladi LGA at Forom and Jaku = Lábˆ@r
Gashish villages Jal = Aten
4. less than 4,000 (1991) Jalabɛ = Cen Tuum
*Ichèn Jalalum – dialect of Karekare
42
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Bauchi State, precise location unknown. May not
209. Jan Awei exist as survey in 2007 failed to find such a language
1.B Jan Awei *Gwak
3. Gombe State, West of Muri mountains, North of 1.A Gingwak
the Benue (precise location unknown) 2.B Jaranci
4. 12 ? (1997) 2.C Jarawan Bununu, Jaracin Kasa
5. Benue–Congo: Central Jukunoid 3. Dass town and southward to Tafawa Balewa, west
Source(s) Storch (p.c.) of the Gongola River, in Dass and Tafawa Balewa
LGAs, Bauchi State
Jangani (Samba Janganĩ – a dialect of Samba Daka 4. 19,000 (LA 1971)
Jama = Samba Daka *Doori
1.B Do̰ o̰ ri
210. Janji 2.B Duguranci
1.A Jenji 2.C Dugurawa
1.B Tìjánjí 3. Bauchi State, Alkaleri,Tafawa Balewa LGA;
1.C Ajanji Plateau State, Kanam LGA
2.C Anafejanzi 6. Previous sources (e.g. Maddieson & Williamson
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA 1975) divided Duguri into a number of regional
4. 360 (NAT 1950) dialects. There appears to be no basis for these
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern distinctions and all Doori essentally speak
Jos group: group c intercomprehensible lects
Refs. Shimizu (1975) 14; (1980) 253 11. The language is gradually yielding to Hausa; it is
Janjo = Dza still used by middle-aged speakers but young speakers
not longer make active use of it.
211. Jar cluster * Mbat
1.A Dṣ’arawa (Koelle 1854), Jarawa 1.A Mbada, Bat, Bada, Baɗa
2.B Jar, Jarawan Kogi, Jarawan Kasa, Jaracin 2.B Jar, Jarawan Kogi, Garaka
Kogi/Kasa 2.A Kanna
3. Plateau, Bauchi and Adamawa States 2.C Badawa, Mbadawa
5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan 3. North-central part of Kanam LGA, Plateau State,
Refs. Maddieson and Williamson (1975); Shimizu centered at Gagdi-Gum
(1983) – Shimizu treats Kantana as co-ordinate 4. 10,000 (SIL)
language. Also he refers to Zungur (possibly Gwak or * Mbat-Galamkya
Baɗa), Ndangshi, Dòòrî, Mùùn, Dàmùl. It is not clear 1.A Mbada, Bat, Bada, Baɗa
how these relate to the languages below. 2.B Jar, Jarawan Kogi, Garaka
*Zhar 2.A Kanna
1.B Zhar 2.C Badawa, Mbadawa
2.A Ɓankal, Bankal, Bankala 3. North-western Kanam LGA, southwest of Mbat,
2.B Bankalanci, Baranci including Gyangyang 2 and Gidgid
2.C Bankalawa 4. 10,000 (SIL)
3. Dass town and northward to Bauchi town, west of Source(s) Blench (2007); Rueck et al. (2009)
the Gongola River, in Dass, Bauchi, and Toro LGAs, Refs. Temple (1922: 217); Shimizu (1983)
Bauchi State
4. 20,000 (LA 1971) 212. Jara
6. Dumbulawa (Sutumi village) may speak a dialect 1.A Jera
of Ɓankal 3. Borno State, Biu LGA; Bauchi State, Ako LGA
7. Reading and Writing Book (2006) 4. 4,000 (SIL)
8. NT extracts (2007) 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Tera group
*Ligri
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA Jaracin Kasa = Jar cluster
4. 800 speakers (Ayuba est. 2008). Jaracin Kogi – see the Jar cluster
*Kantana Jaranci = Gingwak: see the Jar cluster
3. Plateau State, Kanam LGA Jarawa – a Hausa name used to refer to many
11. The language is rapidly yielding to Hausa; it is language groups: Izere, Ribina, Lame cluster, Ɓarawa
still used by middle-aged speakers but young speakers (Das, Geji, Polci, Saya, Zari and Zeem clusters) and
not longer make active use of it. the languages of the Jarawan Bantu group including:
*Bobar [?] the Jarawa cluster, Mbárù, Gùra, Rúhû, Gubi, Dulbu,
Lábˆ@r, Kulung, and Gwa
43
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Jarawan Bununu = Gingwak 1.C Anazele, Azelle
Jarawan Dutse = Izere 2.A Jengre
Jarawan Kogi = Baɗa: see the Jar cluster 3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka
Jarawan Kogi – a dialect of Izere LGA
Jareng = Gnoore – dialect of North–Eastern Mumuye 4. 4,500 (1936 HDG)
Jasikit = Nteng – possible dialect of Kwagallak: see Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist
the Kofyar cluster *Ibunu-Lɔrɔ
Jeba = Hyam 1.A Bunu
Jega – dialect of Panseng 1.B Ìbunu
Jeere = Jera 1.C Ànarubùnu, (Anorubuna, Narabuna)
Jekri = Iṣẹkiri 2.A Rebina, Ribina, Rubunu
Jelaselem = next 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
Jelaselum – dialect of Karekare 4. 2,000 (LA 1971)
Jen = Dza Source(s)
Jeng – dialect of Mumuye Refs Shimizu (1968)
Jeng = next 1.B iLɔrɔ
Jenge = Nzanyi 1.C ɔnɔLɔrɔ pl. AnoLɔrɔ
Jengre = Jere: the Jere cluster 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
Jenji = Janji 4. 1500 (Blench 2003) in four villages
Jenjo = Dza Source(s) Blench & Nengel (2003)
Jenuwa – dialect of Kuteb *Panawa
Jepal = next 1.B iPanawa
Jepel = Jipal: see the Kofyar cluster 1.C unuPanawa pl. anaPanawa
Jera = Jara or the Jere cluster 2.A Bujiyel
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
213. Jere cluster 4. 3500 (Blench 2003) in five villages
1.A Jera, Jeere Source(s) Blench & Nengel (2003)
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA
4. 23,000 (1972 SIL) Jeriyawa = Ribina: see the Jere cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Jeriyawa = Jereawa ‘North of Bauchi Emirate’
Jos group: group c perhaps also at Ako in Gombe, population 1,470:
Refs. Shimizu (1968, 1980, 1982) Temple (1922: 171): never reported again
*Boze Jetko – dialect of Kanuri
1.A Anabeze Jessi – see Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster
1.B eBoze Jessu – dialect of Longuda
1.C unaBoze pl. anaBoze Jezhu – dialect of Gbari
2.A Buji Jibu – member of the Jukun cluster
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Both sides of the Jos- Jibyal = Jipal: see the Kofyar cluster
Zaria road, directly north of Jos. Jidda – see Bu-Ningkada
4. εGorong (2500?), εKɔkɔŋ (3000) εFiru (1500?) Jiir – see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–
(Blench est, 2003). Due to language loss, especially Zuksun cluster
in road settlements, there are considerably more
ethnic Boze. The figures in the Ethnologue are total 214. Jijili
district populations, not speakers. 1.B Tanjijili
6. Boze is divided into three dialects, εGorong, 1.C Ujijili pl. aJijili
εKɔkɔŋ as well as a third rather divergent speech 2.C Koro Funtu of Kafin Koro, Koro of Shakoyi
form, εFiru 3. Niger State, Chanchaga and Suleija LGAs, north
Source(s) Blench & Nengel (2003) the road from Minna to Suleja around Kafin Koro
*Gusu 4. About eight settlements and probably some 8000
1.A Gussum speakers (1999)
1.B i–Sanga 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Jili group
1.C sg. o–Sanga, pl. a–Sanga Source(s) Blench (1980, 1999)
2.B Anibau, Anosangobari
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA 215. Jilbe
4. 2,350 (1936 HDG) 1.C Jilbe
Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist 3. Borno State, a single village on the Nigeria
*Jere Cameroun border, south of Dikwa
1.B Ezelle 4. ? 100 speakers (Tourneux p.c. 1999)
44
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara B: Mandage group
Source(s) Tourneux (1997) 220. Joole
1.B èèʒìì
Jilbu = Zizilivakan 1.C nwá èèʒìì
3.Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA and Adamawa
216. Jili State, Numan LGA. Along the Benue River.
1.A Megili, Migili (orthographic form) 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Jen group
1.B Lijili Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1995)
1.C Jijili (singular), Mijili (plural)
2.B Koro of Lafia 221. Jorto
3. Plateau State, Lafia and Awe LGAs 3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA, at Dokan Kasuwa
4. 50,000 (1985 UBS) 4. 4,876 (1934 Ames)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Southern group 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
7. Reading and Writing book 1975, Folk Tales 1976 group: Angas group
8. New Testament 1987
Jos = Njọ
Jilvu (Fali of Jilvu) = Zizilivakan Jos–Zarazon – dialect of Izere
Jimbin = Zumbun Ju (Ju Norĩ = Nor

217. Jimi 222. Ju

3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA
4. 250 (LA 1971); 400 (1973 SIL) 4. 150 (LA 1971)
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group:
Guruntum subgroup
Jimo = Zumu: see the Bata cluster
Jinda = Cinda: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster Jukun – commonly used for both the Jukun and
Jinleri = Shoo–Minda–Nye Kororofa clusters
Jipal – member of the Kofyar cluster
Jirai – dialect of Bata 223. Jukun cluster
Jiriya = Ziriya 1.A Njuku
2.A Njikun
218. Jiru 3. Taraba State, Wukari, Takum, Bali and Sardauna
1.A Zhiru LGAs; Nasarawa State, Awe, Shendam, Langtang and
2.B Atak, Wiyap, Kir Lafia LGAs; Benue State, Makurdi LGA; and in
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA Furu-Awa subdivision, Cameroon
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid: 4. 35,000 (1971 Welmers); 1700 in Cameroun (1976)
Jukun–Mbembe–Wurbo: Wurbo cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid:
Refs. Shimizu (1980); Breton (1993)
Jiwafa = Jiwapa – Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA,
Kono village: Temple (1922: 62,576); Gunn (1956: *Jukun–Mbembe–Wurbo group
60) **Jibu
3. Taraba State, Gashaka LGA
219. Jju 4. 25,000 (1987 SIL)
1.B Kəjju 6. Gayam, Garbabi
1.C Baju, Bajju 7. Pre–primer 1973, 3 primers 1975, Jibu–Hausa–
2.B Kaje, Kajji, Kache English wordlist 1974, 1990 folktale book 1971,
3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema’a LGAs Primer 1991, literacy programme halted in 1976,
4. 26,600 (NAT 1949); possibly 200,000 (1984 SIL) resumed in 1987
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: South– 8. Scripture portions and Bible stories from 1971.
central subgroup Genesis 1–IV, 1989. Luke, 1992. Bible translation in
7. Literacy programme in progress, trial primers progress
1974–5, Kaje alphabet book 1972, Proverbs 1985; Source(s) Priest (p.c.)
Official Orthography **Takum-Donga
8. New Testament 1983, Bible stories 1972 2.B Jibu
Source(s) 3. Taraba State, Takum, Sardauna and Bali LGAs
4. Second language speakers only 40,000 (1979 UBS)
Johode = Dghweɗe 6. Takum, Donga
Jompre (not recommended) = Kuteb 7a. Donga: Primer 1915
45
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
7b. Takum: Primers 1–7 1966–1975, 6 post primers, 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Northern
Jukun grammar and Jukun–Hausa wordlist, English– group
Jukun wordlist 1966–1967. Literacy programme in Source(s) Blench (1989); Regnier (1992); Smith
progress (2007)
8a. Donga: Luke 1919 Refs. Rowlands (1962);
8b. Takum: New Testament 1980, Scripture portions
since 1969, liturgy 1966, hymnbook 1961–1965, *Kag
catechism, Bible stories, tracts 1.B tKag
*Wase Tofa 1.C sg. woo Kag, pl. Kagne
3. Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang LGAs 2.B Faka, Fakai (town name), Fakanci, Fakkanci
2.C Pəku–Nu (cLela name)
Jukun of Wukari – see: Wapan, a dialect of Kororofa 3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, Mahuta and Fakai areas
Jukun of Wurkum – former map no. 181 (area
uncertain): Gospel portions 1927, 1950 *Fer
Jumu = Ijùmú: a dialect of Yoruba 1.B tFer
Ju–Nọri = Nor 1.C sg. wasFer, pl. asFer
Kaama = Kaiama: Busa cluster 2.C Kukum Wipsi–Ni (cLela name)
Kaama = Oruma 3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, around Kukum town
Kạạmạ (Tugbeni Kạạmạ) = Oruma
*Jiər
224. Kaan 1.B tJiər
2.A Libo 1.C sg. wauJiər, pl. aJiər
3. Adamawa State, Guyuk LGA 2.B Gelanci Serim
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Yungur group 2.C Gelawa, Geeri–ni
3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, around Bajidda; Rijau
Ka–Ban – dialect of Baan LGA, Niger State
Kaban = Kadim–Kaban: see Cakfem–Mushere
Kabari – dialect of Kanembu: Kanuri–Kanembu *Kər
Kabila = Lubila 1.B tKər
Kabire = Lubila 1.C sg. wauKər, pl. Kərne
Kabo = Kabụ: see Nzọn: the Njọ cluster 2.B Kela, Adoma Kelanci Kilinci
Kabou = Kabụ: see Nzọn: the Ijo cluster 2.C Keri–Ni Kelawa
Kabri – dialect of Nor 3. Kebbi State, Zuru and Wasagu LGAs, north of
Kabụ – North–Western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster Mahuta but south of the Kag river
Kaceccereere – dialect of Fulfulde
Kache = Jju *Koor
Kacicere – member of the Katab cluster 1.B t–ma–Koor
Kachia – central dialect of Kadara 1.C sg. wauKoor, pl. aKoor
Kadara – Eda and Edra 3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, around Bakara
Kadim–Kaban – dialect of Cakfem–Mushere
Kadun = Vaghat *Ror
Kaduna – dialect of Gbagyi 1.B ǝt–ma–Ror
Kaɗo = Hausa 1.C sg. wauRor, pl. aRor
Kafanchan = Kafancan – member of the Katab cluster 2.C Tudawa d–Gwan
Kafarati – dialect of Kwaami 3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA around Birnin Tudu
Kafugu = Gbiri–Nirago 6. Dialect used for language development
7. Many documents in draft but not yet published.
225. Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–[Us]–Zuksun Ref: Smith (2007)
cluster
2.A The name ut-Main has been adopted by various *Us
member of this cluster as a cover term for these 1.B tUs
languages, but whether it will be widely adopted 1.C sg. wauUs, pl. aUs, asUs
remains to be seen. 3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, west of Fakai
2.B Fakanci, Fakkanci 6. Us have no specific dialect but speak like the Ror
3. Kebbi State, Zuru and Wasagu LGAs, west of
Dabai *Zuksun
4. 12,300 (1949 G&C) 1.B tZuksun
1.C sg. wauZuksun, pl. aZuksun
46
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
2.C Zusu Wipsi–ni Source(s) Blench (1987)
3. Kebbi State, Zuru LGA around Tungan Kuka,
south of Fakai 229. Kamantan
1.A Kamanton = Kamantan
Kaga – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu 1.C Angan
Kagama – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
Kagarko = Ashe–Begbere 4. 3,600 (NAT 1949); 10,000 (1972 Barrett)
Kagne = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
Us–Zuksun cluster Northwestern subgroup: Hyamic
Kagoro – member of the Katab cluster
Kagu = Gbiri–Nirago Kamantam = Kamantan
Kahugu = Gbiri–Nirago Kamanton = Kamantan
Kaiama – member of the Busa cluster
Kaibi = Kaivi 230. Kambari I cluster
Kaibre = Lubila 1.A Kamberi
3. Niger State, Magama and Mariga LGAs; Kebbi
226. Kaivi State, Zuru and Yauri LGAs; Niger State, Borgu LGA
1.A Kaibi 4. with Kambari II: 67,000 (1952 W&B); 100,000
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA (1973 SIL)
4. 650 (NAT 1949) 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kambari
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Kauru group
subgroup Source(s) Blench (2008)
Refs. Hoffmann (1965); Crozier (1984)
Kaiyorawa = Geji: see the Geji cluster *Agaɗi
Kaje = Jju 1.B Tsˆgaɗi
Kajji = Jju 2.A Kakihum
Kajuru – dialect of Kadara 3. Niger State, Mariga LGA
Kaka = Yamba *Avaɗi
Kakaba = Mbongno 1.A Abadi, Evadi
1.B Tsˆvaɗi
227. Kakanda cluster 2.A Ibeto
1.A Akanda 3. Niger State, Magama LGA
2.B Hyabe, Adyaktye 7. Primer I,II (2005)
3. Kwara State, Kogi LGA; Niger state, Agaie and *Baangi
Lapai LGAs; 1.A Baangi
communities along the Niger centered on Buda) 1.B ciBaangi
4. 4,500 (1931); 20,000 (1989 Blench) 1.C sg. vuBaangi, pl. aBaangi
5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Nupe group 2.B Bangawa (Hausa)
Source(s) Blench (1986/1989) 3. Niger State, Kontagora LGA, Ukata town and
*Kakanda–Budon nearby villages; probably also into adjacent Kebbi
*Kakanda–Gbanmi/Sokun State, Yauri LGA
4. estimate more than 5,000 (1989)
Kakihum – dialect area of Kambari I Source(s) Blench (1989)
Kakumo – dialect of Ukaan *Tsishingini
Kal – dialect of Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar cluster 1.B Cishingini, Tsishingini
Kalaḅarị – member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster 1.C Mashingini pl. Ashingini
Kaleri – erroneous name for Horom and Mabo– 2.A Salka
Barkul, which are adjacent to Kulere 3. Niger State, Magama LGA
Kalla–Kalla = Lela 7. Primer I, II, III (1999-2000), Transition Primer
Kaltungo – dialect of Tangale (2001), Maths Book (2004), English Textbook (2004)
8. Luke, Mark, Act of Apostles, Genesis, Life of
228. Kam Moses (2000s). New Testament for typesetting
1.C Nyimwom 9. Dictionary (2003)
3. Taraba State, Bali LGA. Mayo Kam and Kamijim 12. Gospel of Mark on cassette
villages only 13. Formerly broadcasts in Salka from Radio
4. 583 (1922 Temple); estimate more than 1000 Kontagora, now halted.
(1987) *Yumu
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Kam group 1.B Yumu, Osisi
47
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Niger State, Borgu LGA, at Yumu and Osisi
Source(s) Blench (2008); Washbrook Kamino – dialect of Batu
Kamkam = Mbongno
231. Kambari II cluster Kamo = Ma
1.A Kamberi Kamu = Kamo
3. Niger State, Magama LGA; Kebbi State, Zuru and Kamuku – cluster including Cinda–Regi–Tiyal, Rogo,
Yauri LGAs; Kwara State, Borgu LGA Sagamuk and Hungwǝryǝ: population for all these
4. with Kambari I: 67,000 (1952 W&B); 100,000 groups 17,800 (1952 HDG)
(1973 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kambari 233. Kamwe
group 1.B Vəcəmwe
Refs. Hoffmann (1965); Crozier (1984) 2.C Higi, Hiji
*Agaushi 3. Adamawa State, Michika LGA and into Cameroon
1.B Cishingini 4. 64,000 (1952); 180,000 (1973 SIL) est. 23,000 in
2.A Auna Cameroon
3. Niger State, Magama LGA; Kebbi State, Yauri 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi
LGA major group: Higi group
7. No language development 6. Nkafa, Dakwa (Bazza), Səna, Wula, Futu, Tili Pte,
*Akimba Kapsiki (Ptsəkɛ) in Cameroon
1.B Tsˆkimba 7. Folk Tales 1970, Reading Book, 1970, Primer 1
1.C Akimba 1974, Primer 2 1976
2.A Auna, Wara 8. New Testament 1975; New Testament in Psikyɛ
3. Niger State, Rijau, Magama LGA; Kebbi State, Kapsiki (1988 UBS)
Yauri LGA Source(s) Kraft wordlist
7. Primer I, II, III (1999-2000), Transition Primer Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1984); Mohrlang (1972)
(2001), Maths Book (2004), English Textbook (2004) Phonology
8. Luke, Mark, Act of Apostles, Genesis, Life of
Moses (2000s). New Testament for typesetting 234. Kana
9. Dictionary (2003) 1.A Khana
12. Gospel of Mark on cassette 2.A Ogoni (ethnic and political term includes
*Cishingini, Nwanci Gokana)
1.A Cishingini, Ngwəci 3. Rivers State, Khana/Oyigbo and Gokana–Tai–
1.B Cishingini, Tsˆwənci Eleme LGAs
1.C Mawunci sg. öwənci pl. 4. 76,713 (1926 Talbot); 90,000 (SIL)
2.A Agwara 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Ogoni:
2.B Agara’iwa Kegboid: East group
3. Niger State, Borgu, Magama LGA; Kebbi State, 6. Yeghe, Norkhana, Ken–Khana, Boúe
Yauri LGA 7. Rivers Readers Project Reader 1 1971, Khana
7. Primer series 1967, unused. Primer I, II, III (1999- Pocket Diary
2000), Transition Primer (2001), Maths Book (2004), 8. Bible 1968, New Testament 1961, Scripture
English Textbook (2004) portions from 1930, hymnbook 1938, Methodist Book
8. Manuscript of the Gospels and Acts, 1967. Luke, of Offices 1963, Catechism 1932, Catholic Mass
Mark, Act of Apostles, Genesis, Life of Moses Baptism and Funeral Services, Watchtower booklet
(2000s). New Testament for typesetting
9. Dictionary (2003) Kanakuru = Dera
12. Gospel of Mark on cassette Kanam – member of the Jar cluster
Kanam = Koenoem
Kamberi = Kambari Kanembu = Kanuri–Kanembu
Kamberi = Kanuri Kaningkwom = Kaningkon
Kamburwama – Dialect of Wandala. Formerly living Kaninkon = Kaningkon
in Lakwa Disa south–west of Gwoza: Westermann Kaninkwom = Kaningkon
and Bryan (1952); Wolff (1971). Kanna = Baɗa: see the Jar cluster
Kano – E. dialect of Hausa
232. Kami Kano – dialect of Fulfulde
3. Niger State, Lapai LGA, Ebo town & 11 villages Kantana – dialect of Baɗa: see the Jar cluster
4. more than 5000 (Blench 1989 est.) Kantana = Mama
5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Nupe
Source(s) Blench (1989) 235. Kanufi
48
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
2.B Karshi
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA 238. Karekare
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: 1.A Kərekəre, Kerekere, Karaikarai, Kerikeri
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1 3. Bauchi State, Gamawa and Misau LGAs, Yobe
State, Fika LGA
236. Kanuri–Kanembu cluster 4. 39,000 (1952 W&B)
3. Borno State, Nguru, Geidam, Kukawa, Damaturu, 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Kaga, Konduga, group: Bole group
Maiduguri, Mongumo, Fune, Gujba, Ngala, Bama, 6. Western Jalalum, northern Pakaro and eastern
Fika and Gwoza LGAs; Jigawa Ngwajum
State, Hadejia LGA; and in the Republics of Niger, 8. Some tracts in dialect of Jelaselum
Cameroon and Chad. Source(s) Maxine Schuh (n.d.); Adive (n.d.)
4. 1,300,000 (1952); 3,500,000 (1987 UBS)
5. Nilo–Saharan: Saharan Karenjo = Como–Karim?
*Kanuri
1.B Kànùrí 239. Karfa
1.C Kànúrí 1.A Kerifa
2.A Borno, Bornu 4. 800 (SIL 1973)
2.C Beriberi, Kamberi; also Kanembu (a separate 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA
ethnic group speaking Kanurĩ 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group
4. 3,000,000 in Nigeria, 100,000 in Chad, 56,500 in
Cameroon Karim = Como–Karim
6. Yerwa, Badawai, Koyam (Kwayam), Lere (Lare),
Mober, (mostly in Niger Republic), Jetko (pastoral 240. Kariya
nomads near Geidam and in Niger Republic). (These 1.A Kauyawa, Keriya
other names have been associated with Kanuri 1.B Vinahə
dialects: Dagara, Kaga (Kagama), Ngazar, Guvja, 1.C Wihə
Mao, Temageri, Fadawa, Movar (Mobber, Mavar)) 2.C Lipkawa (see also Mburku)
7. Primers before 1938, other books, texts and scripts 3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA. At Kariya Wuro, 30
1951–1976, Official Orthography S.E. of Ningi.
8. Scripture portions 1853 in 4. 2,200 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner)
Kanuri/English/Arabic/Hausa, John 1949 and 1965, 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade–Warji major
John in Ajami script 1965, Old Testament stories, group: Warji group
various booklets and tracts, Pilgrim’s Progress. 6. Two dialects
Translation in progress in Yerwa and Manga dialects. Source(s) Blench (1986)
9. Grammar (Lukas 19xx); Grammar (Hutchinson Refs. Skinner (1977)
1983); Kanuri-English dictionary (Hutchinson &
Cyffer 1990); English-Kanuri dictionary (Cyffer Karshi = Kanufi
199x) Karu – dialect of Gbagyi
Source(s) Jarrett (n.d.) Kasa (Jaracin Kasa) = the Jar cluster
Refs. Hutchinson (1983) – Bibliography of Kasaa – dialect of Mumuye
Vernacular literature
*Kanembu 241. Katab cluster
3. Borno State, LGAs on the edge of Lake Chad; and 1.A Kataf
in the Republics of Niger, Cameroun and Chad. 3. Kaduna State, Kachia, Saminaka and Jema’a LGAs
6. Sugurti, Kuburi (Kabari, Kuvurĩ 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: South–
central
Kapsiki – dialect of Kamwe subgroup
Kapugu = Gure–Kahugu *Tyap
1.A Atyab, Tyab
237. Kapya 1.B Tyap
3. Taraba State, Takum LGA, at Kapya 1.C Atyap, Atyab,
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Yukuben–Kutep 2.A Katab, Kataf, Katap
Refs. Koops (1973); Shimizu (1980a) 3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema’a LGAs
4. estimate more than 130,000 (1990)
Karaikarai = Karekare 7. Primer 1990, 1991, literacy programme in progress
Kàràkara – see Guruntum–Mbaaru 8. Bible Translation in Progress
Karashi – dialect of Gwandara *Gworok
49
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.B Agwolok, Agwot Kentu – extinct dialect of Etkywan
2.A Agolok, Kagoro Kentu = Icen
2.B Aguro Kenyi = Zhire
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA Kerang = Angas
4. 9,300 (NAT 1949) Kere = Ziriya
*Atakar Kerekere = Karekare
1.A Atakat, Attaka, Attakar, Takat Kerifa = Karfa
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA Kerikeri = Kɛrekɛre
4. 5,000 (1950 HDG) Keri–Ni = Kar: see the
*Sholio Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
1.C Asholio, Asolio, Osholio, Aholio Keriya = Kariya
2.B Marwa, Morwa, Moroa, Marawa, Maroa Kesari – dialect of Baan
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA Ketuen = Mbe
4. 5,700 (NAT 1949) Kétú – dialect of Yoruba
*Kacicere Kədupaxa = Gava and Guduf: Guduf–Gava
1.A Aticherak Kəjju = JJu
2.B Daroro Kəlela = Lela
3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema’a LGAs Kərekəre = Karekare
4. 700 (NAT 1949) Kərine = Kar: see the
*Kafancan Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
1.A Fantuan, Kafanchan, Kpashan Khana = Kana
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA
4. 970, (1934 HDG) 242. Kholok
2.A Kode, Koode, Kwoode,Widala, Pia, Wurkum,
Kataf = Tyap Pitiko
Katagum – Eastern dialect of Hausa 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, near Didango
Katanga – Nitecki (1972) 4. 2,500 (1977 Voegelin & Voegelin)
Katanza = Gbǝtsu 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Katap = Katab group: Bole group
Katarawa – Godabawa District, Sokoto Province: Source(s) Leger (1992)
Temple (1922: 223)
Katsina – dialect of Fulfulde Kiballo = Vono
Katsina – northern dialect of Hausa Kibbo = Berom
Kaunari – less than 10,000 Nasarawa State: Lafia Kibbun = Berom
LGA Kibo = Berom
Kaura – unclassified Plateau language of Kaduna Kibolo = Vono
State, Jema’a LGA: Temple (1922: 223,522) Kibyen = Berom
Kauru = Si: Lere cluster Kikuk = Cibak
Kauyawa = Kariya Kila = Somyev
Kayauri = Kaiyorawa: see Geji: the Geji cluster Kilba = Huba
Keana – dialect of Alago Kilinci = Kar: see the
Kebbawa – dialect of Hausa Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
Kecherda = Teda Kindyo = Dijim: Dijim–Bwilim
Kecwan – dialect of Bokyi Kinugu = Kinuku
Kediya = Kariya Kinuka = Kinuku
Kegboid = cover term proposed by S. Ikoro for the
Ogoni group (Kana–Eleme–Gokana–Baan acronym 243. Kinuku
plus –oid suffix) 1.A Kinugu, Kinuka
Kela = next 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
Kelanci = Kar: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 4. 460 (NAT 1949); 500 (1973 SIL)
Us–Zuksun cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Eastern Kainji: Northern Jos group:
Kelawa = Kar: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– Kauru subgroup
Us–Zuksun cluster
Ken–Khana – dialect of Kana 244. Kiọng
Kenga = Kyenga 2.B Akoiyang, Äkäyöñ, Okoyong, Okonyong
Kenkera = Kyan Kyar a dialect of Gwandara 3. Cross River State, Odukpani and Akamkpa LGAs
Kente – dialect of Kpan 4. Spoken only by old people, younger generation
Kentin – dialect of Kuteb speak Efik
50
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper 4. 1,898 (1934 Ames); 3,000 (SIL)
Cross group 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
group: Angas group
245. Kir–Balar
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA 248. Kofa – also Kota: Adamawa State, Song LGA,
4. 360 (LA 1971) (Kir only) north of Belel road; a Chadic language of the Bura
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group: Boghom group; linguistic status not certain but locally said to
subgroup be a separate language
Source(s) Blench (1987)
Kir = Jiru Refs. Hoffmann (1971)
Kirawa – member of the Wandala cluster
Kirdi Mora = Mura: see the Wandala cluster 249. Kofyar cluster
Kirfi = Giiwo 3. Plateau State, Shendam, Mangu and Lafia LGAs
Kiria (Fali of Kiria) – dialect of Kamwe 4. 72,946 (1963)
Kirifi = Giiwo 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Kirika = Nkọrọ: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster group: Angas group
Kirika (Opu Kirika) = Nkọrọ *Kofyar
Kịrịkẹ = Nkọrọ 2.A Kwong
Kịrịkẹnị – member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster 3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA
Kirikjir = Lopa *Mernyang
Kirim = Como–Karim 1.A Mirriam
3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA
246. Kirya-Konzəl 4. 16,739 (1963)
2.C Fali 6. Larr/Lardang and Mikiet are said to be offsets of
3. Adamawa State, Michika LGA. Mernyang
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi Refs. Temple (1922)
major group: Higi group *Doemak
9. Draft Dictionary (Blench & Ndemsai (2007) 1.A Dəmak, Dimmuk
*Kirya 3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA
1.B myá Kákíryà *Kwagallak
1.C ndá Kákìryà pl. Kákìryà 1.A Kwa’alang
2.C Fali of Kiriya 2.B Kwalla, Kwolla
4. 7,000 est. 2007. Kirya 13 villages 3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA
*Konzəl 4. 25,403 (1963)
1.B myá Kónzə̀l 6. Nteng (Jasikit)?
1.C ndá Kónzə̀l pl. Kónzə̀l Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist; Gospel Recordings
2.C Fali of Mijilu *Bwol
4. 9000 est. 2007. Konzəl 15 villages 1.A Bwal, Mbol
Source(s) Blench & Ndemsai (2007) 3. Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA
Refs. Meek (1931); Kraft (1981); Blench & Ndemsai 4. 3,853 (1963)
(2009) *Gworam
1.A Giverom, Goram
Kitimi = Tumi 3. Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA
Kitsipki = Ashuku: see the Mbembe Tigong cluster 4. 3,055 (1952)
Kitta = Tsobo *Jipal
Kivọnọ = Vono 1.A Jepel, Jepal, Jibyal
Kiwollo = Vono 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA
Kiyu = Como–Karim
Kɔŋa = Fam Kogi (Jarawan Kogi is a name used for several
Kobo = Mom Jango language groups in the northwest of Plateau State,
Kobo = Momi south of Bauchi State and adjacent areas of Taraba
Koboci – dialect of Bata State: see Baɗa; Jar cluster; a dialect group of Izere is
Kobotschi = Koboci: see Bata also called Jarawan Kogi
Koda = Kholok
250. Kohumono
247. Koenoem 1.B KoHumono
1.A Kanam 1.C BaHumono, sg. Òhúmónò
3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA 2.A Ediba (under Ekurĩ (Thomas)
51
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
2.B Ekumuru, Ìkúmúrú, Ìkúmóró (Igbo name); Àtàm Komo = Basa–Kwomo: see the Basa cluster
(Efik name) Kona – member of Kororofa cluster
3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA Konge – dialect of Gbari
4. 11,870 (1952)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper 253. Kono
Cross group: Central: North–South 1.A Konu, Kwono
Refs. Cook (1969) 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
4. 1,550 (NAT 1949)
Kokura (Bura Kokura) – member of Tera Cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
Kola – dialect of Longuda Jos group: Kauru subgroup

251. Kolo cluster Kontagora (Basa Kontagora) – member of Basa

2.A Ọgbia, Ogbinya cluster
3. Rivers State, Brass LGA Konu = Kono
4. 100,000 (1987 UBS) Koode = Kholok
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central Kopti = Zari: see the Zari cluster
Delta Koring = the Oring cluster
7. Rivers Readers Project Reader 1 1971, Reading Koro – name used for a number of different ethnic
and Writing Book and language groups in Kaduna State, Kachia LGA;
8. First draft of New Testament complete Nasarawa State, Keffi LGA; Niger State, Suleija and
*Kolo Chanchaga LGAs and in Federal Capital Territory.
1.A Agholo See Tinor-Myamya,
7. Primer 1950 Koro Ache – Begbere: see Begbere–Ejar
9. Draft grammar (2004) Koro Afiki = Koro Ija
Source(s) Isukul (n.d.) Koro Agwe = Begbere–Ejar
*Oloiḅiri Koro Ala – Ashe
7. Rivers Readers Project Koro Funtu of Kafin Koro = Jijili
Refs. Williamson (1972) Koro Funtu of Minna = Jijili
*Anyama Koro Funtu of Yeskwa – thought to be Gwandara or
Gbari speakers
Kolokuma – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster Koro Ganagana – speak Dibo
Koluama – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster Koro Gwandara of Wuse – dialect of Gwandara
Koro Huntu = Koro Funtu above
252. Koma cluster
1.A Kuma, Koma (A Fulfulde cover term for the 254. Koro Ija
languages below; ALCAM treats them as separate 3. Federal Capital Territory. Near Lambata
though closely related languages) 4. One village
3. Adamawa State, Ganye and Fufore LGAs, in the 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Jili group
Alantika Mountains; also in Cameroon Source(s) Blench (1992, 1999)
4. 3,000 (1982 SIL); majority in Cameroon
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Vere Group Koro of Lafia = Migili
6. The correspondences between the Cameroonian Koro Makama – term for the Kagarko Koro: Ashe,
and Nigerian names are uncertain the Tinor-Myamya cluster
*Gomme Koro Miamia = Ejar: see the Tinor-Myamya cluster
1.A Gəmme Koro Myamya = Ejar: see the Tinor-Myamya cluster
2.B Damti, Koma Kampana, Panbe Koro Nulu = Koro Ija
*Gomnome Koro N’ja = Koro Ija
1.A Gọmnọme Koro Panda – a dialect of Nyankpa
2.B Mbeya, Gimbe, Koma Kadam, Laame, Youtubo Koro Phonare – speak Gbari
*Ndera Koro Phoware of Abuja – speak Gbari?
2.B Vomni, Doome, Doobe Koro of Shakoyi = Jijili
Source(s) Blench fieldnotes Koro Waje – term used by the Koro Lafia to refer to
other Koro groups
Koma Kadam = Gọmnọme: see the Koma cluster Koro Zane – a general term for the Koro
Koma Kampana = Gomme: see the Koma cluster
Koma Ndera = Ndera: see the Koma cluster
Komawa – Tangale, Kwaami
Komo – dialect of Panseng
52
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
255. Koro Zuba Cameroon since the creation of Gashaka Reserve in
3. Federal Capital Territory. near Zuba. 1974:
4. One village Koyam – dialect of Kanuri
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Jili group
Source(s) Blench (1992) 258. Kpan
1.A Kpanten, Ikpan, Akpanzhi, Kpanzon, Abakan
Korom Ɓoye = Kulere 2.B Kpwate, Hwaye, Hwaso, Nyatso, Nyonyo, Yorda,
Koron – see Koro Ibukwo
3. Taraba State, Wukari, Takum and Sardaunda LGAs
256. Kọrọp 5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid:
1.B Durop, Kurop Kpan–Icen group
2.A Kò ̣ró ̣p 6. Western and Eastern groups:
2.C Ododop Western: 1 Kumbo–Takum Group: Kumbo
3. Cross River State, Odukpani and Akamkpa LGAs; (Kpanzon), Takum; 2 Donga (Akpanzhĩ; 3 Bissaula
and in Cameroon (extinct) Eastern: Apa (per Kilham), Kente, Eregba
4. 12,500 total (1982 SIL) (per Koelle)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper Refs. Koelle (1854); Shimizu (1970, 1971–72)
Cross group
Kpanten = Kpan
257. Kororofa cluster Kpanzon = Kpan
2.A Jukun
4. more than 62,000 (SIL) 259. Kpasam
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid: 1.A Passam, Kpasham
Jukun–Mbembe–Wurbo 2.B Nyisam
Refs. Shimizu (1980) 3. Adamawa State, Numan LGA, 1 village only,
*Abinsi South of Jalingo
1.C Wapan 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
2.A River Jukun group: Yendang subgroup
3. Taraba State, Wukari LGA, at Sufa and Kwantan
Sufa; Benue State, Makurdi LGA, at Abinsi Kpasham = Kpasam
*Wapan Kpashan = Kafancan: see the Katab cluster
1.B Wapan Kpati – an extinct Grasslands language probably
2.A Wukari and Abinsi spoken by a Cameroon immigrant. Reported only by
3. Taraba State, Wukari LGA; Nasarawa State, Awe, Meek ms.
Shendam, Lafia and Langtang LGAs (precise areas Kporo = Nama: see the Mbembe Tigong cluster
uncertain) Kpugbong – dialect group of South–Western
4. 60,000 (1973 SIL) Mumuye: Mumuye
7. Primer 1915, primers 1–3 (recent), literacy Kpwate = Kpan
programme in progress Kpwee – an unclassified blacksmith’s language near
8. Bible translation in progress, Scripture portions Mapeo. Blench (1983)
since 1914 Kuba = Kubi
*Hone
2.A Kona 260. Kubi
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA; Plateau State, 1.A Kuba
Wase LGA. Villages north and west of Jalingo 3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, 40 km. N.E. of Bauchi
4. 2,000 (1977 Voegelin & Voegelin) town
8. Mark 1927 4. 1,090 (1922 Temple); 500 (1973 SIL)
Source(s) Storch (1999) 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
*Dampar group: Bole group
3. Taraba State, Wukari LGA, at Dampar Refs. Gowers (1907); Schuh (1978)
Source(s) Blench (1984)
Kuburi – dialect of Kanembu: Kanuri–Kanembu
Kota = Kofa Kuche = Rukuba
Kotokori = Panda and Igu – dialects of Ebira Kuda = Kudu: see the Kudu–Camo cluster
Kotopo (Also Potopo, Potopore, Pataporĩ North
Volta–Congo: 261. Kudu–Camo cluster
Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Leko group Formerly 3. Bauchi State, Ningi LGA
Adamawa State, Ganye LGA; now all are in 4. Language moribund, perhaps extinct
53
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern 265. Kulere
Jos group: Ningi cluster 1.B Akande (Kamwaĩ, Àkàndí (Tof), Kande (Richa)
6. Basa said to be a sub–group 2.A Tof, Richa, Kamwai
Source(s) Maddieson (1988) 2.B Korom Ɓoye
*Kudu 3. Plateau State, Bokkos LGA
1.A Kuda 4. 6,500 (1925 Meek); 4,933 (1943 Ames); 8,000
4. Probably extinct (1973 SIL)
9. Wordlist (Shimizu 1982) 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron Group
Refs. Shimizu (1982) 6. Tof, Richa, Kamwai: the latter includes Marahai
*Camo (Marhaĩ
1.A Chamo Source(s) Seibert (2001)
Refs. Ames (1934); Junraithmayr (1970)
262. Kugama
1.A Kugamma 266. Kulu
2.A Wegam 1.A Ikolu, Ikulu
3. Adamawa State, Fufore LGA 1.B Ankulu
4. Small 1.C Bekulu
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
group: Yendang subgroup 4. 6,000 (NAT 1949)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group [?] N.B. the
Kugamma = Kugama classification of Kulu as ‘Northern’ with Eda etc.
seems to be without foundation.
263. Kụgbọ Source(s) Shimizu (n.d.); Moser (n.d.)
3. Rivers State, Brass LGA
4. 2,000 (1973 SIL) 267. Kulung
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central 1.B Kúkùlúŋ
Delta group 1.C Bákùlúng
Source(s) 2.A Bambur, Wurkum
Refs Wolff (19xx) 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, at Balasa,
Bambur and Kirim; Wukari LGA, at Gada Mayo
Kugong – dialect of Mumuye 4. 15,000 (SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan Bantu
264. Kukele 7. Primer 1924
1.A Ukele, Ukelle 8. Scripture portions from 1926 to 1950, Prayers and
1.B Kukele hymns 1926
1.C Bakele 9. Dictionary: McBride (ined.)
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA; Anambra State, 10. Hausa is the main second language
Abakaliki LGA; Benue State, Okpokwu and Oju 11. Kulung is currently being passed to the next
LGAs; and in Cameroon generation and being learned by neighbouring peoples
4. 31,700 (1953); 40,000 (1980 UBS) in contact with the Kulung.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper 13. In a survey in 2007, the very oldest generation
Cross group Central: North–South included some who could read and write Kulung quite
6. 4 dialects in north, 3 in south, Ugbala, Mtezi and fluently, dating from the McBride era. However, this
Mtezi–Iteeji in Anambra State, Abakaliki LGA skill has not been passed on the present generation.
7. Primer in 5 parts, post–primer books drafted. Source(s) Adelberger (2008); Rueck et al. (2009)
Literacy programme in progress Refs. Maddieson and Williamson (1975)
8. Scripture Portions from 1974, New Testament
1979 Kuma = Koma
Kumap = Amo
Kuki = Tiyal: see Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
Kukuluŋ (Kúkùlúŋ) = Kulung 268. Kumba
Kukum = Fer: see the 2.A Sate, Yofo
Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster 3. Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA
Kukuruku (not recommended) = Etsakọ = Yẹkhee 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
group: Yendang sub–group

Kumbo – dialect of Kpan

Kumbo = Kumbowei – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
54
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Kumbowei – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster Kutin = Pere – Adamawa: Vere group. Formerly in
Kumbo–Takum – a dialect group of Kpan Adamawa State, Ganye LGA. Now only in
Kunabe – dialect of Kuteb Cameroon. Blench (1984)
Kun–Ɓille = Ɓile
Kunibum = Emai–Iuleha–Ora 272. Kutto
Kunini = Nye: member of Shoo–Minda–Nye 1.A Kupto
Kunshenu – see the Piya–Kodˆ–Kunshenu–Kwonci– 1.B Kúttò
Pitiko–Nyambolo cluster 1.C Kúttò
3. Bauchi State, Bajoga LGA, Yobe State, Gujba
269. Kupa LGA
3. Kwara State, Kogi LGA, around Abugi (52 4. Two villages. 3000 (1990 est.)
villages) 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid: Nupe group group: Bole group
Source(s) Blench (1987) Source(s) Leger (1990)

Kupto = Kutto Kụtụle = Tula

270. Kurama 273. Kuturmi

1.B Tikurumi 2.B Ada
1.C Akurumi 3. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA
2.B Bagwama (also refers to Ruma) 4. 2,950 (NAT 1949). Town is called Awon.
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka and Ikara LGAs; Kano 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Northern group
State, Tudun Wada LGA
4. 11,300 (NAT 1949) Kuukù – see Guruntum–Mbaaru
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Kuvoko = the Lamang cluster
Jos group: Kauru subgroup Kuvuri – dialect of Kanembu: Kanuri–Kanembu
Kuzamani = Shuwa–Zamani
Kuri – dialect of Yedina Kwa = Baa
Kuru (Gyell–Kuru–Vwang) – dialect of Berom Kwa = Ekin: see the Ejagham cluster
Kuseki – dialect of Yandang Kwaa Bwaare = Bacama: see the Bata cluster
Kushe = Goji Kwaa–Ɓwaare = Bacama: see the Bata cluster
Kushi = Goji Kwa’alang = Kwagallak: see the Kofyar cluster
Kushi = Baushi
Kuta – dialect of Gbagyi 274. Kwaami
1.A Kwami, Kwom
271. Kuteb 1.B Kwáámì
1.A Kutev, Kutep 1.C Kwáámì
2.A Ati (Adminstrative name in Cameroun) 2.A Komawa
2.B Mbarike, Zumper (Jompre) (not recommended) 3. Bauchi State, Kwami LGA
3. Taraba State, Takum LGA and in Cameroon, Furu 4. 10,000 (1990)
Awa subdivision 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
4. 15,592 (1952 W&B); 30,000 (1986 UBS); 1400 in group: Bole–Tangale group
Cameroun (1976) 6. Kafarati, Ɗolli
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Yukuben–Kutep 9. Grammar (Leger 1990);
6. Lissam, Fikyu, Jenuwa, Kunabe, Kentin: Fikyu has Refs. Temple (1922)
sub–dialects Source(s)
7. Literacy programme in progress, dictionary in
preparation, primers, folktales Kwabzak = Tal
8. Bible translation programme in progress, Kwagallak – member of the Kofyar cluster
hymnbooks, New Testament (1990) Kwaji – dialect of Mumuye
9. Dictionary draft: Koops (n.d.). Grammar Koops Kwakwi = Firan:
(n.d.) Kwal = Irigwe
Source(s) Koops (1990) Kwale = Ụkwuanị: see the Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị
Refs. Koops (1990), Breton (1993) cluster
Kwali – dialect of Gbari
Kutep = Kuteb Kwalla = Kwagallak: see the Kofyar cluster
Kutev = Kuteb Kwami = Kwaami
Kwan = Irigwe
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Kwange – dialect of Gbari 2.B Jakanci
Kwanka = Vaghat cluster 3. Bauchi State, south of the Bauchi-Gombe Road,
Kwapm = Kopti: see the Zari; Zari cluster from the Gongola River at Kanyallo, in Bauchi LGA,
Kwarra = Mama to Gar in Alkaleri LGA
Kwasu – dialect of Ninzam 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan
Kwato = Panda and Igu, dialects of Ebira 11. Virtually moribund. Almost all speakers have
Kwayam = Koyam: see Kanuri switched to Hausa as a first language, although there
Kwaya Maya – Member of Katagum Barebari clan. are many ethnic Jakawa
Abraham (1962) Source(s) Rueck et al. (2009)
Kwojeffa = Bura Refs. Shimizu (1983)
Kwoll = Irigwe
Kwolla = Kwagallak: see the Kofyar cluster Lafia (Koro of Lafia) = Migili
Kwom = Kwaami Laka – group of Kamuku, west of Zaria, now
Kwomo (Basa Kwomu) – Basa–Benue speaking only Hausa.
Kwonci – Piya
Kwong = Kofyar 278. Laka
Kwono = Kono 2.A Lau, Lao Habe
Kwoode = Widala 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, at Lau; Yola
Kworko – see Ajanci LGA; and mainly in Cameroon
Kwotto = Panda and Igu, dialects of Ebira 4. 460 (1952); 500 (1973 SIL)
Kwyeny – member of the Hyam cluster 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mbum group

275. Kyak Lala – used both for the the Lala cluster and as a
1.B Kyãk cover term for Ɓena, Roba and other groups in
1.C Kyãk Adamawa State, Guyuk, Gombi and Song LGAs, not
2.A Bambuka all of which are clearly defined, e.g. Shere, Tenna:
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, Bambuka Temple (1922)
4. 10,000 (SIL)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group 279. Lala cluster
1.C Ɓəna
Kyan Kyar – dialect of Gwandara 3. Adamawa State, Guyuk, Song and Gombi LGAs
Kyãtõ = Etkywan 4. 30,000 (SIL); 44,300 with Ɓəna (1963)
Kyanton = Etkywan 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Yungur group
*Yang
276. Kyenga 1.A Yan
1.B Kyangganya 2.B Lalla
1.C Kyanggani pl. Kyanggana Refs. Temple (1922: 255)
2.A Kenga, Tyenga *Roba
3. Niger State, Borgu LGA, north of Illo; also in 2.A Gworam
Benin and Niger Republics *Ebode
4. five villages on Nigeria side which speak the 1.A Ẹbode
language; 7,591 (1925 Meek); 10,000 including
Shanga (1973 SIL) Lalawa = Lela
5. Niger–Congo: Mande: Southeast Mande Lalla = Yang: see the Lala cluster
Source(s) Blench (1987)
280. Lamang cluster
Kyentu = Kentu: see Icen 1.A Laamang
Kyibaku = Cibak 2.A Waha
4. 15,000 (TR 1970), 40,000 (1963)
L. 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A:
Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group: Mandara Group
laa Fyandigere = Gera *Zaladva
Laamang = Lamang 1.A Zələdvə
Laame = Gọmnọme: see the Koma cluster 2.A Lamang North
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA
277. Labɨr 6. Zaladeva (Alataghwa), Dzuuɓa (Dzuuba), Ləghva
1.A Láb'ŕ (Lughva), Gwózà Wakane (Gwozo)
2.A Jaku, Jaaku *Ghumbagha
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
2.A Lamang Central 3. Taraba State, Sarduana LGA, at Gembu and nearby
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, towns; Takum LGA at Manya; mainly spoken in
Michika LGA; Cameroon
6. Hə$ɗkàlà (Xədkala, Hidkala, Hitkala), Waga 4. 125,000 in Cameroon (1987 SIL)
(Wagga, Woga, Waha) 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid:
8. Mark in first draft, 1991. Bible translation in Grasslands Bantu
progress 7. Literacy programme in Cameroon
Source(s) Roettger (p.c.) 8. New Testament (1989)
*Ghudavan
1.A Ghudeven, Ghudəvən Langas – member of the Polci cluster
2.A Lamang South Languda = Longuda
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, Lankaviri = dialect of South–Western Mumuye
Michika LGA; and in Cameroon Lankoviri = dialect of South–Western Mumuye
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara– Lao Habe = Laka
Mafa–Sukur major group: Mandara Group Lardang = Larr: offset of Mernyang: Kofyar cluster
Refs. Wolff (1971,1974); Dieu & Renaud (1983) Lare – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
Laro = Laru
281. Lame cluster Larr – see Mernyang: Kofyar cluster
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Lame district
4. 2,000 (1973 SIL) 284. Shen
5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan 1.A Laro,Laru
Refs. Shimizu (1983) 2.C Laruwa
*Ruhu 3. Niger State, Borgu LGA
1.A Rufu, Rùhû 4. 1,000 (1992 est.)
2.C Rufawa 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kainji Lake
4. There were said to be no speakers remaining in group
1987 (Blench) Source(s) Blench (1992)
Source(s) Blench (1987)
*Mbaru Laruwa = Laru
1.A Mbárù, Bambaro, Bamburo, Bambara, Bombaro Latəghwa = Guduf: Guduf–Gava
2.C Bomborawa, Bunborawa Lau = Laka
*Gura Laxaya (Ney Laxaya) = Gava: Guduf–Gava
1.B Tu–Gura lee Maghdi = Maghdi
1.C sg. Ba–Gura, pl. Mo–Gura LeeMak = Mak
2.B Agari, Agbiri Leekɔ = Samba Leko

282. Lamja-Deŋsa-Tola cluster 285. Leelạu

1.C Lamjavu, Deŋsavu, Tolavu 1.A Lelo
3. Taraba State, Mayo Belwa LGAs 2.A Munga
4. There are 13 villages of Lamja and Deŋsa. The 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. 15 km. East of
central town of the Lamja is Ganglamja. The Deŋsa Karim Lamido town.
live south of the Lamja. 4. One village and an associated hamlet
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: Dakoid 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group
6. These dialects are intercomprehensible with each Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992)
other. They may not be sufficiently distinct from the
Samba Daka cluster (q.v.) to form a separate head- Leere (Gambar Leere) – dialect of Zaar: see the
entry. Guus-Zaar cluster
Source(s) Blench (1987)
Refs. CAPRO (1992) 286. Legbo
1.A Gbo
Lam–Nsaw = Lam–Nsọ 1.B Legbo
1.C Agbo
283. LamNsọ 2.A Itigidi
1.A Lam–Nsaw, Lam–Nsọ 2.B Igbo Imaban
1.B Lam–Nsọ’ 3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA; Abia State,
1.C Nsọ, Nsaw Afikpo LGA
4. 18,500 (1963); 30,000 (1973 SIL)

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper *Gana
Cross group Central: East–West *Takaya
7. Writing book, 1966 2.B Taura
Refs. Shimizu (1982)
Legeri – member of the Vaghat cluster
Leko = Samba Leko 291. Leyigha
Lela = Lelna 1.C Ayiga, Yigha
2.B Asiga
287. Lelna 3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA
1.B cLela (Clela, C–Lela) 4. 3,150 (1953)
1.C Kəlela sg., Lelna pl. 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
2.B Chilala Dakarci Cross group Central: East–West
2.C Lalawa, Dakarkari, Dakkarkari, Kalla–Kalla,
Cala–Cala Ləghva = Zaladva: see the Lamang cluster
3. Kebbi State, Zuru, Sakaba and Wasagu LGAs; Libo=Kaan
Niger State, Rijau LGA. Around Zuru town Libyan Arabic – see Arabic cluster
4. 47,000 (1949 G&C); 69,000 (1971 Welmers) Ligili = Mijili
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Northern Ligri – member of the Jar cluster
Group Lijili = Mijili
6. Zuru, Ribah Lila = dialect of Lela
7. Reader, 1934, Primer, 1974
8. Scripture portions 1931–4, Mark, 1934, hymnbook 292. Limbum
1947, Scripture portions from 1974 1.B Limbum
9. Dictionary (2001) 1.C Wimbum
Source(s) Blench (1990); Regnier (1992); 3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Mambila uplands,
Refs. Harris (1938); Hoffmann (1967) mainly in Cameroon
4. few in Nigeria; 73,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL)
Lelo = Leelạu 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid:
Grasslands Bantu
288. Lemoro 7. Literacy programme in Cameroon
1.A Limorro 8. Bible translation programme in Cameroon
1.B Emoro
1.C Anemoro Limorro = Lemoro
2.A Anowuru Lindiri = Nungu
3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA Likpawa = Mburku and Kariya
4. 2,950 (1936 HDG) Linggava = Gava: Guduf–Gava
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Lipedeke = Guduf: Guduf–Gava
Jos group: North–central cluster Lìsháù = Shau

289. Lenyima Lissa – Taraba State, Takum LGA, around Bariki:

1.C Anyima Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Yukuben–Kutep:
2.C Inyima possibly the same as Lissam
3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA Source(s) Blench (1986) (citing: P. Gray)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Cross group Central: East–West Lissam – dialect of Kuteb

Lere – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu 293. Lokəə

1.A Lokə, Lokö
290. Lere cluster 1.C Yakạ, Yakə, Yakurr, Yakö
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA 2.A Ugep
4. 765 (NAT 1949); 1,000 (1973 SIL); languages 3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA
almost extinct 4. 38,200 (1953); 100,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Jos group Cross group Central: East–West
*Si 6. Ugep, Nkpam
1.C Rishuwa 7. Primer 1 1973, Reading and Writing book 1967
2.A Kauru and 1973, post–primer 1972
2.B Kuzamani
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
8. New Testament in first draft 1974, Scripture
portions from 1967, Catholic catechism 1959 297. Lubila
Source(s) 1.C Kabila
Refs. Winston (1964–5), Iwara (1982) 2.B Ojor, Kabila, Kaibre, Kabire
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, at Ojo Nkomba,
Lokə = Lokəə and Ojo Akangba
Lokö = Lokəə 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Lokukoli = Nkukoli Cross group Central:East–West
Longo – in old Eastern Nigeria. Winston (1964–5)
Lovi – dialect of Nzanyi
294. Longuda Lughva = Ləghva; a dialect of Zaladva: see the
1.A Languda, Nunguda, Nungura, Nunguraba Lamang cluster
1.B nyà núngúrá Guyuk, Nungurama Nyuar Lukshi = Lushi: see the Zeem cluster
1.C Núngúráyábá Guyuk, Nùngùrábà Jessu, Lukshi – member of the Das cluster
Lóngúrábá Kola Lundur = Langas: see the Polci cluster
3. Adamawa State, Guyuk LGA; Gombe State, Lungu = Idun
Balanga LGA Lupa = Lopa
4. 13,700 (1952: Numan Division); 32,000 (1973
SIL) 298. Luri
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Longuda group 1. Lúr
6. Nya Guyuwa (Guyuk plains), Nya Ceriya 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA
(Banjiram=Cirimba/Gerembe hill), Nya Tariya 4. 30 (1973 SIL), 2 (Caron 2002)
(Kola=Taraba), Nya Dele (Jessu=Delebe), Nya 5. Chadic: West: South Bauchi
Gwanda (Nyuar=Gwandaba) 9. Grammar sketch and wordlist; Caron (2003)
7. Literacy programme in progress, Primer 1975 10. Hausa, Langas
Folktales 1975 11. Moribund. Nearly all the ethnic Luri have
8. New Testament 1979, Mark 1954 and 1975 switched to speaking Hausa
Source(s) J. Newman p.c; Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) Source: Caron (2003)
Refs. Newman & Newman (1977a,b)
Lusa – dialect of Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar cluster
Lóngúrábá = Longuda Lushi – member of the Zeem cluster
Luwa – dialect of Huba
295. Loo Lyase, Lyase–ne = Gwamhi–Wuri
1.B Shú ̣ŋó ̣
1.C Shú ̣ŋó ̣–North, Shú ̣ŋó ̣–South M.
3. Kaltungo LGA, Gombe State, Taraba State, Karim
Lamido LGA. 30 km. North of Karim Lamido town. 299. Ma
Lo village and associated hamlets. 1.A Kamu
4. 8,000 (1992 est.) 1.B Ma sg. nụbá Ma pl.
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group 1.C nyii Ma
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) 2.A Kamo
3. Gombe State, Kaltungo and Akko LGAs
296. Rop 4. 3000 (SIL)
1.A Lupa, Lopa 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
1.B Kirikjir 7. Reading and Writing Book (2006)
1.C Djiri 8. NT extracts (2007)
2.C Lopawa Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1991); Blench (2007)
3. Niger State, Borgu LGA, Kebbi State, Yauri LGA.
At least six villages on the east shore of the Lake plus Ma Giiwo = Giiwo
two others on the west shore. Maagwaram – west dialect of Bade
4. 960 (NAT 1950); 5,000 (1992 est.)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Lake group 300. Maaka
Source(s) Blench (1992); Blench & McGill (2011) 1.A Magha, Maga, Maha
3. Borno State, Gujba LGA. Bara town and associated
Lopawa = Lopa hamlets.
Loro = Ribina: see the Jera cluster 4. More than 4,000 (1990)
Lotsu–Piri = Tsobo 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Louome – dialect of Gbagyi group: Bole group
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Source(s) Blench (1990) Magwaram – W. dialect of Bade
Maha=Maaka
Maás = Mangas Maiha – dialect of Nzanyi
Mabas – see Vemgo–Mabas Majinda = Cinda: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
Maci – member of the Iceve cluster
304. Mak
301. Mada 1.B Mak
1.C Məda 1.C LeeMak
2.B Yidda 2.A Panya, Panyam (From Poonya, the name of a
3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga, Kokona and Keffi founding hero) Zoo
LGAs; Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. 15 km. north of
4. 25,628 (1922 Temple); 15,145 (1934 Ames); Karim Lamido town.
30,000 (1973 SIL) 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Ninzic 6. Panya, Zo
6. Northern and Western clusters. Dialect survey Source(s) Blench (1987); Kleinewillinghöfer (1992)
results in Price (1990).
7. Literacy work in progress Makama (Koro–Makama) = Ashe, the Tinor-Myamya
8. New Testament (2000) cluster
9. Dictionary draft: Blench & Kato (n.d.) Makurdi (Basa–Makurdĩ – see the Basa cluster
Refs. Price (1991)
305. Mala
Mada Eggon = Eggon 2.A Rumaya, Rumaiya
Madaka = Ndəkə 1.B Tumala
Madzarin – member of the Fali cluster 1.C Amala
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
302. Mafa 4. 1,800 (NAT 1948)
1.A Mofa 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
2.C Matakam (not recommended) Jos group: Kauru subgroup
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; mainly in Cameroon Source(s) Blench (1986)
4. 2,000 (1963), 136,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Malabu – dialect of Bata
Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group: Mafa group: Maleni = Shagawu
South Malgo = Malgwa – member of the Wandala cluster
6. Mafa (Mofa) in Nigeria. Cameroon dialects divided Malgwa – member of the Wandala cluster
into West, Central and Eastern. Mama – Marhai
8. portions from 1958, New Testament 1965
(Cameroon dialect), Concordance 1972, Bible, 1989 306. Mama
Sources: Kosack (2000) 2.B Kwarra, Kantana
Refs. Dieu and Renaud (1983); Barreteau & Bleis 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA
(1991) 4. 7,891 (1922 Temple); 6,155 (1934 Ames); 20,000
(1973 SIL)
Maga = Maaka 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan
Magara – dialect of Nzanyi Source(s) NBTT wordlist
Magha = Maaka
Mambere = Mambila: see Nor
303. Maghdi Mambila = Nor
1.B Mághdì Mambilla = Nor
1.C Mághdì sg., lee Mághdì pl. Mandara = Wandala
2.B Widala also applies to Kholok Mang – dialect of Mumuye
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. A section of the Manga – dialect of Kanuri
Widala Mangar – dialect of Daffo–Butura: see the Ron
4. less than 2,000 (1992) cluster
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) 307. Mambila
1.B Ju Nɔri
Magongo = Ọsayẹn: member of the Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn 1.C Nɔr
cluster 2.A Mambila, Mambilla, Mambere
Magu = Mvanọ
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA. Mambila Plateau. 8. Scripture portions from 1940–46, Old Testament
Cameroon. stories, song and worship book 1956, Good Manhood
4. 18,000 (1952); 60,000 (1973 SIL); 10,000 in 1940/52, New Testament (1984)
Cameroun Refs. Hoffmann (1963); Wolff (1974–75); Kraft
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: (1981)
Mambiloid: Mambila
6. Almost every village has a separate dialect forming Margi babal – dialect of Margi
a dialect chain. Dialect centres are: Bang, Dorofi, Margi Dzərŋu – dialect of Margi
Gembu, Hainari, Kabri, Mayo Ndaga, Mbamnga, Margi Putai = Putai
Tamien, Warwar. At least four dialects in Cameroon.
7. Gembu dialect: Primer in 3 parts 1973, pre–primer 310. Margi South
1974, 5 post–primer books; Reading and writing book 2.C Margi ti ntəm
1973. Cameroon dialect 2 post–primer books in a 3. Borno State, Askira–Uba LGA; Adamawa State,
1969–70. Reading and writing book 1973. Literacy Mubi and Michika LGAs
programme in progress. 4. For Margi, Margi South and Putai: 135,000 (1955)
8. i. Gembu: Genesis stories 1973, New Testament 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi
1975, major group: Bura group1
ii. Cameroon: Complete New Testament (19xx) 6. Wamdiu, Hildi
Source(s) Blench (1983–1999); Connell (1994-1999)
Electronic Resources: Margi of Minthla = Putai
Refs: Margi ti ntəm = Margi South
Margi West = Putai
308. Mangas Marhai = Marahai: a Kamwai dialect of Kulere
1.A Maás Maroa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA Maruwa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster
4. 180 (LA 1971) Marwa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group: Boghom
subgroup 311. Mashi
3. Taraba State, near Takum
Mangu – dialect of Mwaghavul 5. Benue–Congo: South Bantoid: Beboid
Mao – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu Source(s) Koops (1971)
Mapan – dialect of Mwaghavul
Mapeo (Samba of Mapeo) – dialect of Samba Daka Matakam = Mafa
Mapodi = Guɗe Matchi = Maci: see Iceve cluster
Mapuda = Guɗe Mavar = Mober: a dialect of Kanuri: see Kanuri–
Marahai – a Kamwai dialect of Kulere Kanembu
Marawa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster Mawa – Small in Bauchi State, Toro LGA: possibly
Mara village – language extinct according to Shimizu
309. Margi (ed.) Temple (1922) 271,430; Shimizu (1982)
1.A Marghi, Margyi Mawunci = Kambari II
1.B Màrgí Máyá = Bali
1.C Màrgí Maya (Kwaya Maya) = Koyam – a dialect of Kanuri
3. Borno State, Askira–Uba and Damboa LGAs; Mayo Ndaga – a dialect of Nor
Adamawa State, Madagali, Mubi and Michika LGAs Mazgarwa = Bade
4. For Margi, Margi South and Putai: 135,000 (1955); Mbaarù = Guruntum–Mbaaru
200,000 (1987 UBS) Mbada = Baɗa: see the Jar cluster
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi Mbadawa = Baɗa: see the Jar cluster
major group: Bura group Mbamnga – a dialect of Nor
6. Central: Margi babal = ‘Margi of the Plain’ around Mbamu – dialect of Eloyi
Lasa, Mbaram = Baram: see the Polci cluster
Margi Dzərŋu = ‘Margi near the Hill öu’ around Mbarike = Kuteb
Gulak; Mbarmi = Zul: see the Polci cluster
Gwàrà; Mə̀lgwí (Mulgwe, Molgheu); Wúrgà Mbaru (Mbárù) = Guruntum–Mbaaru
(Urga); Mbat = Bada: see the Jar cluster
South Margi is counted as a separate language and
is more closely related to Huba
7. Pre–primer, primer in 3 parts, 1941 1
Hoffmann (1963) relates the language of Margi
South to Huba rather than to Margi.
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
1.B Kporo
312. Mbe 2.B Nzare ‘‘I say so’’; Eneeme
1.B Mbe Source(s)
1.C M̀ bè Refs. Shimizu (1980)
2.B Ketuen, Mbube (Western)
3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA Mbenkpe = Nde
4. 9,874 (1963); 14,300 (1973 SIL); 20-30,000 (2008 Mbeya = Gọmnọme Koma
est.). Seven villages (Bansan, Benkpe, Egbe, Ikumtak, Mbofon = Nde and Bakor
Idibi, Idum, Odajie)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid- 315. Mboi cluster
Mbe group 1.A Mboire, Mboyi
6. Idum, Ikumtale, Odaje 3. Adamawa State, Song LGA
7. Orthography 1983; 4. 3,200 (1973 SIL)
8. RC Catechism 1962 in Mbube; John’s Gospel 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Yungur group
(2001); Liturgy (2007) *Gana
Source(s) Paul Schroeder (2008) 1.A Gəna
Refs. Bamgboṣe (1966a,b; 1967) 2.A Mboire, Mboyi
3. Adamawa State, Song LGA, northwest of Song.
Mbe Afal = Obe cluster Livo village and associated hamlets
Mbeci – dialect of Eloyi 4. 1,800 (LA 1971)
Mbem = Yamba Source(s)
*Banga
313. Mbembe 3. Adamawa State, Song LGA, west of Loko. Banga
2.B Okam, Oderiga, Wakande, Ifunubwa, Ekokoma, village and associated hamlets
Ofunobwan (per Thomas) *Haanda
3. Cross River State, Obubra and Ikom LGAs; 1.A Handa
Anambra State, Abakaliki LGA 3. Adamawa State, Song LGA, west of Loko. Handa
4. 35,600 (1953); 100,000 (1982 UBS) village and associated hamlets
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper 4. 1,370 (LA 1971)
Cross group Central: East–West
6. Adun, Okom (Eghom) (sub–dialects: Apiapum, Mboire = Mboi: see Mboi
Ohana, Onyen), Osopong (Ezopong), Ofombonga Mbol = Bwol: the Kofyar cluster
(Ewumbonga), Ofonokpan, Okorogbana, Ekama Mbon = Itu Mbon Uzo
(Akam) in Ikom LGA, Oferikpe in Abakaliki LGA
7. Reading and writing book 1966, revised ed. 1985, 316. Mbɔŋnɔ
Primers 1 and 2 1973–4, folk tales 1.A Bungnu
8. New Testament 1985 (Adun dialect) Hymnbook 1.B Mbọngnọ
1975, Scripture portions from 1967 in Adun and 1.C Mbọngnọ
Apiapum 2.A Kamkam
9. Dictionary draft: Barnwell (n.d.) 2.B Kakaba, Bunu
Source(s) 3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kakara town
Refs. Barnwell (1969) 4. 800 (1952 W&B); 3000 est. Blench and Connell
(1999)
314. Mbembe Tigong cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid:
1.C Noale Mambiloid
2.A Tigong, Tigun, Tugun, Tukun, Tigum Sources: Blench (1991), Connell (1995);
2.B Akonto, Nzare Refs.
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA; mainly in Cameroon
4. 2,900 in Nigeria (1973 SIL) Mboyi = Mboi: see the Mboi cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid: Mbube Eastern = Obe cluster
Jukun–Mbembe–Wurbo group Mbube Western = the Mbe
Refs. Koops (1990)
*Ashuku 317. Mbula cluster
1.A Ashaku 3. Adamawa State, Numan, Shelleng and Song LGAs
1.C Ákə́tsə̀kpə́, Ákúcùkpú 4. 7,900 (1952); 25,000 (1972 Barrett); 23,447 (1977)
2.B Kitsipki Blench: not clear as to whether for Mbula or both
*Nama Mbula and Bwazza.)
1.A Dama, Namu 5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Source(s) Blench (2008); Rueck et al.(2009) 1.A Munga
*Mbula 1.B ŋwai Məngàn
12. Radio broadcasts in Mbula 1.C Mingang Doso
*Tambo 2.A Dosọ
12. Radio and television broadcasts in Tambo 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. 15 km. East of
*Bwazza Karim Lamido town. One village and associated
1.B Ɓwà Ɓwàzà pl. àɓwàzà hamlets.
1.C Ɓwázà 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Jen group
2.A Bare, Bere [name of a town] Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992)
3. Adamawa State, Demsa, Numan, Shelleng and
Song LGAs. Twenty-six villages. Mini = Abureni
4. Minna – South dialect of Kadara
6. No dialects Minna (Koro Funtu of Minna) = Ujijili
7. Reading and Writing Ɓwazza (2007) Mirriam = Mernyang: see the Kofyar cluster
8. Luke Gospel ready for printing, other scripture
portions in draft 320. Miship
12. Jesus film ready to record 1.A Ship, Chip, Cip
3. Plateau State, Mangu and Shendam LGAs
Mbuma = Bendeghe: see the Ejagham cluster 4. 10,127 (Ames 1934), 6,000 (SIL)
Mburkanci = Mburku 5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Angas major group:
Angas group
318. Mburku 6. Doka
1.A Barko, Barke Refs. Jungraithmayr (1965)
1.B Və Mvəran
2.B Mburkanci 321. Miya
2.C Burkunawa, Lipkawa (see also Kariya) 1.A Muya
3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA 1.C Vəne Mi
4. 210 (1949–50); 4,000 (1977 Skinner) 2.C Miyawa
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Warji group 3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district. Miya
Refs. Skinner (1977); Newman (1977) town and associated hamlets
4. 5,200 (LA 1971)
Mbute = Vute 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Warji group
Mbutere = Vute 7. Reading and Writing Book (2006)
Mbuzo (Itu Mbuzo) = Itu Mbon Uzo 8. NT extracts (2007)
Meeka – dialect of Mumuye 9. Dictionary draft: Schuh (n.d.). Grammar: Schuh
Megili = Mijili (1995?)
Megong = Eggon Refs. Skinner (1977);
Mein – a north–western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Mendong–Mufons – Bauchi Province: Temple (1922) Miyamiya = Ejar: see the Tinor-Myamya cluster
Mernyang – member of the Kofyar cluster Miyango – a dialect of Irigwe
Mesaka = Iceve Miyawa = Miya
Məda = Mada
Məgang = Bolu: see the Geji cluster 322. Mɨn
Məlgwa = Malgwa: a member of the Wandala cluster 1.B Tiimɨn
M’əlgwí – dialect of Margi 1.C Vʷinyi Mɨn pl. Ayi Mɨn
Məngàng (ŋwai Məngang) = Mingang Doso 2.A Bauchi Guda, Kukoki (name of largest town)
Mgbakpa = Hausa 3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, twenty-seven villages in
Mgbo – member of the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster eight chiefships
Mgbu = Akpọ–Mgbu–Tolu – dialects of Ikwere Source(s) Blench (2010)
Mi (Vəne Mĩ) = Miya
Miamia = Ejar: see the Tinor-Myamya cluster Mo Egon = Eggon
Miango = Irigwe Mo Gura = Gura: see Lame cluster
Migili = Mijili Mobber = Mober – a dialect of Kanuri
Mijilu (Fali of Mijilu) – dialect of Kamwe Mober – a dialect of Kanuri
Mikiet – offset of Mernyang: see the Kofyar cluster Mocigin – a dialect of Guɗe
Minda = Shoo–Minda–Nye Mofa = Mafa
Mokar = Ga’anda
319. Mingang Doso Molgheu – dialect of Margi
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Mucella (Fali of Mucella) – Fali cluster
323. Mom Jango Mudaye – a dialect of Guɗe
1.B Mom Jango Mufons = Mendong–Mufons
2.A Vere (see also Momĩ, Were, Verre, Kobo (in Mulgwe – dialect of Margi
Cameroon) Mulyen – dialect of Bacama: see the Bata cluster
3. Adamawa State, Fufore LGA
4. 20,000 total (including Momĩ, 4,000 in Cameroon 327. Mukta
(1982 SIL) 1.A Mukta
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Vere group 3. Adamawa State
Source(s) Blench (1987) 4. Mukta village
5. Central Chadic.May be the same as Ghye and
324. Momi Amsa in Cameroun
1.B Ziri Source(s): Blench and Ndemsai (2007)
2.A Vere (this also includes Mom Jango, q.v.), Were,
Verre, Kobo (in Cameroon) Mumbake = Nyong
3. Adamawa State, Yola and Fufore LGAs; and in
Cameroon 328. Mumuye cluster
4. 20,000 total (including Mom Jango), 4,000 in 3. Taraba State, Jalingo, Zing, Yorro and Mayo
Cameroon (1982 SIL) Belwa LGAs
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Vere group 4. 103,000 (1952); 400,000 (1980 UBS)
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983) 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
Source(s) Blench (1986/7) group:
Mumuye subgroup
Monguna – dialect of Daffo–Butura: see the Ron *North–Eastern Mumuye
cluster 1.A Zing group
Monkin – dialect group of South-Western Mumuye: 3. Taraba State, Zing, Yorro and Mayo Belwa LGAs
see Mumuye cluster 6. Bajama (Gnoore) and Jeng, Zing (Zinna, Zeng) and
Montoil = Montol Mang, Kwaji and Meeka, Yaa, also Yakoko
(according to Meek)
325. Montol 7. Primer in Zinna before 1925, folk tales 1974
1.A Montoil 8. In Zinna: Mark 1938, hymnbook before 1925
2.A Baltap 9. Grammar: Shimizu (1983)
2.B Teel *South–Western Mumuye
3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA 3. Taraba State, Jalingo LGA
4. 13,386 (1934 Ames); 20,000 (1973 SIL) 6. Monkin group: Kugong, Shaari, Sagbee; Kpugbong
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major group: Kasaa, Yɔrɔ, Lankoviri (Lankavirĩ, Saawa,
group: Angas group Nyaaja, and Jaalingo
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1965) 7. Primer in 2 parts 1974 in Lankoviri
8. New Testament translation in progress
326. Mɔɔ Source(s): Danujma Gambo (p.c.)
1.B ŋwaa Mɔ@ɔ$ Refs. Meek (1931,I:446–531); Shimizu (1979)
1.C yáá Mɔ$ɔ$
2.A Gwomo, Gwom, Gwomu, Gomu 329. Mundat
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Bikwin group 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992)
Mundu: see Dulumi
Mora = Mura: see Wandala Munga = Leeləu
Moroa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster Munga = Mingang Doso
Morwa = Sholio: see the Katab cluster Munshi (not recommended) = Tiv
Motchekin – a dialect of Guɗe Mupun = Mwaghavul
Movar – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu Mura – a dialect of Wandala
Mtezi – a dialect of Kukele Mushere = Cakfem–Mushere
Mtezi–Iteji – dialect of Kukele Mutidi – a dialect of Nzanyi
Mubako = Mumbake Mùùn – see Jar cluster
Mubi = Guɗe Muya = Miya
Mubi (Fali of Mubĩ = Mucella (Fali of Mucella) – Mvanɔ = MvanÆp
Fali cluster
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
330. MvanÆÆp 333. Nandu-Nyeng-Shakara
1.C Mvanɔ *Nandu
2.A Magu 10. Hausa
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA. A single quarter of *Nyeng
Zongo Ajiya town in the northwest of the Mambila 1.B
Plateau. 1.C
4. 100 (Blench 1999) 2.A Ningon
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: 10. Hausa
Mambiloid: Mambila *Shakara
Source: Blench & Connell (1999) 1.A
Refs: Meek (1931) 1.B ìShákárá
1.C sg. kùShákárá pl. úShákárá
Mvəran (Və Mvəvran) = Mburku 2.B Tari
nnwa’ Dza = Dza 3. Kaduna State, a line of villages 7 km. due west of
Mayir on the Fadan Karshe-Wamba road
331. Mwaghavul 4. Shakara 3000 (Blench est. 2003)
1.A Mwahavul 5. Benue-Congo: Plateau: Nandic
2.B Sura 10. Hausa
2.C Sura Source(s) Blench (2003)
3. Plateau State, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs
4. 20,000 (1952 W&B); 40,000 (1973 SIL) Narabuna = Ribina: see the Jera cluster
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major Naraguta = Iguta
group: Angas group Nda Dia = Dadiya
6. Mapan (Mupun), Mangu, Takas also Badni Nda Zora = Izora
(Vodnĩ? Ndaga = Mayo Ndaga: see Nor
7. Primers 1912 and 1915 Ndaghan = Ngoshe Ndhang: see Gvoko
8. Scripture portions 1915–1966, Genesis 1920, Old Ndangshi – see Jar cluster
Testament stories 1927/29, hymnbook, catechism Ndara = Wandala cluster
1915 and 1930 Hymns and Prayers Kwop naan shi Nde – a member of the Bakor cluster
kook mo 1981, New Testament 1992 Ndele – dialect of Ikwere
Source(s) Ndem = Nnam: see Bakor
Reference(s) Frajzyngier (1999) Ndera = Koma Ndera: see Koma

Mwahavul = Mwaghavul 334. Ndəka

Mwana – Cam–Mwana 1.A Madaka
Mwona = Cam–Mwana 1.B Tundəkə
Mwulyin – dialect of Bacama: see the Bata cluster 1.C Vundəkə pl. Andəka
Myamya – see the Tinor-Myamya cluster 3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Madaka town
Myet = Tapshin 6. Shena may be a dialect
Nafunfia = Shagawu Source(s) Blench (2010)
Nakanyare – dialect of Samba Daka
Nakare = Jidda–Abu Ndhang = Ngoshe Ndhang: see Gvoko
Ndir = Iyive
332. Naki
1.C Bunaki 335. Ndoe cluster
3. Taraba State, ca. 6°57N, 10°13E, Furu-Awa and 3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA
other subdivisions in Cameroun 4. 3,000 (1953)
4. 1 village (Belogo=Tosso 2) in Nigeria; 3000 in 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Ekoid
Cameroun (1976) Bantu
5. Benue-Congo: South Bantoid: Beboid Refs. Crabb (1965)
Refs. Breton (1993) 335.a *Ekparabong
1.A Akparabong
Nama = see the Mbembe Tigong cluster 3. Akparabong Town, Bendeghe Affi
Namu = Nama: see the Mbembe Tigong cluster 4. Towns above 2,102 and 310, respectively, (1953)
335.b *Balep
2.B Anep, Anyeb
3. Balep and Opu
4. 619 (1953)
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
9. Phonology: Burquest (1971, 1973), Grammar:
336. Ndoola Foulkes (1915).
1.A Ndoro 10. Hausa
1.B Ndoola Refs:
1.C Ndoola
2.A Njoyamɛ (in Cameroon) Ngatlawe – West of Mandara but not a Mandara
3. Taraba State, Sardauna and Gashaka LGAs; and in dialect: possibly Gatlaghwe, a Dghweɗe village:
Cameroon (1 village only) Westermann and Bryan (1952)
4. 1169 (1952 W&B); 10,000 total, 1,300 in Ngazar – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
Cameroon (1982 SIL); estimated more than 15,000 Ngbo = Mgbo: see the Izi–Ẹzaa–Ikwo–Mgbo cluster
(1999) Nge (Basa Nge) = Nupe Tako
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: Ngell = Gyell: see Berom
Mambiloid Ngene = Engenni
6. At least 2 dialects Ngenge – dialect of Gbagyi
Source(s) Blench & Connell (1990, 1999) Ngezzim = Ngizim
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983)
340. Nggwahyi
Ndoro = Ndoola 1.A Ngwaxi, Ngwohi
3. Borno State, Askira–Uba LGA
337. Ndunda 4. One village
3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA. In the northwest of 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi
the Mambila Plateau. major group: Bura group
4. 400 (Blench 1999) Refs. Kraft (1981)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid:
Mambiloid: Mambila Nggweshe = Gvoko
Source: Blench & Connell (1999) Nggwoli – a dialect of Nzanyi
Refs: Ngizim –dialect of Kanuri

Nembe – member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster 341. Ngizim

Nempe = Nembe 1.A Ngezzim
Ney Laxaya = Gava: Guduf–Gava 3. Borno State, Damaturu LGA
Nfachara = Cara 4. 39,200 includes Bade and Ɗuwai (1952 W&B);
Nfua = Bokyi 25,000 Schuh (1971)
5. Chadic: West Branch B: Bade/Warji major group:
338. Ngamo Bade group
1.A Gamo 9. Dictionary: Schuh (1981)
3. Borno State, Fika LGA; Bauchi State, Darazo 10. Hausa
LGA, Darazo district and Dukku LGA, Nafada Source(s)
district Refs. Schuh (1971, 1978, 1981)
4. 17,800 (1952 W&B)
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major Ngo – dialect of Obolo
group: Bole group Ngoshe Ndaghang = Gvoko
Ngoshe Ndhang = Gvoko
Ngangˆ = Nzanyi Ngoshe Sama = Gvoko
Ngoshie – dialect of Glavda
339. Ngas Ngoug – Adamawa–Eastern? Welmers (1971)
1.A Nngas Ngas Ngwa – dialect of Igbo
1.C Kerang
3. Plateau State, Pankshin, Kanam and Langtang 342. Ngwaba
LGAs 2.C Gombi, Goba
4. 55,250 (1952 W&B) 3. Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, at Fachi and
5. Chadic: West branch A: Bole–Ngas major group: Gudumiya
Ngas group 4. less than 1000
6. Hill and Plain 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group
7. Reading and Writing book; Folktales (2) 1969; Source(s) Blench (1987)
Trial Primer 1975
8. New Testament 1976; Scripture portions from 1916 Ngwajum – dialect of Karekare
Ngwaxi = Nggwahyi
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Ngwənci = Nwanci: see Kambari II 4. <5000 (Blench 2003)
Ngwe = Hungw
ry
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
Ngweshe = Ngoshie: see Glavda 10. Hausa
Ngweshe Ndaghan = Gvoko Source(s) Blench (2003)
Ngweshe Ndhang = Gvoko
Ngwohi = Nggwahyi 346. Ninka
Ngwoi = Hungw
ry
2.A Sanga
Nidem = Nindem: see the Kanufi–Kaningkon– 3. Kaduna State, Sanga LGA
Nindem cluster 4. <5000
Nife = Nupe 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Ninzic
Nigbo – now extinct language spoken near Agameti 10. Hausa
on the Fadan Karshi-Wamba road. Probably close to Source(s) Blench (2005)
Akpondu (q.v.)
nii Bánjùŋ = Bangwinji 347. Ninzo
níi Dìjí = Dijim: Dijim–Bwilim 1.A Ninzam
Nimalto = Nyimatli: see the Tera cluster 2.B Gbhu
Nimana = Numana: see the Numana–Nunku–Gbantu– 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State,
Numbu cluster Akwanga LGA
Nimbia = Gwandara–Bara: – dialect of Gwandara 4. 6,999 (1934 Ames); 35,000 (1973 SIL) 50,000
(Blench 2003)
343. Nincut 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
2.B Aboro Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1
3. Kaduna State, ?? LGA. ca. 7 km. north of Fadan 6. Ámàr Ràndá, Ámàr Tìtá, Ancha (Închà), Kwásù
Karshe (Ákìzà), Sàmbè, Fadan Wate (Hátè)
4. 8 villages (5000 ? Blench 2003 est.) 7. Reading and Writing Book (199x)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Beromic Source(s) Blench (2001); Enene (2001)
10. Hausa
11. Threatened by switch to Hausa Niragu = Gbiri–Niragu
Sources: Blench & Kato (2003) Niten = Aten
Njai = Nzanyi
Nindam = Nindem: see Ninkyop–Nindem cluster Njanyi = Nzanyi
Nindem – member of the Ninkyop–Nindem cluster Njei = Nzanyi
Ningawa = Ningi Njoyamɛ = Ndoola
Ningi – member of the Buta–Ningi cluster Njuku = Jukun
Ningon = – member of the Nandu-Nyeng-Shakara Njwande = Bitare
cluster Nkafa – dialect of Kamwe
Nkari – dialect of Ibibio. Probably a separate
344. Ninkyop–Nindem cluster language: but no firm data (Bruce Connell)
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA Nkem–Nkum – member of the Bakor cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: Nki = Bokyi
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1 Nkim = Nkem
10. Hausa Nkim – dialect of Mbe East: see the Mbe cluster
* Ninkyop
1.A Kaningkwom, Kaninkon 348. Nko
1.C Ninkyop 2.A Agyaga
4. 2,291 (1934) 3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga West LGA. Single
7. Reading and Writing Books village about 15 km southwest of Nunku, which is 20
*Nindem km north of Akwanga
1.A Inidem, Nindam, Nidem 4. 1000 (2008 est.)
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Ninzic: Mada cluster
345. Ningye Source: Blench & Kato (2008)
1.B Ningye
1.C Ningye Nkokolle = Nkukoli
1.A Ningeshe Nkọrọ = member of KOIN: see the Njọ cluster
3. Kaduna State. Five villages along the Fadan Nkpam – dialect of Lokəə
Karshe-Akwanga road, directly north of Gwantu.
Villages are; Kobin, Akwankwan, Wambe,
Ningeshen Kurmi, Ningeshen Sarki.
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
349. Nkukoli 10. Hausa
1.A Nkokolle *Numbu
1.B Lokukoli 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State,
2.A Ekuri Akwanga LGA
3. Cross River state, Ikom, Obubra and Akamkpa 4. The main settlements of the Numbu are àzà Wúùn,
LGAs, Iko Ekperem Development Area Ambεntɔ̀k, Anepwa, Akoshey, Amkpong, Gbancûn,
4. 17,831 (1926 Talbot); 10,000 (1973 SIL) Amfɔɔr and Adaŋgaŋ. There are likely to be several
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper thousand speakers.
Cross group Central: East–West *Gbantu
1.A Gwanto
Nkum – dialect of Yala 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State,
Nkum – member of Bakor cluster Akwanga LGA
Nkum Akpambe – dialect of Yala *Nunku
Nkwoi = Hungw
ry
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State,
Nnakanyere (Samba Nnakanyere) – dialect of Samba Akwanga LGA
Daka 4.
Nnam – member of the Bakor cluster 6. Nunku has three sub-dialects, Nunku [spoken in
Nnerigwe = Irigwe Nunku and Ungwar Mallam], Nunkucu [in Nunkucu
Nngas = Angas and Anku] and the speech of Nicok [Ungwar Jatau]
nnwa’ Dzâ = Dza and Ungwan Makama villages
Noale = Mbembe Tigong cluster *(Numana)
Nokwu (Idoma Nokwu) = Alago 1.A Nimana
Nor–Khana – dialect of Kana 3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State,
North (Arewa) = Hausa Akwanga LGA
North (Etung North) – a dialect of Ejagham 4. Existence not confirmed
North (Idoma North) – a dialect of Idoma
North (Ivbie North) – see the Ivbie North–Okpela– Numbu: part of the Numana–Nunku–Gwantu–Numbu
Arhe cluster cluster
North (Lamang North) = Zaladva: see the Lamang Numgwar = Mada
cluster Nunguda = Longuda
North–East Duguri: see the Jar cluster Nungura = Longuda
North–Eastern Mumuye: see the Mumuye cluster Nùngùrábà = Longuda
Nori (Ju Norĩ = Nor Nungurama = Longuda
Nsaw = Lam–Nsọ’ Núngúráyábá Nungura: see Longuda
Nsele – member of the Nde–Nsele–Nta cluster: see Nunku – member of the Numana–Nunku–Gwantu–
Bakor Numbu cluster
Nsit – dialect of Ibibio
Nsɔ = Lam–Nsɔ’ 351. Nupe–Nupe Tako cluster
Nsụka = Nsukka – dialect of Igbo 3. Niger State, Lavun, Mariga, Gbako, Agaie, and
Nsukka – dialect of Igbo Lapai LGAs; Kwara State, Edu and Kogi LGAs;
Nta – member of the Nde–Nsele–Nta cluster: see Federal Capital Territory; Kogi State, Bassa LGA.
Bakor 4. 360,000 (1952); 1,000,000 (1987 UBS) may
Nteng (Jasikit) – 600: related to Kwagallak: see the include closely related languages
Kofyar cluster: Gospel Recordings (1971) 5. Benue–Congo: Nupoid
Ntrigom – Cross River State, Ogoja LGA: South– 6. Nupe (Central) has become the accepted literary
Eastern State (1971) form.
nụbá Ma = Kamo 345a. *Nupe (Central)
Nuadhu = Como–Karim 1.A Nife, Nyffe, Anupe
1.B Nupe
350. Numbu–Gbantu-Nunku–(Numana)–cluster 1.C Nupe
2.A Sanga [mistakenly applied to this cluster, but see 2.A Nupe Central
entry under Ninka] 2.B Ampeyi, Anupecwayi, Anuperi, Tappah, Takpa,
3. Kaduna State, Jema’a LGA; Nasarawa State, Tapa, Nupenci, Nupencizi
Akwanga LGA 2.C Anufawa, Nyffe
4. 11,000 (1922 Temple); 3,818 (1934 Ames); 15,000 3. Niger State, Mariga, Gbako, Agaie, and Lapai
(SIL) LGAs; Kwara State, Edu and Kogi LGAs. Small but
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: well established Nupe communities in Ibi (Taraba
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
State) & Nasarawa State. Nupe was still spoken in 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North–
Brazil at the end of the nineteenth century Western subgroup: Nyankpa-Idun cluster
4. 283,000 (1931 DF); estimated 1,000,000 (2000) 6. Mbgwende=Ambofa [Bade dialect], Ambo Tem
7. Primer 1905, Dictionary 1914 & 1916, Grammar [Panda, Tattara, Buzi]. Tattara is said to be the
1915. Literacy program, Official orthography ‘standard’ form of Yeskwa.
8. Scripture portions from 1860, Bible 1953, 1965, 12. Radio broadcasts in Nasarawa State
and revision in print; New Testament 1927/30, 1983; Source(s) Kato (2003); Blench (2008, 2009)
345b. *Nupe Tako
2.B Ibara Nyatso = Kpan
2.C Basa Nge Nye – member of the Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster
3. Kogi State, Bassa LGA, Kwara State Nyemathi = Nyimatli: see the Tera cluster
4. 19,100 (1931 DF) Nyffe = Nupe Central
Source(s) Blench (1992) nyi Tsó = Tsobo
Nyidu = Etkywan
Nupenci = Nupe nyii Ma = Kamo
Nupencizi = Nupe Nyikobe = Yukuben
Nwanci – dialect of Kambari II Nyikuben = Yukuben
nwi Nyé = Nye: member of the Shoo–Minda–Nye Nyimatli – member of the Tera cluster
cluster Nyimwom = Kam
nwii Shóó = Shoo: member of the Shoo–Minda–Nye Nyisam = Kpasam
cluster nyiyo Dadiya = dadiya
nya Ceriya = Longuda Nyongnepa = Nyong
nya Dele = Longuda
nya Gwanda = Longuda 354. Nyong
nyà Núngúrá = Longuda 1.A Nyɔŋ
nya Tariya = Longuda 1.B Nyɔŋ Nyanga
Nyaa Báà = Baa 1.C sg. Nyɔŋvena, pl. Nyɔŋnepa (Nyongnepa)
Nyaaja – dialect of Mumuye 2.A Mumbake, Mubako
3. Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, West of Mayo
352. Nyam Belwa town, Bingkola and five other villages
1.C Nyambolo 4. 10,000 (SIL)
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, at Andami 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Leko group
village Source(s) Blench (1987)
4. A single village
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major Nyonyo = Kpan
group: Bole–Tangale group Nyɔŋ Nyanga = Nyong
Source(s) Blench (1983, 1986); Leger (1990); Nyɔŋ nepa = Nyong
Andreas (2007) Nyɔŋ gvena = Nyong
Nyuar – dialect of Longuda
Nyambolo = Nyam Nzangˆ = Nzanyi
Nyamnyam = Niamniam, Nimbari, Bari, Suga
(Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Nimbari group). 355. Nzanyi
Formerly Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, in Gashaka 1.A Njanyi, Njai, Njei, Zany, Nzangi, Zani, Njeny,
Game Reserve, now only in Cameroon. Jeng, Njegn, Njeng,
Nyamzax = Langas: see the Polci cluster 1.B Wur Nzanyi
nyan Wịyáù = Waja 1.C Nzangˆ sg., Nzanyi pl.
Nyandang = Yandang 2.A Jenge, Jeng, Mzangyim, Kobochi, Kobotshi
Nyanga nya Ba = Ba 3. Nigeria: Adamawa State, Maiha LGA. Cameroon:
Nyango = Irigwe West of Dourbeye near Nigerian border in Doumo
region, Mayo-Oulo Subdivision, Mayo-Louti
353. Nyankpa Division, North Province.
1.B Nnaŋkpa pl. Anaŋkpa 4. 14,000 in Nigeria (1952), 9,000 in Cameroon.
1.C Nyankpa 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group
2.A Yasgua, Yeskwa 6. Paka, Rogede (Rˆgudede), Nggwoli, Hoode, Maiha,
2.B Sarogbon [a greeting] Magara, Dede, Mutidi; and Lovi in Cameroun
3. Nasarawa State, Kauru LGA; Kaduna State, Source(s) Blench (1987, 1992)
Jema’a LGA
4. 13,000 (1973 SIL) Nzare = Nama: see Mbembe Tigong
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
ŋwaa Mò ̣ò ̣ = Moo 3. Rivers State, Bonny LGA: western dialects; Akwa–
ŋwai Məngàn = Mingang Doso Ibom State, Ikot–Abasi and Eket LGAs: eastern
öwənci = Nwanci: a dialect of Kambari II dialects
Ọba – a dialect of Yoruba 4. 22,400 (1944 F&J); 90,000 (1983 Aaron); 100,000
Obani = Nḅanị: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster (Faraclas 1989)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
356. Obanliku cluster Cross: West
1.A Abanliku 6. From West to East: Ataba, Unyeada, Ngo,
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA Okoroete, Ibot Obolo
4. 19,800 (1963); estimated 65,000 (Faraclas 1989) 7. Primer 1968, 1972, 1985, 1986; Reading and
5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi Writing 1978, 1985; Magazine from 1988
*Basang 8. Bible translation in progress, Mark trial ed. 1987,
1.A Bàsáu Genesis, hymnbooks 1970, Catholic liturgy and
*Bebi hymns 1970 New Testament (1991)
Source(s) Blench (2001) Refs. Faraclas (1984), Connell (1991), Aaron
*Bishiri (forthcoming)
*Bisu
2.B Gayi Oboso – dialect of Obe
*Busi Ọbọtẹbẹ – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist Obubra (Yala Obubra) – dialect of Yala

357. Obe 360. Obulom

2.A Ogberia 1.A Abuloma
2.B Mbe East 3. Rivers state, Okrika LGA, Abuloma town
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA, 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central
4. Six villages; Nkim, Ogboria Ogang, Ogboria Delta
Uchuruo, Ojerim (Ojirim), Árágbán and Òbósó.
Òbúsu – a dialect of Mbe East: see the Mbe cluster
358. Obe cluster Ochebe = Baceve: see the Iceve cluster
2.A Mbube Eastern (a geographical name) Ochekwu – dialect of Idoma North
2.B Mbe Afal (by the Mbe) Ocheve = Baceve: see the Iceve cluster
4. 16,341 (1963)
5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi 361. Ọchịchị
Refs. Otronyi et al. (2009) 1.B Ọchịchị
*Mgbenege 1.C Ọchịchị
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA 3. Rivers State, Etche LGA, towns of Ikwerengwo
*Utugwang and Umuebulu
1.A Otugwang 4. A few, language is moribund and speakers have
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA switched to Echie
*Okwọrọgung 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central
1.A Okorogung Delta (closest relative is probably Obulom)
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA 10. Echie
* Ukwortung 11. Moribund
1.A Okorotung, Okwọrọtung Source(s) Williamson (2003)
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA Ref. Ndimele & Williamson (2002:157)

Obiaruku – dialect of Ụkwuanị: see Ụkwuanị–Aboh– Òdàjè – a dialect of Mbe West: see Mbe
Ndọnị Oderiga = Mbembe
Obini = Abini: see the Agwagwune cluster Odim = Adim: see Agwagwune
Ọbio – dialect of Ikwere Ododop = Kọrọp
Obolo = Iko (incorrectly)
362. Oḍual
359. Obolo 1.B Ọḍual
1.C Òbólò 1.C Oḍual
2.A Andoni 2.C Saka
3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA
4. 8,400 (1963); 15,000 (1980 UBS)

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central Ogoja = Nkem
Delta Ogoni – group name for Kana, Gokana and Eleme,
6. Arughaunya, Aḍibom but sometimes used only for Kana, or Kana and
7. Rivers Readers Project, Reader 1 1974, Reading Gokana. The term Kegboid has been proposed as an
and Writing book, 1975, Folk Tales 1975, Reader 2, alternative.
(NBTT) 1984 Ogori = Ọkọ: see the Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn cluster
8. New Testament in first draft 1974, Creation story Ogua – dialect of Engenni
1975 Ògùgù – dialect of Igala
Source(s) Ogulagha – a Western Delta dialect of Nzọn: Njọ
cluster
363. Odut Oguta – dialect of Igbo
3. Cross River State, Odukpani LGA Ohana – sub–dialect of Mbembe
4. 700 (1940 F&J) Nearly extinct. Ọhụhụ – dialect of Igbo
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper Oiakiri = next
Cross Oiyakiri – a South–Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Ọjiramhi – dialect of Ọkpamheri
Ofagbe – dialect of Isoko Òjìrím – a dialect of Mbe East: see the Mbe cluster
Oferikpe – dialect of Mbembe Ojo – member of Akoko cluster
Ofonokpan – dialect of Mbembe Ojor = Lubila
Ofombonga – dialect of Mbembe Ọ̀jù – dialect of Igede
Ofunobwan = Mbembe Ọ̀kà – dialect of Yoruba
Ofutop = Bakor Okam = Mbembe
Ogba = Ogbah Oke–Agbe – see the Arigidi cluster, Afa, Udo, Oge
and Ẹshɛ
364. Ogbah Okene – dialect of Ebira
1.A Ogba Okii = Bokyi
3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA Okirika = Kịrịkẹ: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster
4. 22,750 (1940 F&J)
5. Benue–Congo: Igboid 367. Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn cluster
6. Egnih (East Ogbah), South Ogbah, West Ogbah 3. Kwara State, Okene LGA
7. Rivers Readers Project, Reader 1 1972, Reading 5. Benue–Congo: Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn cluster
and Writing book in Egnih (1990) Refs. Elugbe (1980)
*Ọkọ
Ọgbakiri – dialect of Ikwere 1.A Uku, Oko
Ogbe Njọ – South–Western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster 2.A Ogori (town name), Gori
Ogberia – dialect of Obe 4. 4,000 (1970??)
Ọgbia= *Eni
Ogbinya – see the Kolo cluster 4. 3,000 (1970??)
*Ọsayẹn
365. Ogbogolo 1.A Osanyin, Ọsayɛn
3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA 2.A Magongo (town name)
4. One town only 4. 3,000 (1970??)
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central
Delta 368. Ọkọbọ
Source(s) 3. Akwa–Ibom State, Okobo LGA
4. 11,200 (1945 F&J); 50,000
Ogboin – a north–western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Cross:
366. Ogbrọnuagụm Refs. Connell (1991)
2.A Bukuma
2.B Agum ỌkọdÌíÌ – member of the Inland Njọ cluster: see Njọ
3. Rivers State, Degema LGA Okoloḅa = Nḅanị: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster
4. One town only, north of Buguma Okom – dialect of Mbembe
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Central Okonyong = Kiọng
Delta Okordia = Akịta: see Inland Njọ: Njọ cluster
Okoroete – dialect of Obolo
Oge – member of the Akoko cluster Okorogbana – dialect of Mbembe
Ogoi = Baan Okorogung – member of the Obe cluster
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Okorotung – member of the Obe cluster Ọlụ – a dialect of Igbo
Okoyong = Kiọng
Ọkpamẹ (Yala Ọkpamẹ) – dialect of Yala Ogoja 373. Olulumọ–Ikọm cluster
2.A Òkúní
369. Ọkpamheri 3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA
1.A Opameri 4. 9,250 (1953)
3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
4. 18,136 (1957 Bradbury); 30,000 (1973 SIL) Cross: Central:
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid: East–West
Southern Refs. Cook Benue–Congo Newsletter 6
6. Ọkpamheri means ‘we are one’: Ẹyẹ (spoken at *Olulumọ
Ikiran); Okulosho (Okurosho) with several sub– 1.A Òlúlùmọ
dialects; Western Ọkpamheri with several sub– 4. 1,730 (1953); 5,000 (Faraclas 1989)
dialects; Ọjiramhi *Ikọm
9. Phonology: Ikiran (19xx) 4. 7,520 (1953); 25,000 (Faraclas 1989)
Refs. Oyebiyi (1986)
Ọmagwana – dialect of Ikwere
370. Okpẹ Ọmerelu – dialect of Ikwere
1.A Ukpɛ Ọmuanwa – dialect of Ikwere
3. Delta State, Okpe LGA Ọmudioga – dialect of Ikwere
4. 8,722 (1957 Bradbury) Ọmuegwna – dialect of Ikwere
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: South–Western Edoid Ondo – dialect of Yoruba
7. Reader 1967 Ọnịcha = next
Onitsha – dialect of Igbo
371. Ọkpẹ–Idesa–Akuku Onumu Egon = Eggon
3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA Onyen – sub–dialect of Mbembe
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid: Oohum = Yukuben
Southern Opalo – dialect of Bacama: v the Bata cluster
6. Ọkpẹ, Idesa, Akuku Opameri = Ọkpamheri
Operemọ – a North–West Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ
Okpela = next Okpella – member of the Ivbie North– cluster
Okpela–Arhẹ cluster Operemor = Operemọ
Ọkpò ̣ó ̣ma (Yala Ọkpò ̣ó ̣ma) – dialect of Yala Ogoja Opokuma – a clan speaking Kolokuma: see Nzọn: Njọ
Okpoto – member of the Oring cluster cluster
Okrika = Kịrịkẹ: a member of the KOIN cluster: see Oporoma – a South–East Central dialect of Nzọn: Njọ
Njọ cluster
Okuloma = Nḅanị: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster Oporoza – a Western Delta dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Okulosho – dialect of Ọkpamheri Ora – member of the Emai–Iuleha–Ora cluster
Okundi – dialect of Bokyi Ọra – a dialect of Yoruba (Ajowa town)
Okuni = Olulumọ: see Olulumọ–Ikọm
Okurosho = Okulosho: see Ọkpamheri 374. Oring cluster
Okwọrọgung – member of the Obe cluster 1.A Orri
Okwọrọtung – member of the Obe cluster 1.B Koring
Ole = Oleh – dialect of Isoko 3. Benue State, Okpokwu LGA; Anambra State,
Oleh – dialect of Isoko Ishielu LGA
Olit = next 4. at least 25,000 (1952 RGA); 75,000 (Faraclas
Oliti = Maci: see Iceve cluster 1989)
Olodiama – dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Oloiḅiri – member of the Kolo cluster Cross: Central: North–South
*Ufia
372. Ọlọma 2.A Utonkon
3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA 3. Benue State, Okpokwu LGA
4. 353 (1957 Bradbury) 4. 12,300 (1952 RGA)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid: *Ufiom
Southern 1.A Effium
Refs. Elugbe and Schubert (1976) 3. Benue State, Okpokwu LGA; Anambra State,
Ishielu LGA
Olomoro – dialect of Isoko 4. 3,000 (1952 RGA)
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
*Okpoto Owerri – dialect of Igbo
3. Anambra State, Ishielu LGA Owhe = Owe: a dialect of Isoko
4. 6,350 (1952 RGA) Ọwọ – dialect of Yoruba
Owon Afa = Afa: see the Arigidi cluster
Orlu – dialect of Igbo Oyede – dialect of Isoko
Oro = Ọrọ Oyin – member of the Akoko cluster
Ọ̀yò ̣ – dialect of Yoruba
375. Ọrọ Ozoro = next
1.A Oron Ọzọrọ – dialect of Isoko
1.B Ọrọ (Oro) Ọrọgo = Rogo
1.C Ọrọ (Oro) Ọ̀shùn – a dialect of Yoruba
3. Akwa–Ibom State, Oron LGA
4. 319,000 (1963 per Kuperus) 378. Pa’a
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower 1.A Paha, Afa
Cross: 1.B FuCaka
Refs. Connell (1991) 1.C sg. FuCiki, pl. Foni
2.B Pa’anci
Oron = Ọrọ 2.C Fa’awa, Afawa
Orri = Oring cluster 3. Bauchi State, Ningi and Darazo LGAs
Orum = Adim: see the Agwagwune cluster 4. 8,500 (LA 1971); 20,000 (Skinner, 1977)
Oruma – member of the Njọ Inland cluster: see Njọ 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade–Warji major
Osanga = Gusu: see Jere cluster group: Warji group
Osanyin = next Refs. Temple (1922): Skinner (1977)
Ọsayẹn – member of the Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn cluster
Osholio = Sholio: see the Katab cluster Pabir = Bura–Pabir
Ọ̀shùn = Ọ̀shùn: a dialect of Yoruba Paha = Pa’a
Osisi = Yumu: see the Kambari I cluster Paiem = Fyam
Osokum – dialect of Bokyi Paiko – dialect of Gbari
Osopong – dialect of Mbembe Paka – dialect of Nzanyi: the Nzanyi cluster
Pakara = Cara
376. Ọsọsọ Pakaro – dialect of Karekare
3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA Pala = Pa’a
4. 6,532 (1957 Bradbury) Palci = next
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid ii. Palsawa = Polci: see the Polci cluster
Panbe = Gomme: see the Koma cluster
Ọtabha – dialect of Abua Panda – dialect of Ebira
Otanga = Otank
379. Pangseng
377. Otank 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA
1.A Utanga, Otanga 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA; Benue State, group: Mumuye subgroup
Kwande LGA 6. Pangseng, Komo, Jega
4. 2,000 (1953 Bohannan); 2,500 (SIL) Refs. Shimuzu (1979)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid
Source(s) Paul Gray wordlist Pangu = Rin
Pani = Pana
Ọtapha – dialect of Abua Panseng = Pangseng
Otugwang = Utugwang: see the Obe cluster Panya = next
Otuọ = Ghotuọ Panyam = Mak
Oturkpo = Idoma Central Passam = Kpasham
Otwa = Ghotuo Patani = Kabụ: see Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Ouled Suliman – member of the Arabic cluster Patapori = Kotopo
Ovande = Evant
Oviedo = Ẹdo (Binĩ
Ovioba = Ẹdo (Binĩ
Owe – dialect of Yoruba
Owe – dialect of Isoko
Owere = next
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
380. Pe
1.A Pai 383. Pidgin
2.B Dalong 3. Spoken as a trade language widely throughout the
3. Plateau State, Pankshin LGA, in seven villages southern states and in Sabon Garis of the northern
4. 2,511 (1934 Ames); 2,000 (1973 SIL); 5000 (1996) states, also spoken as a first language by some people
5. Benue–Congo: Tarokoid 5. Largely English vocabulary superimposed on West
Source(s) Blench (1996) African–local grammatical structures
7. Used in newspaper columns, radio, and television.
Peere = Kotopo 8. Various Scripture portions, Catechism 1957
Péerò = Pero
Pela (Bura Pela) – dialect of Bura–Pabir Piika = next
Pelu = Bolu: see the Geji cluster Pìkkà = Bole
Pem = Fyam Pìpéerò = Pero
Pena = Pere Pipero = Pero
Pere = Kotopo Pire = next
Piri = Tsobo
381. Pere
1.B Perema 384. Piti
1.C sg. Pena, pl. Pereba 1.A Pitti
2.A Wom (town name) 2.B Abisi, Bisi
3. Adamawa State, Fufore LGA 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
4. Spoken in ten villages around Yadim: less than 4. 1,600 (NAT 1950)
4,000 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: group A
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Leko group 6. Riban (Ribam)
Source(s) Blench (1985/7)
Pitiko – see Piya–Kwonci cluster and Kholok
Pereba = next Pitti = Piti
Perema = Pere
385. Piya–Kwonci cluster
382. Pero 1.A Pia
1.A Walo 2.A Wurkum, Pitiko
1.B Péerò 3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, near Didango
1.C sg. Péerò, pl. Pìpéerò 4. 2,500 (1977 Voegelin & Voegelin)
2.A Filiya [town name] 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
3. Gombe State, Shongom LGA, around Filiya. Three group: Bole group
main villages; Gwandum, Gundale and Filiya. *Piya
4. 6,664 (1925 Meek); 20,000 (1973 SIL) 1.A Pia
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major 2.A Wurkum
group: Bole group Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist
6. Dialects associated with three major settlements *Kwonci
7. Primer 1–4 (1931); Reading & Writing Book 4. More than 4000 (1990)
(2006) 6. Kunshenu
8. Scripture portions & other literature 1936–40; Source(s) Blench (1983, 1986); Leger (1990)
Scripture portions in progress
9. Dictionary: Frajzyngier (1985) – including a
complete bibliography of publications in Pero. 386. Polci cluster
Grammar: Frajzyngier (1989) 2.C Ɓarawa, Palsawa
Refs. 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi and Toro LGAs
4. 6,150 or more (1971)
Peski – dialect of Bana 5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group
Petel (Hoai Petel) = Tita *Zul
Pəku–Nu = Kag: see Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 1.B Bi Zule
Us–Zuksun cluster 1.C Nya Zule pl. Man Zule
Pəlci = Polci 2.B Mbarmi, Barma
Phelá – dialect of Gbe 2.C Zulawa
Pia = Kholok 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi and Toro LGAs
Pia = Piya: member of Piya–Kwonci cluster 4. 2,400 (LA 1971). 15 villages (2007)
Pidlimdi – member of the Tera cluster
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
6. Zul is mutually comprehensible with Mbaram R.
(next)
*Mbaram Ra Báà = Baa
1.A Barang, Mbaram Raga – sub dialect of Abu: see the Jidda–Abu cluster
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi and Toro LGAs Randa (Amar Randa) – dialect of Ninzam
*Dir
1.A Diir 389. Rang
4. ‘a few hundred’ (Caron 2005) 3. Taraba State, Zing LGA
*Buli 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
1.A Bələ group: Mumuye subgroup
4. 600 (LA 1971), ‘a few hundred’ (Caron 2005) Refs. Shimizu (1979)
*Langas
1.B Nyamzax Rebina = Ribina: see the Jera cluster
2.A Lundur Regi: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
4. 200 (LA 1971), ‘a few hundred’ (Caron 2005) Rendre = Nungu
*Polci
1.A Posə, Polshi, Palci, Pəlci 390. Reshe
4. 2,950 (LA 1971); 70,000 (Caron 2005) 1.A Tsure Ja
1.B Tsureshe
Polshi = Polci 1.C Bareshe
Pongo = Rin 2.B Gunganci
2.C Gungawa, Yaurawa
Posə = Polci 3. Kebbi State, Yauri LGA; Niger State, Borgu LGA
Pte (Tili Pte) – dialect of Kamwe 4. 15,000 (1931 G&C); 30,000 (1973 SIL)
Ptsəkɛ = Kapsiki: see Kamwe 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji; Lake
Puku = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 6. Birəmi (South), Bəməmədu (Northwest), Bəpalame
Us–Zuksun cluster (Northeast). Harris (1930:321) claims a ‘secret
Purra – Ɓena dialect’ called Tsudalupe which = Bəməmədu.
7. Seven readers prior to 1967; Gospel of Mark; Life
387. Putai of Christ. Bible translation in progress
2.B Margi West 9. Draft grammar and dictionary (Agamalafiya &
2.C Margi Putai = ‘West Margi’, Margi of Minthla Blench)
3. Borno State, Damboa LGA Source(s) Regnier (1992); Agamalafiya (2008)
4. Language dying out, but ethnic population large Refs. Harris (1930, 1946)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bura–Higi
major group: Bura group Rianga – 95 in Bauchi Emirate: Temple (1922:
Source(s) S. Lukas wordlist 339,430)
Ribah – dialect of Lela
Putukwam = the Obe cluster Ribam = Riban: see Piti
Pyam = Fyam Riban – dialect of Piti
Ribaw – dialect of Bata
388. Pyapun Ribina – member of the Jera cluster
3. Plateau State, Shendam LGA
4. 4,635 (1934 Ames) 391. Rigwe
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major 1.A Aregwe, Irigwe
group: Angas group 1.B ɾȉgʷȅ, Rigwe
1.C ƴîɾìgʷȅ pl. yíɾìgʷȅ
Pyem = Fyam 2.A Miango, Nyango, Kwal, Kwoll, Kwan
3. Bassa local government, Plateau State and Kauru
Q. local government, Kaduna State
4. 13,500 (HDG); 40,000 (1985 UBS)
Qua = Ekin: see the Ejagham cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Central group: South–
central subgroup
6. Northern (Kwan), Southern (Miango)
7. Reading and Writing Irigwe (2006)
8. Scripture portions between 1923 and 1936, Old
Testament stories. Katikism /Irigwe Catechism (Anon
1935), nine NT books (1935), Irigwe Hymnbook
75
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
(1986), Alphabet chart (1986). NT translation in 394. Rubu
progress 3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Rubu town
10. Hausa is the common market language but 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: West: Baushi cluster [no
English is widely known due to proximity to Jos data]
11. Not currently endangered Source(s) Gimba (2010)
12. Some radio broadcasts in Plateau State
Source(s): Gya (2007) Rufawa = Rùhû: see the Lame cluster
Rufu = Rùhû: see the Lame cluster
Rim – dialect of Berom Rùhû: see the Lame cluster
Rukuba = Che
392. Rin
1.A Pongu, Pongo, Pangu 395. Ruma
1.B Tə̀rĩ,́ Tarin 1.A Rurama
1.C sg. Bùrĩ,́ pl. Arĩ ́ 1.B Turuma
2.A Arringeu 1.C Arumaruma
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, near Tegina 2.B Bagwama (also refers to Kurama)
4. 3,675 (1949 HDG); >20,000 (1988) 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– 4. 2,200 (NAT 1948)
Basa group 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
6. Awəgə is sometimes classed as a dialect of Rin, but Jos group: Kauru subgroup
there is every reason to think it is a distinct but Source(s) Blench (1981–2)
vanishing language spoken by one Rin clan.
7. Reading and writing books. Rumada – name for settled former Fulɓe slaves, some
13. Literacy programme in progress since 2004 speak Fulfulde, some Hausa
Source(s) Blench (1981, 1988); Rumadawa – name for settled former Fulɓe slaves,
Refs. Dettweiler (1992); MacDonell & Smith (2004) some speak Fulfulde, some Hausa
Rumaiya = Mala
Rindiri = Rindre Rumaya = Mala
Rụmuji – dialect of Ikwere
393. Rindre
1.A Rendre, Rindiri, Lindiri 396. Run cluster
2.A Wamba, Nungu 1.A Ron
3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA 1.B Run
4. 10,000 (1972 Welmers); 25,000 (SIL) 2.C Challa, Cala, Chala, Challawa
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: 3. Plateau State, Bokkos LGA
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 2 4. 13,120 (1934 Ames); 60,000 (1985 UBS)
6. Rindre, Gudi 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group
10. Hausa 6. Bokkos and Daffo–Butura are more closely related
Source(s) Kato (2008) than Sha
7. Alphabet book 1985; Alphabet chart 1995
Rishuwa = Si: see the Lere cluster 8. Bible translation in progress
Riyom = Rim: see Berom Source(s) Ibrahim wordlist
Rˆgudede – a dialect of Nzanyi Refs. Jungraithmayr (1965, 1968a, 1968b, 1970);
Roba – member of Lala cluster *Run Bokkos
Ro Bambami = Agoi 1.B Lis ma Run
Rogdo – Referred to in Temple (1922:347). No 2.A Bokos
further information. 2.C Challa, Cala
Rogede – dialect of Nzanyi 6. Bokkos, Baron
Roma listed by Rowlands (1962); now speak Lela 7. Primer 1 (1986)
Ron – Run, also used of Ron, Sha and Kulere as a 9. Dictionary draft: Akila & Blench (2007)
group * Run Daffo–Butura
Ropp – dialect of Berom 1.A Ron
RuBasa = Basa–Benue 1.B Alis I Run
2.A Batura
2.C Challa
6. Daffa, Butura
7. Primer 1 (1986)
* Manguna
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA 4. 42,000 total (1972 SIL); 50,000 (1971 Welmers)
*Mangar 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Leko group
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA 7. Literacy programme in Cameroon
*Sha 8. Some religious literature published and New
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA Testament in first draft in Cameroon (UBS)
4. 500 (SIL); about 1,000 (1970 Jungraithmayr) 9. Grammar: ?
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group
Samban = Shamang
Rurama = Ruma
399. Sambe
S. 1.B Sambe
1.C Sambe
Saare – member of Hun–Saare cluster 3. Kaduna State.
Saawa – dialect of Mumuye 4. 2 (2005)
Sade – Sade, Bauchi State: Darazo LGA Ballard 5. Benue-Congo: Plateau: Alumic
(1971) 10. Ninzo
Sagbee – dialect of Mumuye 11. Moribund; some rememberers exist
Sago = Diriya Source: Blench & Kato (2005)
Saik – member of Hyam cluster
Saka = Oḍual Sambuga – member of Shama–Sambuga cluster
Sákwún (Gə$mà Sákwún) = Sukur
Sale = Rukuba 400. Samburu
Salka – member of the Kambari I cluster 3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Samburu town
Sama = Samba Leko or Samba Daka 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: West: Baushi cluster [no
Sama (Ngoshe Sama) = Gvoko data]
Samabu = Samba Daka Source(s) Gimba (2010)
Samang = Shamang
Samba = Samba Leko or Samba Daka Sanga = the Numana–Nunku–Gwantu–Numbu cluster

397. Samba Daka cluster 401. Sanga

1.A Chamba–Daka, Samba, Chamba, Tchamba, 1.B Aŋma Asanga
Tsamba, Jama, Daka 1.C Asanga
1.C Samabu 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Lame district
3. Taraba State, Ganye, Jalingo, Bali, Zing, and Mayo 4. 1,700 (NAT 1950); 5,000 (1973 SIL)
Belwa LGAs 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
4. 66,000 (1952); 60,000 (1982 SIL); more than Jos group: North–central cluster
100,000 (1990) Source(s)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid: Dakoid
6. These dialects may form a dialect or language Sangawa = Sanga
cluster together with Lamja & Taram (q.v.). It is not Sar = Sarawa
clear whether Dirim is another dialect or just a name Sarkanci = next
for the Samba Daka. Sarkawa = Sorko
8. Samba Daka: Mark 1933, OT Stories 1937 Sarawa – In the Sara Hills south of Leri: Temple
Source(s) Blench (1987); Boyd & Fardon (1992) (1922: 324,431)
*Samba Daka
*Samba Jangani 402. Sasaru–Enwan–Igwẹ
*Samba Nnakenyare 3. Edo State, Akoko–Edo LGA
*Samba of Mapeo 4. 3,775 (1952)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid ii.
Samba Leeko = Samba Leko 6. Enwan, Igwẹ, Sasaru

398. Samba Leko Sate = Kumba

1.A Chamba Leko, Samba Leeko Savi – dialect of Gbe
1.B Sama Saya = Zaar: the Guus-Zaar cluster
1.C Samba Sayanci = Zaar: Guus-Zaar cluster
2.B Leko, Suntai Sayirr – Offset of Tarok or Zaar in the Guus-Zaar
3. Taraba State, Ganye, Fufore, Wukari & Takum cluster? Temple (1922)
LGAs; mainly in Cameroon
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Schoa = Shuwa: member of the Arabic cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North–
Segiddi = Sigidi: see the Guus-Zaar cluster western subgroup: Hyamic
Seimbiri – a north–western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Seiyara = Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar cluster 407. Shang
Selemo = Iṣẹkiri 1.A Kushampa
Semolika = Ẹmhalhẹ 1.B u-ʃaŋ pl. aʃaŋ
Serim = Geeri–Ni: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor– 1.C ʃaŋ
Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster 3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jama’a LGAs. The
Seya = Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar cluster Shang live in two settlements, Kushampa A and B.
Səlyər – a dialect of Tarok Kushampa A is on the road between Kurmin Jibrin
Səna – dialect of Kamwe and Kubacha on the Jere road.
Sərzakwai = Warji 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North–
Sha – member of the Ron cluster western subgroup: Hyamic
Shaari – dialect of Mumuye Source(s) Blench (2009)
Shagau = Shagawu
408. Shanga
403. Shagawu 1.A Shonga
1.A Shagau 3. Kebbi State, Bagudo and Yauri LGAs
2.B Nafunfia, Maleni 4. 10,000 including Kyenga (1973 SIL): language
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA dying out
4. 20,000 (SIL) 5. Niger–Congo: Mande: Southeast Mande
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group Source(s) Ross (n.d.)
Shaini = Sheni Shani = Dera
Shakoyi (Koro of Shakoyĩ = Ujijili Shani = Sheni
404. Shall–Zwall cluster 409. Shau
3. Bauchi State, Dass LGA 1.A Sho
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Beromic 1.B Lìsháù
*Shall 3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA, villages of Shau and
*Zwall Mana
Source(s) Usman (ined.) 4. Almost extinct
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
405. Shama–Sambuga cluster Jos group: Lame cluster
1.B Tushama Refs. Temple (1922); Campbell and Hoskison (1970);
1.C sg. Bushama, pl. Ushama Shimizu (1982)
2.C Kamuku
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA; Shaushau = Berom
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Kamuku– Shede = Guɗe
Basa group Shekiri = Iṣẹkiri
Source(s) Blench (1987); Regnier (1992) Shellem – dialect of Dera
*Shama
1.B Tushama 410. Sheni-Ziriya-Kere cluster
1.C Bushama sg. Ushama pl. *Sheni
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Ushama [=Kawo] town. 15 1.A Shani, Shaini
km northwest of Kagara 1.B tiSeni
Source(s) Blench (1987) 1.C one person onoSeni, people anaSeni
*Sambuga 3. Kaduna State, Lere LGA. Two settlements, Sheni
3. Niger State, Rafi LGA, Sambuga town. 10 km (N10˚ 22.6, E 8˚ 45.9) and Gurjiya (N10˚ 21.5, E 8˚
northwest of Kagara 45.2)
4. Possibly extinct (2008) 4. 6 fluent speakers remaining out of ethnic
Source(s) Regnier (1992) community of ca. 1500 (Blench 2003)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
406. Shamang Jos group: group c.
1.A Samban Source(s) Meek (ined.) Blench (2003)
1.B Shamang *Kere
1.C Samang 3. Kaduna State, Lere LGA. Kere
3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jama’a LGAs
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
4. extinct (Blench 2003) 1.B Nyé
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern 1.C Nwi Nyé
Jos group: group c. 2.C Kunini
Source(s) Blench (2003)
*Ziriya Shooa = Shuwa: member of the Arabic cluster
1.A Jiriya Shosho = Berom
3. Bauchi State: Toro LGA: Ziriya (N10˚ 22.6, E 8˚ Shua = next
50) Shuge = Shuwa: member of the Arabic cluster
4. extinct (ethnic community ca. 2000) Shùŋò ̣ = Loo
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Shuwa – member of the Arabic cluster
Jos group c
Source(s) Blench (2003) 413. Shuwa–Zamani
Refs. Campbell and Hoskison (1969); Shimizu (1982) 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
Shere – dialect of Izere Jos group: Kauru subgroup
Shere – Lala Source(s) Blench (1986)
Shigokpna – dialect of Gbari
Si: see the Lere cluster
411. Shiki Sigdi = next
2.A Gubi, Guba Sigidi – member of the Guus-Zaar cluster
2.C Gubawa Sine = Berom
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA
4. 300 (LA 1971) 414. Siri
5. Benue–Congo: Bantu: Jarawan 1.B Siri
Refs. Shimizu (1982) 2.B Siryanci
3. Bauchi State, Darazo and Ningi LGAs
Shifinagh = Tamajeq 4. 2,000 (LA 1971); 3,000 (1977 Skinner)
Shingini = Cishingyini: see Kambari I 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade–Warji major
Ship = Miship group: Warji group
Shirawa – extinct Chadic language in the Katagum Refs. Skinner (1977)
region
Shitako = Dibo Siryanci = Siri
Sho = Shau Skrubu = Srubu
Sholio – member of the Katab cluster Sobo = Isoko and Urhobo
Shomo = next Somorika = Ẹmhalhẹ
Shomoh = next
Shomong = Como–Karim 415. Somyɛv
Shonga = Shanga 2.A Kila, Zuzun
Shongom – dialect of Tangale 3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, (Blacksmiths’
dialect). Kila Yang village, 10 km. west of Mayo
412. Shoo–Minda–Nye cluster Ndaga. Also formerly spoken in Cameroun
3. Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA 4. 4 speakers (2006)
4. 10,000 (SIL) 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid:
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid: Mambiloid: Mambila
Jukun–Mbembe–Wurbo group: Wurbo cluster Source(s) Blench (1990); Connell (1996, 2006)
6. May be related to Jessi spoken betwen Lau and Refs. Meek (1931)
Lankoviri
Source(s) Leger (1990); Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) Songo = Burak
Refs. Shimizu (1980) Sôougé = Shuwa: member of the Arabic cluster
*Shoo
1.A Shóó 416. Sorko
1.B dàŋ Shóó 2.A Bozo not recommended
1.C Nwii Shóó 2.B Sarkanci
2.C Banda, Bandawa 2.C Sarkawa
*Minda, 3. Niger, Kwara & Kebbi States; fishermen on Lake
2.A Jinleri Kainji
*Nye 4. Most Sorko now speak only Hausa. Mainly in Mali
1.A Nyé 5. Niger–Congo: Mande: Central Mande
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Source(s) Blench (1980) 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
Jos group: Kauru subgroup
South (Etung South): see the Ejagham cluster
South (Idoma South): see the Idoma cluster Swabou – dialect of Tsobo
South Ivbie = Etsakọ = Yẹkhee Tai = Tee
South Khana – a dialect of Khana Takas – dialect of Mwaghvul
South (Lamang South): see the Lamang cluster Takat = Atakar: see the Katab cluster
South – see Margi South Takaya – member of the Lere cluster
South Ogbah – a dialect of Ogbah Tako (Nupe Tako) – see the Nupe–Nupe Tako cluster
South–West Duguri: see the Jar cluster Takpa = Nupe Central
South–Western Mumuye: see the Mumuye cluster Takum = Jukun of Takum and Donga
Southern Zaria – a dialect area of Fulfulde Takum – dialect of Kpan
Srubu = Surubu
Ssaare = Saare: member of Hun–Saare cluster 420. Tẹẹ
Standard: see Igbo; and Nzọn: Njọ cluster 1.A Tai
Subku a subgroup of Ɓena: Westermann and Bryan 1.B Tè ̣è ̣
(1952) 1.C Tè ̣è ̣
Sudanese Arabic = Baggara: member of the Arabic 3. Rivers State, Tè ̣è ̣ Local Government Area
cluster (TALGA)
Sugudi = Sigidi: see the Guus-Zaar cluster 4. 313,000 (2006)
Sugur = Sukur 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Ogoni:
Sugurti – dialect of Kanembu: Kanuri–Kanembu West group
Source(s) Williamson (p.c.)
417. Sakun Refs. Nwi-Bari (2001)
1.B Sakun, Gemasakun
1.C Gə$mà Sákún 421. Tal
2.A Sugur 1.B Amtul
2.B Adikummu Sukur 2.A Kwabzak
3. Adamawa State, Madgali LGA 3. Plateau State, Pankshin LGA
4. 5,000 (1952); 10,000 (1973 SIL). Seven villages 4. 9,210 (1934 Ames); 10,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara– 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
Mafa–Sukur major group: Sukur group group: Angas group
Source(s) Blench (1991); Source(s) IL/NBTT wordlist
Electronic Resources:
Refs. Wolff (1974) Sterner (200x) 422. Tala
3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Zungur district
Suliman (Uled Suliman) – member of the Arabic 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Zaar group:
cluster Guruntum subgroup
Sum – a dialect of Geruma
Sumwakpna – dialect of Gbari 423. Tamajeq
Suntai = Samba Leko 1.B Tamajeq; Tifinagh, Shifinagh script
Supana = Hɨpɨna 1.C pl. Tuareg (Twareg), sg. Targi
2.C Buzu, Bugaje, Azbinawa
418. Sur 3. In northern towns; mainly in the Republics of
1.A Suru, Tapshin Niger, Algeria and Mali
2.A Myet 4. Probably no settled rural populations in Nigeria;
3. Bauchi State, Dass LGA 360,000 total (Glover 1987)
4. One village 5. Afroasiatic: Berber: Tuareg
5. Benue–Congo: Tarokoid 7. A literary language with its own script.
8. Scripture translation in progress; portions 1986
Sura = Mwaghavul
Suru = Tapshin 424. Tambas
1.A Tembis
419. Surubu 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA
1.A Srubu, Skrubu, Zurubu 4. 3,000 (SIL)
2.B Fiti 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Ron group
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
4. 1,950 (NAT 1948) Tambo = Mbula–Bwazza
80
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Tambu = Mbula–Bwazza 3. Borno State, Northeastern LGAs. Mostly in Niger
Tamien – a dialect of Nor and Chad.
4. A few villages. Less than 2000 in Nigeria
425. Tangale 5. Nilo–Saharan: Saharan
1.A Tangle 6. Teda has many dialects –Kecherda is spoken in
1.B Táŋlɛ$$ Nigeria
2.A Billiri Source(s) Blench (1990)
3. Gombe State, Kaltungo, Alkaleri and Akko LGAs
4. 36,000 (1952 W&B); 100,000 (1973 SIL) Teel = Montol
5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major Temageri – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
group: Bole–Tangale group Tembis = Tambas
6. Ture, Kaltungo, Shongom, Billiri
8. New Testament 1932, 1953 and 1963, Scripture 428. Teme
portions 1920–1941 1.A Temme
9. Dictionary 3. Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore LGAs
Source(s) 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
Refs. Temple (1922: 347,235,430); Jungraithmayr group: Yendang subgroup
(1971, 1991)
Temme = Teme
Tangle = Tangale Ten = Aten
Tanjijili = Ujijili Tenna – Lala
Táŋlɛ$ = Tangale
Tapa = Nupe Central 429. Tep
Tappah = Nupe Central 3. Taraba State. Mambila Plateau
Taraba – dialect of Longuda 4. A single village and associated hamlets. <4000
Tarakiri – two dialects of Nzọn: Njọ cluster 5. Benue-Congo: North Bantoid: Mambiloid
Taram – dialect of Samba Daka Source: Connell (1998)
Targi = Tamajeq Ref(s): Blench (1993)
Tari = Shakara, part of Nandu–Ningon-Shakara
Tariya = Cara 430. Tera cluster
Tariya (nya Tariya) – dialect of Longuda 3. Borno State, Biu LGA; Gombe State, Gombi LGA,
Kwami district, Ako LGA, Yamaltu and Ako
426. Tarok districts, Dukku LGA, Funakaye district
1.B iTarok 4. 46,000 (SIL); 50,000 (Newman 1970)
2.B Appa, Yergam, Yergum 5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Tera group
3. Plateau State, Langtang, Wase LGAs, Refs.
4. 68,000 (1971 Welmers); 140,000 (1985 UBS) *Nyimatli
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Tarokoid 1.A Yamaltu, Nimalto, Nyemathi
6. iTarok (Plain Tarok), iZini (Hill Tarok), Səlyər, 3. Gombe State, Ako, Gombe, Kwami, Funakai,
iTarok Oga aSa, iGyang Yamaltu LGAs; Borno State, Ɓayo LGA
7. Primer 1915, Primers and readers in 3 volumes 6. Wuyo-Ɓalɓiya-Waɗe; Deba-Zambuk-Hina-
(1988), literacy work in progress: Kalshingi-Kwadon [orthography based on this
8. Scripture portions 1917, 1966, Catechism 1917, cluster]
New Testament 1988 7. Let’s Develop Nyimatli language (2004); Reading
9. Dictionary draft Longtau & Blench (n.d.); and writing book reaady for press (2008)
Grammar (Longtau 2008) 8. Gospel of John, Catechism, song book (1930);
Source(s) Longtau, Blench (n.d.) Gospel of Luke in trial edition; scripture portions in
Refs. Longtau (2008) progress
9. Grammar: Newman (1970); Phonology: Tench
Taura = Takaya: see the Lere cluster (2007)
Tawari – dialect of Gbagyi 11. Jesus Film (2004)
Tchade = Guɗe *Pidlimdi
Tchamba = Samba Daka 2.B Hinna, Hina, Ghəna
Tcheke = Guɗe 3. Borno State, Biu LGA
Source(s) S. Lukas wordlist
427. Teda *Bura Kokura
1.A Tubu, Kecherda, Daza 3. Borno State, Biu LGA

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Terea = Cara Source(s) Blench (1982, 2009); Rueck et al (2010)
Teria = Cara *Tinor
Terri = Cara 1.B iTinɔr
Teshenawa – Teshena town, Jigawa State, Keffin 1.C uTinɔr pl. baTinɔr
Hausa LGA; Chadic: West branch B: Bade group: 2.C Waci, Ala, Koron Ala, Koro Makama
extinct: Temple (1922: 32 check) 4. Seven villages south and west of Kubacha. Uca,
Təcəp = Sagamuk Unɛr, Ùsám, Marke, Pànkòrè, Ùtúr, Gɛshɛberẽ
Tə)rə) = Rin 13. Preliminary work on an alphabet has begun
Təsəgəmuk = Sagamuk *Myamya
tFere = Fer: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 2.C Koro Myamya = Miamia = Miyamiya
Us–Zuksun cluster 4. Three villages north and west of Kubacha. Ùshɛ̀,
Tghuade = Dghweɗe Bàgàr [includes Kúràtǎm, Ùcɛr and Bɔ̀dṹ] and
Bàgbwee.
431. Tha
3.Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA and Adamawa Tita – Taraba State, Jalingo LGA, at Hoai Petel:
State, Numan LGA. Joole Manga Dìdí village Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Central Jukunoid:
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Jen group Wurbo. Meek m.s. (wordlist). The language can be
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1995) identified as Jukunoid from Meek’s data, but I have
been unable to identify the place or the people
Thˆr – Adamawa State: Gombi LGA: north of subsequently.
Ga’anda; Tentatively Chadic: Biu Mandara branch A:
Tera group. Said not to be the same as Ga’anda. 433. Tiv
Blench (1987) 1.A Tív, Tivi
Thlukfu – dialect of Bana 2.C Munshi (not recommended)
tHun – member of Hun–Saare 3. Benue State, Makurdi, Gwer, Gboko Kwande,
Tifinagh = Tamajeq Vandeikya and Katsina Ala LGAs; Nasarawa State,
Tigong = Mbembe Tigong including Ashuku and Lafia LGA; Taraba State, Wukari, Takum, Bali LGA;
Nama (Kporo); but also used for other groups around and in Cameroon
Tigong: Abon, Batu and Bitare 4. 800,000 (1952); 1,500,000 (1980 UBS)
Tigum = next 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid: Tivoid:
Tigun = Mbembe Tigong 7. Primer 1914, grammar, school text books, literacy
Tijanji = Janji programme in progress; orthography published 1983
Tikurumi = Kurama 8. Bible 1966, New Testament 1942, Scripture
Tili Pte – dialect of Kamwe portions from 1916, hymnbook, catechism,
Tim – Cakfem–Mushere: Ballard (1971) commentaries on parts of the Bible, other Christian
Timap = Amo literature
9. Dictionaries: Malherbe (1934), Abraham (1940b),
432. Tinɔr-Myamya cluster Terpstra (1968). Grammar: Abraham (1940a)
1.A The peoples falling under the name Tinɔr-
Myamya have no common name for themselves but Tivi = Tiv
refer to individual villages when speaking, apply Tiya = Ya: see the Vaghat cluster
noun-class prefixes to the stem. Hence the great Tiyal = next
multiplicity of names, none of which are Tiyar = Tiyal:- member of the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal
authoritative. The name Begbere comes from cluster
Bàgbwee, a Myamya village and Ejar from Ìzar (see tJiir = Jiir: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–
2.A). Zuksun cluster
2.A Begbere-Ejar. The Tinɔr-Myamya share a tKər = Kar: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–
common ethnonym with the Ashe (q.v.) which is Uzar Us–Zuksun cluster
pl. Bazar for the people and Ìzar for the language. tKag = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–
This name is the origin of the term Ejar. Us–Zuksun cluster
2.C Koro Agwe, Agwere, Koro Makama tmaKoor = Koor: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–
3. Kaduna State, Kagarko LGA Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
4. 35,000 including Ashe (1972 Barrett) Tochipo = Sagamuk
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North– Tof = Kulere
western subgroup: Koro cluster Toganchi –Hausa
10. Ashe, Hyam and Gbagyi are nearby languages Toghwede = Dghweɗe
often spoken by the Tinɔr. Hausa and English are Tola – dialect of Samba Daka
known as languages of wider communication. Tolu: Akpọ–Mgbu–Tolu – dialect of Ikwere: Igbo
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Toni – dialect of Gwandara Tsure Ja = Reshe
Toni – Nasarawa State, near Keffi: 1,351: Temple Tsureshe = Reshe
(1922: 353–4). An unclassified Niger–Congo Tuareg = Tamajeq
language; no subsequent evidence – Blench Tubu = Teda
Tourou = Xedi Tudawa d-Gwan = Ror: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–
Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
434. Toro Tufungwa = Fungwa
1.C Tɔrɔ Tugbeni = next
2.A Turkwam Tugbeni Kaiama = Oruma: member of Inland Njọ: Njọ
3. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA cluster
4. 6,000 (1973 SIL). 2000 (Blench 1999). The Toro Tugum = next
people live in one large village, Turkwam, some two Tugumawa = Tigong
km. southeast of Kanja on the Wamba-Fadan Karshi Tugun = Tigong
road Tuguru = Gura: see Lame cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Tuhungwɔrɔ = Hungw
ry

Source: Blench (1999) Tukun = Tigong

Traude = Dghwede 437. Tula

Trauɗe = Dghweɗe 1.A Ture
tRor = Ror: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 1.B yii Kitule
Us–Zuksun cluster 1.C Naba Kitule pl. Kitule
Tsábẹ – dialect of Yoruba 3. Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA. Tula is 30 km. east
Tsaganci = next of Billiri.
Tsagu = Ciwogai 4. 19,209 (1952 W&B); 12,204 (1961–2
Tsamba = Samba Daka Jungraithmayr); 19,000 (1973 SIL). ca. 50 villages
Tshekeri = Iṣẹkiri ?100,000 est.
Tsˆgaɗi – dialect of Kambari I 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
Tsˆkimba – dialect of Kambari II 6. Baule, Wangke [used for literacy development],
Tsˆvaɗi – dialect of Kambari I Yiri
Tsˆwənci – dialect of Kambari II 7. Reading and Writing Books (I, II) (1991, 2001);
Folk Stories (2007);
435. Tsobo 8. John (1929); Hymnbook (2006); Gospels John,
1.A Cibbo Luke (2007)
1.B Tsóbó 9. Language Cassettes (7)
1.C nyi Tsó 10. Video (traditional Christian hymns) (2006)
2.A Lotsu–Piri, Pire, Fire 11. History of Christianity in Tula (2006); Tula Land:
2.B Kitta a community designed neglect (2007); Adventure to
3. Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA, Adamawa State, Tula land (2005)
Numan LGA Source(s) Kleinwillinghöfer (1992);
4. 2,000 (1952) Refs. Anon. (1955/6), Jungraithmayr (1968/9)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
6. Bərbou, Guzubo, Swabou Tulai = Zeem
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1992) Tum = Kaningkon: see the Kaningkon–Nindem
cluster
Tsudalupe – Reshe Tumala = Mala

436. Tsupamini 438. Tumi

1.A Lopa 1.B Tutumi
2.B Lopanic 2.A Kitimi
2.C Lopawa 3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA
3. Niger State, Borgu LGA, Kebbi State, Yauri LGA. 4. 635 (NAT 1949)
At least six villages on the east shore of the Lake plus 5. Benue–Congo: Eastern Kainji: Northern Jos group:
two others on the west shore. Kauru subgroup
4. 960 (NAT 1950); 5,000 (1992 est.). Global Source(s) Blench (1984)
estimate with Rop
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Western Kainji: Lake group Tungbo – North–Western dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Source(s) Blench (1992); Blench & McGill (2011)

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
439. Tunzu 441. Ubang
1.B one person Tunzú, people àTunzû 1.B Ùbâŋ
1.C ìTunzû 3. Cross River State, Obudu LGA
2.A Dugusa, Duguza 5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi
3. Plateau State, Jos East Local Government (5
villages), main settlement at N10˚ 02, E 9˚ 06. Bauchi Ùbâŋ = Ubang
State, Toro LGA (2 villages) Ụḅanị = Nḅanị: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster
4. 2500 speakers (Blench 2003 est.). There are Ubeteng = Ehom: see the Akpet–Ehom cluster
probably another 2000 ethnic Tunzu who don’t speak Ubima – dialect of Ikwere
the language. Ubwəbwə = Rin
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Ubye – dialect of Ẹkpeye
Jos group: group c Ucanja = Rogo
10. Izere, Ibunu, Hausa Ucɛpo = Səgəmuk
11. Threatened by switch to Hausa Ucinda = Cinda: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster
Source(s) Blench & Nengel (2003)
442. Uda
Tuomọ – a North–West dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster 1.B Uda
Tur – Xedi 3. Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA
Ture = Tula 4. 10,000 plus (1988)
Ture = Tangale 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Turegi = Regi: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster Cross
Turɔgɔ = Rogo Refs. Connell (1991)
Turu = Xedi
Turu = Etulo Udam – Tiv name for Bete and Bekwarra. Stanford
Turuma = Ruma (1976)
Turumawa = Etulo Udekama = a clan name of the Degema
tUs = Us: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us– Udo – member of Arigidi cluster
Zuksun cluster Udom = Nde: see the Bakor cluster
Tushama = Shama: Shama–Sambuga cluster Udsọ = Njọ
Tusundura = Sundura Udu) = Idun
Tutumi = Tumi Udzo = Njọ
Twareg = Tamajeq Ufe = Yoruba
Tyab = next Ufia – member of the Oring cluster
Tyap = Kataf: see the Katab cluster Ufiom – member of the Oring cluster
Tyenga = Kyenga
tZuksun = Zuksun: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor– 443. Ugare
Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster 2.B Binangeli, Messaka
3. Cassetta & Cassetta (1994) say ‘Probably 75‒80%
440. Ubaghara cluster of Ugare speakers live on the Cameroon side of the
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA border, in the Akwaya subdivision of Cameroon’s
4. 30,000 (1985 UBS) Southwest Province. The Ugare speakers who live in
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper Nigeria are primarily in the Benue and Taraba States.
Cross group Central: There is also a large settlement of Ugare speakers in
North–South the New Town Berumbe district of Kumba in
*Biakpan Cameroon’s Southwest Province.’
3. Ubaghara Development Area 4. 5000 est. (1994)
8. New Testament draft being revised (UBS 1989) 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Tivoid.
*Ikun Refs: Cassetta & Cassetta (1994a,b,c)
3. Ubaghara Development Area
*Etono Ugbala – dialect of Kukele
3. Ubaghara Development Area Ugbe (Ugee) – Sub–tribe of Tiv in Cameroon near
*Ugbem Turan. Population 800. Gospel Recordings (1971).
3. Egup–Ita Development Area Not Tiv (Maaki Adam).
*Utuma Ugbem – member of the Ubaghara cluster
3. Umon Development Area Ugee = Ugbe
Ugep = Lokạạ

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
444. Uhami
2.B Isua 448. Ukue
3. Ondo State, Akoko–South and Owo LGAs 2.A Ukpe, Ẹkpenmi
4. 5,498 (1963) 3. Ondo State, Akoko South LGA
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid ii. 4. 5,702 (1963)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Western Edoid ii.
Uhungwɔrɔ = Hungw
ry

Uive = Iyive Ukwali = Ụkwuanị: see Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị
Ujagbo – Bendel State, Agbazko LGA; dialect of
Esan? Bradbury (1957) 449. Ukwa
Ujo = Njọ 3. Cross River State, Akampka LGA
Ụjọ = Nzọn: Njọ cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower
Ùkã̀ ã̀ = Ukaan Cross
Source(s) Connell (1991)
445. Ukaan
1.A Ìkàn, Ikani Ukwani = Ụkwuanị: see the Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị
1.B Ùkãã, Ìkã cluster
2.A Anyaran Ukwese – Live among the Tiv
2.B Aika (Acronym of town names but not widely
accepted) 450. Ụkwuanị–Aboh–Ndọnị cluster
3. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, towns of Kakumo– 3. Delta State, Ndokwa LGA; Rivers State, Ahoada
Aworo (Kakumo–Kejĩ, Auga and Iṣe; Edo State, LGA
Akoko Edo LGA, towns of Kakumo–Akoko and 4. 150,000 (SIL)
Anyaran 5. Benue–Congo: Igboid: Ụkwuanị
5. Benue–Congo: Ukaan *Ụkwuanị
6. Ìshè ̣, Ẹkakumọ, Auga 1.A Ukwani, Ukwali, Kwale
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1973); Olukoju (1985); 3. Delta State, Ndokwa LGA
Abiodun (2001) 6. Utaaba, Emu, Abbi, Obiaruku
7. 1 Primer
Ukanafun – dialect of Anaang *Aboh
Ukele = Kukele 1.A Eboh
Ukelle = Kukele 3. Delta State, Ndokwa LGA
Uki = Bokyi *Ndọnị
Ukpe – see the Ukpe–Bayobiri cluster 3. Rivers State, Ahoada LGA
Ukpe = Ukue
Ula = Fungwa
446. Ukpe–Bayobiri cluster Uled Suliman – member of Arabic cluster
3. Cross River State, Obudu and Ikom LGAs Uleme = Unẹmẹ
4. 12,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Unclassified: Bendi 451. Ulukwumi
*Ukpe 1.A Unukwumi
*Bayobiri 3. Delta State, Aniocha and Oshimili LGAs
4. less than 10,000
447. Ukpet–Ehom cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Defoid: unclassified Yoruboid
1.A Akpet–Ehom language
3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA Source(s) Elugbe p.c.
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Cross: East–West group Ume – dialect of Isoko
*Ukpet
1.B Akpet 452. Umon
*Ehom 1.C Amon
1.B Ubeteng 3. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA
1.C Ebeteng 4. 25 villages
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
Ukpɛ = Okpẹ Cross: Central: North–South
Ukpilla = Okpela: member of the Ivbie North– 8. Scripture portions 1895
Okpela–Arhe cluster
Uku = Ọkọ: see the Ọkọ–Eni–Ọsayẹn cluster Umuahia – dialect of Igbo
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Unege – Igbo Utaaba – dialect of Ụkwuanị
Utanga = Otank
453. Unẹmẹ Uti – dialect of Isoko
1.A Uleme, Ileme, Ineme Utonkon = Ufia: see the Oring cluster
3. Edo State, Etsako, Agbazilo and Akoko–Edo Utse = Baceve
LGAs. The Uneme are a casted blacksmith group and Utser = Baceve
live scattered among other language groups. Utseu = Baceve: see the Iceve cluster
4. 6,000 (1952). Utugwang – member of the Obe cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid ii. Utuma – member of the Ubaghara cluster
7. 1 primer Utur = Etulo

Ungu = Idun 456. Uvbiẹ

Ungwe = Hungw
ry
1.A Uvwie, Evrie, Uvhria, Effurum, Effurun, Evhro
Union = next (not recommended)
Union Igbo: see the Igbo cluster 3. Delta State, Ethiope LGA
Unọgbọkọ – dialect of Isoko 4. 6,000 (1952)
Unwana – dialect of Igbo 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: South–Western Edoid
Unyeada – dialect of Obolo
Upata – dialect of Ẹkpeye Uvhria = Uvbiẹ
Ura = Fungwa Uvin = Vin: member of Fali cluster
Urahuli = Huli: member of Fali cluster Uvwie = Uvbiẹ
Ura Madzarin = Madzarin: member of Fali cluster Uwepa–Uwano – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
Uramɓween = Ɓween: member of Fali cluster Uwet = Bakpinka
Uregi = Regi: see the Cinda–Regi–Tiyal cluster Ụ̀wọò ̣kwù ̣ – dialect of Igede
Urga – dialect of Margi Uyanga = Doko–Uyanga
Uzairue – dialect of Etsakọ = Yẹkhee
454. Urhobo
1.A Sobo (not recommended) (See also Isoko) 457. Uzekwe
2.C Biotu (See also Isoko) 1.A Ezekwe
3. Delta State, Ethiope and Ughelli LGAs 3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA
4. at least 173,000 (1952 REB); 340,000 (1973 SIL) 4. 5,000 (1973 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: South–Western Edoid 5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Upper
6. Several dialects, Agbarho accepted as standard. Cross: Central: North–South
Okpe and Uvbiẹ, often regarded as dialects of
Urhobo, are treated as distinct languages (q.v.) on Uzere – dialect of Isoko
purely linguistic grounds Uzo = Itu–Mbon–Uzo
7. Primers 1927, 1959, 1976, Reading Book 1963 Uzo = Baatọnun
8. Bible in press 1976, New Testament 1951 and Ụzọ = Nzọn: Njọ cluster
1962, Scripture portions from 1927
458. Vaghat–Ya–Bijim–Legeri cluster
Uro – member of the Akoko cluster 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa
Urɔgɔ = Rogo Balewa LGA
Uroovin = Vin: member of Fali cluster 5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group:
Southwestern subgroup: cluster 1
455. Usaghade 458.*Vaghat
1.A Usakade(t) 1.B Ti Vaghat
1.B Usaghade 1.C sg. Vaghat, pl. aVaghat
2.A Isangele 2.A Kadun, Kwanka
3. Cross River State, Odukpani LGA; mainly in 3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa
Cameroon, Isangele sub–division Balewa LGA
4. estimate 10,000 (1990) although mostly in 458.*Ya
Cameroon 1.B Tiya
5. Benue–Congo: Cross River: Delta–Cross: Lower 1.C sg. Ya, pl. a-Ya
Cross 2.A Boi
Source(s) Connell (1990) 3. Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. 10 villages 20
km. South of Tafawa Balewa
Ushama = Shama: see Shama–Sambuga cluster 4. less than 5,000 (1990)
Usokun = Degema Source(s)
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
458.*Bijim
3. Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA Voute = Vute
Source(s) vuBaangi = Baangi: see the Kambari I cluster
458.*Legeri
3. Plateau State, Mangu LGA 462. Vute
Source(s) Blench (1990) 1.A Bute, Mbute, Wute, Voute
1.C Mbutere
Vəcəmwe = Kamwe 3. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA; northeast Mambila
Və Mvəran = Mburku Plateau, but mainly in Cameroon
4. 1,000 or less in Nigeria; 30,000 in Cameroon (1985
459. Vemgo–Mabas EELC)
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara– 5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Northern Bantoid:
Mafa–Sukur major group: Mandara Group Mambiloid
*Vemgo 6. At least 6 dialects
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, Source(s)
Michika LGA; and in Cameroon Refs. Guarisma (1978); Thwing (1987)
Refs. Wolff (1971,1974); Dieu & Renaud (1983)
*Mabas Vwang (Gyell–Kuru–Vwang) – dialect group of
3. Adamawa State, Michika LGA. 10 km. S.E. of Berom
Madagali Vwezhi – dialect of Gbagyi
4. A single village on the Nigeria/Cameroon Wa–Duku – a dialect of Bacama: see the Bata cluster
frontier Wa–Gwamhi = next
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983), Blench (1990) Wa–Wuri = Gwamhi–Wuri
Wa’a = Dghweɗe
Vere = next Wa Bambami = Agoi
Verre = Momi, Mom Jango Wadi – dialect of Bata
Vəne Mi = Miya Waga – dialect of Ghumbagha: see the Lamang
Vigzar = next cluster
Vik Zaar = Zaar: see the Guus-Zaar cluster Wagga = Waja
Vimtim = Vin: member of Fali cluster Wagga = Waga: dialect of Ghumbagha: see the
VinaHə = Kariya Lamang cluster
Vina Zumbun = Zumbun WaGọi = Agọi
Visik = next Waha = Waga: see Lamang cluster, Lamang Central
Vizik – dialect of Lamang Central: see the Lamang Wahe – dialect of Gbari
cluster Waja = Wiyaa
Vodni = Badni – dialect of Mwaghavul?
Vomni = Ndera: see the Koma cluster 463. Waka
3. Adamawa State, Fufore, Mayo Belwa LGAs
460. Vono 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
1.B Kivɔnɔ group: Yendang subgroup
1.C Avɔnɔ
2.B Kibolo, Kiwollo, Kiballo Wakande = Mbembe
3. Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA Wakane (Gwoza Wakane) – a dialect of Lamang
4. 335 (NAT 1949); 500 (1973 SIL) North: see the Lamang cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern Wake = Kwange: refers to Gbari and Gbagyi
Jos group: Kauru subgroup Wakịrịkẹ = Kịrịkẹ: member of KOIN: see Njọ cluster
Source(s) Blench (1986) Wakura – cover term for several languages in the
Michika LGA of
461. Voro Borno State. See Lamang, Glavda, Guduf
1.A Vɔrɔ Walo = Pero
1.B Ebəna, Ebina Wamba = Nungu
1.C Ɓena Wamdiu – dialect of Margi South
2.A Woro
2.B Yungur
3. Adamawa State, Song and Guyuk LGAs, South of
the Dumne road. Waltande and associated hamlets.
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Yungur group
Source(s) Blench (1987); Kleinwillinghöfer (1992)
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
464. Wandala cluster Wawa – dialect of Busa
1.A Mandara, Ndara Wayam = Wãyã
3. Borno State. Bama, Gwoza LGAs.
4. 19,300 in Nigeria (1970); 23,500 in Cameroon 466. Wãyã
(1982 SIL) 1.A Wayam
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara– 1.B Tũwãyã
Mafa–Sukur major group: Mandara group 1.C Vũwãyã pl. Ãwãyã
8. Mark in Cameroon dialect 1967 3. Niger State, Rafi and Shiroro LGAs, Wayam town
*Wandala 5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: West: Baushi cluster
1.C Wandala Source(s) Blench (2001), McGill (2010)
2.A Mandara Refs. Temple (1922: 341,518,523); Gunn and Conant
4. Used as a vehicular language in this locality of (1960: 63)
Nigeria and Cameroon
*Mura Wedu – Less than 1000 scattered among the Angas;
1.C Mura Related to Tal. Gospel Recordings (1971)
2.A Mora, Kirdi Mora Wegam = Kugama
3. Uncertain if this member of the cluster is Wegele = Gengle
spoken in Nigeria Wéme – dialect of Gbe
4. An archaic form of Wandala spoken by non– Weppa–Wano = Uwepa–Uwano: see Etsakọ =
Islamized populations Yẹkhee
*Malgwa Were = Mom Jango
1.C Məlgwa Were = Momi
2.C Malgo, Gamargu, Gamergu West Gwari = Gbari
3. Borno State, Damboa, Gwoza and Konduga West Ogbah – a dialect of Ogbah
LGAs West (Idoma West) – a dialect of Idoma
4. 10,000 (TR 1970) West (Margi West) – a dialect of Putai
6. Gwanje West (Mbe West) – a dialect of Mbe
9. Grammar (Lohr 1999) Western Hausa – a dialect of Hausa
Source(s) Western Olodiama – a dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983) Western Ọkpamheri – a dialect of Ọkpamheri
Western Tarakiri – a dialect of Nzọn: Njọ cluster
Wandi – member of the Das cluster Western (Mbube Western) – a dialect of Mbe
Wangday = Wandi: see Das cluster Wi = Kwange: a dialect of Gbari
Wange – dialect of Tula Widala=Kholok
Wapan = Abinsi, Wapan: see Kororofa cluster Wihə = Kariya
Wara = Akimba: see Kambari II cluster Wimbum = Limbum
Wipsi–Ni (Kukum Wipsi–nĩ = Fer: see Kag–Fer–Jiir–
465. Warji Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun
1.B Sərzakwai Wipsi–Ni (Zusu Wipsi–nĩ = Zuksun: see Kag–Fer–
2.B Sar Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun
2.C Sarawa
3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Ganjuwa district, and 467. Wiyaa
Ningi LGA, Warji district; Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu 1.A Wagga
LGA 1.B Nyan Wịyáù
4. 28,000 (LA 1971); 50,000 (Skinner, 1977) 1.C Wịyáà
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade–Warji major 2.A Waja
group: Warji group 3. Gombe State, Balanga and Kaltungo LGAs, Waja
6. Gala (?) district. Taraba State, Bali LGA.
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1967); Skinner (1977); 4. 19,700 (1952 W&B); 50,000 (1992 est.)
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group
Warri = Iṣẹkiri 6. Plain and Hills
Warwar – a dialect of Nor 7. Primer 1924; Reading and Writing Book (2006);
Wase = Jukun of Wase: see the Jukun cluster Counting & Numbering (2006)
wasFer = Fer: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror– 8. John 1926, Matthew 1935. NT extracts (2007)
Us–Zuksun cluster Source(s) Blench (1990, 2007)
Wate (Fadan Wate) – dialect of Ninzam Refs. Kleinewillinghöfer (1989, 1990a,b)
Wau – see Jiir, Kar, Koor, Ror, Us and Zuksun; in the
Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster Wịyáà = Waja
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Wịyáù (nyan Wịyáù) = Waja 469. Yace
Wiyap = Jiru 1.A Yache, Yatye, Iyace
Woga = Waga: dialect of Ghumbagha: Lamang 1.C Ekpari?
cluster 3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA
Wom = Pere 4. 6,600 (1937 RGA); 10,000 (1982 UBS)
wooKag = Kag: see the Kag–Fer–Jiir–Kar–Koor– 5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid
Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster 6. Alifokpa, Ijiegu
Worku – dialect of Igede 8. Gospel of Mark in print, 1980
Woro = Voro Refs. Armstrong (1979)
Worom = Berom
Wula – dialect of Kamwe Yache = Yace
Wúlâ – dialect of Bokyi Yagba – dialect of Yoruba
Wudufu – Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, related to Yaghwatadaxa = Guduf
Zumbun. Yakạ = Lokəə
Nitecki (1972); Gunn (1953). Probably Mburku Yakə = Lokəə
Wukari = Jukun of Wukari: see the Kororofa cluster Yakö = Lokəə
Wur Nzanyi = Nzanyi Yakoko – a dialect of North–Eastern Mumuye: see
Wurbo – a dialect of Central Jukun? the Mumuye cluster
Wúrgà – dialect of Margi Yakoro = Bekwarra
Wurkum – see Jukun of Wurkum Yakurr = Lokəə
Wurkum – ‘‘hill people’’ a cover term used for the
peoplesof the Wurkum area, Taraba State, Karim 470. Yala
Lamido LGA. The term Wurkum is applied to the 1.C Iyala
following groups Kyak, Banda, Kulung, Kwonci, 4. 25,650 (1952); 50,000 (1973 SIL)
Maghdi, Kholok, Mingang, Pero, Piya and Nyam. 5. Benue–Congo: Idomoid: Idoma
Several of these groups remain to be investigated. 470.a*Yala Ikom
Wutana – 1075 in Bauchi Emirate. Temple (1922: 1.A Nkum
367,431). No further information 3. Cross River State, Ikom LGA
Wute = Vute Refs. Armstrong (1968)
470.b *Yala Obubra
468. Xedi 2.A Nkum Akpambe
1.A Hidé, Hide, Xide, Xedi 3. Cross River State, Obubra LGA
1.B Xədi 470.c *Yala Ogoja
2.A Gra, Tur, Turu, Tourou, Ftour 3. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA
3. Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, 6. Yala Ọkpõma (Central Yala) spoken in all
Michika LGA; and in Cameroon hamlets comprising Ọkpõma village; Yala
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Mandara– Igbeeku spoken between Igbeeku Rikọ and Oloko;
Mafa–Sukur major group: Mandara Group Yala Ọkpamẹ, spoken in Ọkkpamẹ, Yẹhẹ and Ebo.
Source(s) 7. Pre–reading book, Primers 1–5 1973, Folk Stories
Refs. Wolff (1971, 1974); Dieu & Renaud (1983:88); 1975, Health Stories (2) 1974–5, stories by students,
Eguchi (1969); Frajzyngnier (200?) literacy programme in progress
8. Bible translation in progress, Mark 1975,
Xədkala = Hə@ɗkàlà: dialect of Ghumbagha: see the Refs. Bunkowski (1972, 1976); Oko (1986, 1989)
Lamang cluster
Xədi = Xedi Yamaltu = Nyimatli: see the Tera cluster
Ya – member of Vaghat cluster
Yaa – dialect of Mumuye 471. Yamba
Yáá Mò ̣ò ̣ = Mò ̣ 1.C Yamba
Yaat – member of Hyam cluster 2.B Mbem
2.C Kaka (not recommended)
3. Taraba State, Sardauna, Gashaka LGAs, Antere
and other border villages; mainly spoken in
Cameroon
4. few in Nigeria; 25,000 in Cameroon (1982 SIL)
5. Benue–Congo: Bantoid: Southern Bantoid:
Grassfields; Mbam-Nkam; Nkambe cluster
Source(s) Blench (1990)

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Yamma (Gwari Gamma) = Gbari 475. Yẹkhee
Yan = Yang: see the Lala cluster 1.B Yẹkhee: not all speakers of the language
Yandang = Yendang recognise this as the name of the language.
Yang – member of the Lala cluster 2.A Etsakọ: the language is not the only language
listed as being spoken in Etsako LGA.
472. Yangkam 2.B Iyẹkhee, Afenmai, Kukuruku (not recommended)
1.C Yaŋkam 3. Edo State, Etsako, Agbako and Okpebho LGAs
2.A Bashiri 4. 73,500 (1952), 150,000 (UBS 1987)
2.C Basharawa 5. Benue–Congo: Edoid: North–Central Edoid
3. Plateau State, Langtang and Wase LGAs, Bashar 6. Auchi, Uzairue, South Ivbie, Uwepa–Uwano,
town (Weppa–Wano), Avbianwu (Fugar), Avbiele,
4. [20,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin)]. N.B. All Ivbiadaobi
published population figures refer to the ethnic 8. New Testament ms being keyboarded, translation
population. However, these groups now speak only of Psalms in progress (UBS 1989)
Hausa. The likely number of speakers is less than Refs. Elugbe (1989)
400, all over 40 years of age.
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Tarokoid Yele = Burak
Source: Blench (1996) Yendam = Yandang
Refs. Temple (1922: 503); Shimizu (1980a:I)
476. Yendang
Yangur = Ɓena 1.A Yendam, Yandang, Yundum, Nyandang
Yasgua = Yeskwa 3. Adamawa State, Numan, Mayo Belwa, and Karim
Yatye = Yace Lamido LGAs
Yaurawa = Reshe 4. 8,100 (1952); 10,000 (1973 SIL)
Yauri – dialect of Reshe 5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang
Yawotatacha = next group: Yendang subgroup
Yawotataxa = next Source(s)
Yaxmare = Gava: Guduf–Gava cluster
Yẹneguẹ = Epie
473. Yebu Yergam = Tarok
1.B Yěbù Yergum = Tarok
1.C Nìín Yěbù Yerwa – dialect of Kanuri: Kanuri–Kanembu
2.A Awok yes Bèfiràn = Firan
3. Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA: 10 km northeast of yes Firàn = Firan
Kaltungo Yeskwa = Nyankpa
4. 2,035 (1962); xx villages Yidda = Mada
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Waja group i. Yídə@nà = Yedina
7. Reading and Writing Book (2007); Yigha = Leyigha
8. Hymnbook (2007); Gospel of Luke ready for yii Kụtụle = Tula
printing Yiive = Iyive
11. Cassettes of Gospel of Luke Yikuben = Yukuben
Source(s) Kleinewillinghöfer (1991); Blench (2008) Yimtim = Fali
Refs. Jungraithmayr (1968); Kleinewillinghöfer Yiri – dialect of Tula
(1998)
477. Yiwom
474. Yedina 2.B Gerka, Gurka
1.A Yídə@nà 2.C Gerkawa
2.C Buduma 3. Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang LGAs
3. Borno State, islands of Lake Chad and mostly in 4. 2,520 (Ames 1934); 8,000 (1973 SIL)
Chad 5. Chadic: West sub–branch A: Bole–Angas major
4. 20,000 in Chad; 25,000 total (1987 SIL) group: Bole group: Gerka subgroup
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara branch B: Yedina group Source(s)
6. Yedina, Kuri (not in Nigeria) Refs. Jungraithmayr (19xx)
Source(s)
Refs. Gaudiche (1938) Yofo = Kumba
Yorda = Kpan
Yeghe – dialect of Kana Yọrọ – dialect of Mumuye

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
478. Yoruba Yungirba = Ɓena
1.A Yorouba, Yariba (Cust) Yungur = Ɓena
1.B Yorùbá Za = Ghye: see Kamwe
1.C Yorùbá Zaar – member of the Guus-Zaar cluster
2.A Aku, Akusa, Eyagi, Nago Zabarma = next
3. Most of Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo Zabermawa = Zarma
States; western LGAs in Kogi State; and into Benin Zaghvana = Dghweɗe
Republic and Togo. Yoruba is spoken as a ritual Zakshi – member of the Zari cluster
language in Cuba and Brazil Zaksə = Zakshi: the Zari cluster
4. 5,100,000 (1952), 15,000,000 (UBS 1984) Zaladeva = next
5. Benue–Congo: Defoid: Yoruboid: Edekiri Zaladva – member of the Lamang cluster
6. Many dialects: Afo, Akono, Amusigbo, Awori, Zamani = Shuwa–Zamani
Aworo, Bunu, Ẹgba, Ẹgbado, Ekiti, Gbedde, Zamfarawa – Western dialect of Hausa
Igbomina, Ifaki, Ifẹ, Ifira, Igbena, Ijẹbu, Ijẹṣa (Ijọsha), Zana = Baatọnun
Ijọ Akpọi, Ijumu, Ikalẹ, Ila, Ilajẹ, Ọba, Ondo, Ọra,
Owe, Ọwọ, Ọyọ, Ufe, Yagba. 481. Zangwal
A partial and preliminary subgrouping is: 3. Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA
Central, including Ìfè ̣, Ìjèshà, Èkìtì; 5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Bade–Warji major
North West, including Ọ̀yó ̣, Ẹ̀gbá, Ọ̀shùn; group: Zaar group: Guruntum sub–group
North East, including Yagba, Gbédé ̣, Ijùmú;
South West, including Tsábẹ and Kétu (both spoken Zany = Nzanyi: the Nzanyi cluster
in Benin and adjacent border areas of Kwara and Zar = next
Ogun States); Zar = Zaar: see Guus-Zaar cluster
South East, including Ondo, Ọwọ, Ijẹba, Ìkálé ̣, Ìlàjè ̣ Zaranda – member of the Geji cluster
and Ìjò ̣–Àpò ̣ì Zarazon (Jos Zarazon) – dialect of Izere
7. Much literature for over 100 years; Official Zarbarma = Zarma
Orthography Zarek = Izere
8. Scripture Portions from 1850, Bible 5 editions
1900–1966, New Testament 8 editions 1865–1959, 482. Zari cluster
new translation submitted for publication, new 2.C Ɓarawa
translation of Bible in first draft 3. Bauchi State, Toro and Tafawa Balewa LGAs;
14. Many internet sites. Google offered in Yoruba. Plateau State, Jos LGA
Refs. Akinkugbe (1976); Capo (1989) 5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group
*Zakshi
479. Yoti 1.A Zaksə
1.A Yoti 4. 2,950 (1950 HDG)
3. Adamawa State, Numan LGA *Boto
5. Adamawa–Ubangi: Adamawa: Mumuye–Yendang 1.A Boot
group: Yendang subgroup 2.C Bibot
Source: Kato (2009) 4. 1,000 (1950 HDG)
*Zari
Youtubo = Gọmnọme: see the Koma cluster 2.A Kopti, Kwapm

480. Yukuben Zaria – dialect of Fulfulde

1.A Nyikuben, Nyikobe, Ayikiben, Yikuben
1.C Oohum, Uuhum
2.B Boritsu, Balaabe
2.C Uuhum-Gigi in Cameroun
3. Taraba State, Takum LGA; and in Furu-Awa
subdivision, Cameroon
4. 10,000 (1971 Welmers); 1,000 in Cameroun (1976)
5. Benue–Congo: Benue: Jukunoid: Yukuben–Kutep
Source: Rennnison (2005)
Refs. Shimizu (1980); Koops (1990); Breton (1993)

Yukutare = Bitare
Yumu – dialect of Kambari 1
Yundum = Yandang
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
483. Zarma Zhiru = Jiru
1.A Zerma, Dyerma, Dyarma, Djerma Zhitako = Dibo
2.A Songhai Zilivə = Zizilivakan
2.C Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zabermawa Zing – dialect of Mumuye
3. Kebbi State, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi and Bunza Zinna = Zing – dialect of North–Eastern Mumuye:
LGAs; Niger State, villages between Mokwa and Mumuye cluster
Kontagora; also in Republics of Benin, Burkina Faso Ziri = Momi
and Niger Zitako = Dibo
4. 12,400 (1931 W&B); 50,000 in Nigeria (1973
SIL), 1,495,000 in Niger (1986) 486. Zizilivəkan
5. Nilo-Saharan: Songhai 1.B Zilivə
8. New Testament 1954, portions 1934; Old 1.C ÀmZírív
Testament draft under revision (UBS 1989) 2.A Fali of Jilbu
9. Dictionaries: 3. Adamawa State, Mubi LGA, Jilbu town; and in
Cameroon
Zauranchi – Hausa 4. ‘a few hundred’ in Cameroon
5. Chadic: Biu–Mandara sub–branch A: Bata group
484. Zeem-Caari-Danshe-Dyarim cluster Source(s) Wade (1990)
2.C Ɓarawa Refs. Dieu & Renaud (1983)
3. Bauchi State, Toro LGA
5. Chadic: West branch B: Zaar group Zlogba – Dialect of west side of Mandara.
*Zeem Westermann and Bryan (1952)
4. Extinct (Caron 2005) Zo = Mak
*Tule Zodi = Dot: see the Das cluster
2.C Tulai Zogbeya = Kaiama: see Busa cluster t
4. Extinct (Caron 2005) Zogbme = Kaiama: see Busa cluster
*Danshe Zomo – Less than 1000 south of the Cip language
4. Extinct (Caron 2005) area; Related to Miship and Mwaghavul?
1.B Chaari Zoo = Mak
4. ‘few hundred’ speakers (Caron 2005)
*Dyarim 487. Zora
1.B one person Mən Dyarim, people Dyarim 1.B iZora
1.C Ndyarim Tə 1.C uZora pl. aZora
2.A Kaiwari 2.C Cikobu, Chokobo
3. Their main settlement is about 7 km. south of Toro 3. Plateau State, Bassa LGA
town in Toro LGA (N10˚ 02, E 9˚ 04). 4. 425 (1936 HDG); in three settlements close to
4. ca. 2000 ethnic Dyarim with a fraction speaking N10˚ 21.7, E 8˚ 50.6. About 3000 ethnic Zora of
which ca. 50% have fluent command of the language.
the language well, i.e. ca. 100. (Blench 2005 est.)
5. Benue–Congo: Kainji: Eastern Kainji: Northern
10. Hausa, Fulfulde, Izere, Tunzu, Loro Jos group: North–central cluster
11. Threatened by switch to Hausa 10. Hausa is the second language of the whole
Source(s) Blench (2003, 2005) community and the first language of ca. half. Jere is
*?Lushi the other main language known to Zora
1.A Lukshi 11. Highly endangered; not actively spoken by the
1.B Dokshi younger generation
Source(s) Blench (2003)
Zendi dialect of Izere
Zeng = Zing – dialect of Mumuye Zubakpna = dialect of Gbari
Zerma = Zarma
Zələdvə = Zaladva: see Lamang cluster 488. Zubazuba
Zhar – member of the Jar cluster 1.B Gamazuba
3. Igwama, Mariga LGA, Niger State
485. Zhire Source(s) Yoder (2009)
2.B Kenyi
3. Kaduna State, Kachia and Jama’a LGAs Zugweya = Kaiama: see Busa cluster
5. Benue–Congo: Plateau: Western group: North– Zul = Zulawa – member of the Polci cluster
western subgroup: Hyamic Zulawa – member of the Polci cluster
Zumbul – member of the Das cluster
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.

489. Zumbun
1.A Jimbin
1.B Vina Zumbun
3. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA
4. 1,500 (LA 1971)
5. Chadic: West sub–branch B: Warji group
6. Wudufu (possible dialect)
Refs. Skinner (1977)

Zumper (not recommended) = Kuteb

Zumu – dialect of Bata: see the Bata cluster
Zungur = Gingwak, Baɗa: see the Jar cluster
Zuru – dialect of Lela
Zusu (Wipsi–ni Zusu) = Zuksun: see the Kag–Fer–
Jiir–Kar–Koor–Ror–Us–Zuksun cluster
Zurubu = Surubu
Zwall – member of the Shall–Zwall cluster
Zyemawa – only known from Temple (1922:
395,431) 240 in Bauchi Emirate.

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
The languages of Nigeria by language family ADAMAWA-UBANGI

NIGER-CONGO ADAMAWA
a. Waja group
MANDE i.Wiyaa [=Wiyaa]
Tula
Central Mande Awak
Sorko [?] Kamo
Southeast Mande Dadiya
a. Busa cluster Bangwinji
Bisã ii. Dijim-Bwilim
Bokobaru Tsobo
Boko b. Bikwin group
b. Burak
Kyenga Loo
Shanga Mak
Tala?
ATLANTIC Kyak
Moo
Fulfulde Leelạu
Maghdi
IJOID c. Longuda
Longuda cluster
a. Defaka d. Yungur group
b. Njọ i.
i. Inland Njọ Lala cluster (Yang, Roba, Ẹbode)
Biseni Voro
Akịta Ɓəna
Oruma ?Shaama
ii. Nzọn ii. Mboi cluster
a. West Gana
b. Central (North-East, North-West, South-West, Banga
South-East) Haanda
iii. Nembe-Akaha iii. Kaan
Nembe e. Kwa group
Akaha Baa
iv. KOIN f. Jen group
a. KAKIBA Dza
Kalaḅarị Mingang Doso
Kịrịkẹ Joole
Nḅanị Tha
b. Nkọrọ Kanawa?
g. Mbum group
GUR Laka
h. Mumuye-Yendang group
Baatọnun i. Mumuye
Mumuye (North East and South West)
Rang
Pangseng
ii. Yendang group
a.
Maya (=Bali)
Kpasham

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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
b. Okpẹ
Waka Isoko
Yendang Ẹrụwa
Yoti c. North-Central
c. i.
Teme Ẹdo
d. Esan
Gengle Emai-Iuleha-Ora
Kugama ii.
Kumba Ghotuọ
i. Vere-Duru Unẹmẹ
Vere Etsakọ/Yẹkhee
Momi Ivbie North-Okpela-Arhẹ
Mom Jango Ọsọsọ
Koma cluster Sasaru-Enwan-Igwẹ
Gomme Ikpeshi
Gomnome d. Northwestern
Ndera i. Southern
j. Leko group Ọkpẹ-Idesa-Akuku
Samba Leko Ọkpamheri
Pere Ọlọma
Nyong Ẹmhalhẹ
k. Kam ii. Osse Group
Uhami
UBANGI Iyayu
Ukue
Gbaya Ehuẹun

KWA Igboid
a.
Gbe cluster (Alada-Asento-Gun-Phela-Weme) Igbo
Izi-Ẹzaa-Ikwo-Mgbo
WEST BENUE-CONGO Nka
Ụkwụanị-Aboh-Ndọnị
Akpes cluster Ogbah
Akpes, Ashe, Daja, Efifa, Esuku, Gedegede, Ikwere
Ibaram, Ikorom, Iyani b.
Ẹkpeye
Akokoid
Arigidi cluster Nupoid
(incl. Arigidi, Afa, Erusu, Ese, Igasi, Oge, a. Ebira cluster
Ọjọ, Oyin, Udo, Uro) Okene-Ẹtụnọ
Koto
Ahan-Ayere b. Gade
c. Gbari
Edoid Gbagyi
a. Delta Edoid Gbagyi Nkwa
Epie-Atịsa Gbari
Ẹgẹnẹ d. Nupe group
Degema i. Asu
b. Southwestern ii. Kupa
Uvbiẹ iii. Kakanda (Budon, Gbanmi-Sokun)
Urhobo iv.

95
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Dibo Rop [=Lopa]
Kami Tsupamini
Gupa-Abawa c. Kambari
v. Nupe cluster i. Kambari 1 cluster
Nupe Central Ashingini
Nupe Tako Agaɗi
Avaɗi
Ọkoid cluster Baangi
Ọkọ Yumu
Eni ii. Kambari 2 cluster
Ọsạyẹn Agaushi
Akimba
Idomoid Nwanci
a. iii. Cipu
Yace iv. Damakawa (†)
Akpa d. Kamuku-Basa
b. i. Basa
Igede a.
Etulo Rubasa (Basa-Benue)
c. Idoma cluster Basa-Gurara
Agatu Basa-Makurdi
Alago b.
Idoma Central Basa-Kontagora
Idoma West Basa-Gumna (only 2 known speakers in
Idoma South 1987)
d. Yala (Ikom, Obubra, Ogoja) c. Kɔrɔmba (Basa-Gurmana)
ii. Kamuku cluster
Yoruboid a. Cinda-Regi-Rogo-Kuki
a. Yoruba b.Səgəmuk
i. Central Ede (Ifẹ, Ijesha, Ekiti etc.) c. Hungwɔrɔ
ii. North East Ede (Yagba, Gbẹdẹ, Ijumu etc.) d. Rogo
iii. South West Ede (Tsabẹ, Ketu, Ana etc.) e. Shama-Sambuga (†?)
iv. North West Ede (Ọyọ, Ẹgba, Ọsun etc.) f. Zubazuba
v. South East Ede (Ikalẹ, Ilajẹ, Ijọ-Akpọĩ g. Southeastern
b. Nsẹkiri Fungwa
c. Igala Rin
d. Ulukwumi Baushi
Unclassified Yoruboid language
Gurmana
EAST BENUE CONGO e. Northern group
i. cLela
UKAAN ii. Hun-Saare
Auga iii. Kag cluster (= ut-Main)
Ishe Kag
Ikaan Fer
IkakUmɔ Jiir
Kar
KAINJI Koor
Ror
West Kainji Us
a. Reshe Zuksun
b. Lake iv. Gwamhi-Wuri
Shen [=Laru]
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Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
East Kainji PLATEAU

a. a. Northwestern
Piti Eda
Atsam Edra
b. Idon-Doka-Makyali
Amo Iku-Gora-Ankwe
c. Northern Jos group Kuturmi
i. Kulu [?]
a. b. Western
Ningi cluster i. North-western subgroup
Kudu-Camo (almost extinct) a. Koro cluster
Gamo-Ningi (Butu-Ningi†) Zar [=Ashe]
b. Tinɔr [=Waci-Myamya]
Lame cluster b. Nyankpa-Idũ cluster
Gyem (almost extinct) Nyankpa-Barde [=Yeskwa]
Shau (almost extinct) Idũ
c. Gwara
Lere cluster c. Hyamic
Si-Gana (almost extinct) Shamang
d. North-central cluster Cori
Izora Hyam cluster (incl. Kwyeny, Yaat, Sait, Dzar,
Lemoro Hyam of Nok)
Sanga Zhire
ii. Kauru Shang
Gbiri-Niragu Kurmin Dangana [? no data]
Surubu d.
Kurama Gyong (=Kagoma)
Mala-Ruma Kamantam
Bina
Kono c. Ninzic
Kaivi Ninzo
Vono Ce
Tumi Bu-Niŋkada
Kinuku Mada-Nkɔ-Gbǝtsu
Dungu Numana-Nunku-Gbantu-Numbu-Ninka
Ningye
c. Anib
i. Ninkyop-Nindem
Ziriya, Kere (†) Ayu?
Sheni (almost extinct) d. Beromic
ii. i. Beromic
Janji Berom
Boze-Lore-Panawa-Gusu-Jere-Ibunu (Jere Cara
cluster) ii. Iten
Iguta iii. Shall-Zwall
Tunzu (=Duguza) e. Central
i. Rigwe
ii. Izere cluster
northwest Izere
northeast Izere
Icèn
Ganàng

97
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Firàn i. Kpan-Etkywan
iii.Tyapic Kpan (Western: Kumbo-Takum, Donga; and
Jju Eastern: Apa, Kente, Eregba)
Tyap cluster Etkywan
Tyap ii. Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo
Gworok a. Mbembe Tigong cluster
Atakar Ashuku
Kacicere Nama
Sholyo b. Jukun cluster
Kafancan Jibu
f. Ndunic Takum and Donga
Ndun Wase
Nyeng c. Kororofa cluster
Shakara [=Tari] Abinsi
g. Alumic Wapan
i. Hone
Toro Jan Awei ?
Alumu-Təsu Dampar
Akpondu (†) d. Wurbo
ii. Shoo-Minda-Nye
Hasha Como-Karim
Sambe (†) Jiru
h. Southeastern Unclassified Jukunoid language
Fyem Akum
Horom
Bo-Rukul CROSS RIVER
i. Eggonic-Jilic
i. Jilic Delta-Cross
Jili
Jijili Central Delta group
ii. Eggonic
Eggon a.
Ake Abua
Nungu Oḍual
j. Tarokoid b.
Tarok Kụgbọ
Yaŋkam [=Bashar] Mini
Pe [=Pai] Kolo cluster (incl. Kolo, Oloiḅiri, and Anyama)
Sur Ogbrọnụagụm
Vaghat-Ya-Bijim-Legeri Obulom
k. Eloyi Ọchịchị
Ogbogolo
JUKUNOID
Ogoni
a. Yukuben-Kutep
Yukuben a.
Shibong Eleme
Bete Tẹẹ
Lufu Ban
Kuteb b
Kapya Kana
Lissa? Gokana
b. Central Jukunoid

98
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Lower Cross
BANTOID
a. Central
Anaang NORTHERN
Efai
Efik MAMBILOID
Ekit
Etebi a. Mambila
Ibibio Nor cluster
Ibuoro Mvanọ
Itu Mon Uzo Mbɔŋgnɔ
Nkari Somyɛv
Ukwa b.
b. Periphery Ndoola (Ndoro)
Ebughu Fam
Enwang c. Vute
Uda d. Tep
Ibinọ
Iko DAKOID
Ilue
Obolo a. Samba cluster
Ọkọbọ Samba Daka
Ọrọ Samba Jangani
Usakade (in Cameroon) Samba of Mapeo
Samba Nnakenyare
Upper Cross Samba Tola
Dirim
a. North-South b. Gaa (=Tiba)
Oring cluster (incl. Ufia, Ufiom, and Okpoto) c. Dong
Kukele
Uzekwe SOUTHERN BANTOID
Ubaghara cluster (incl. Biakpan, Ikun, Etono,
Ugbem, and Utuma) a. Tivoid
Kohumono Tiv
Agwagwune cluster (also incl. Erei, Abini, Otank
Adim, Abayongo, and Etono II) Iceve-Maci
Umon Iyive
b. East-West Evant
Olulumọ-Ikọm Bitare
Lokạạ Ugare
Nkukoli Abon
Lubila Batu cluster (Amanda-Afi, Angwe, Kamino)
Mbembe
Legbo b. Buru
Leyigha Buru
Lenyima
Ukpet-Ehom c. Ekoid-Mbe
Agọi Ndoe cluster (incl. Ekparabong and Balep)
Doko-Uyanga Ejagham cluster (also incl. Bendeghe, Northern
Bakpinka (nearly extinct) Etung, Southern Etung, Ekin)
Kiọng (nearly extinct) Bakor cluster (incl. Nde-Nsele-Nta, Abanyom,
Kọrọp Efutop, Nkem-Nkum, Nnam, Ekajuk)
Odut (Extinct?)

99
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Mbe SAHARAN
Kanuri-Kanembu-Manga
d. Grassfields Bantu Teda
Dzodinka
Lam Nsɔ III. AFROASIATIC
Limbum
Yamba SEMITIC

e. Beboid Arabic cluster

Bukwen Shuwa
Mashi Uled Suliman
Naki Baggara

f. Bendi BERBER
i. Bendi
Bekwarra Tamachek
ii. Bete-Bendi
Obanliku cluster (incl. Basang, Bebi, Bishiri, CHADIC
Bisu, and Busĩ)
Ukpe-Bayobiri WEST
Ubang
Alege Sub-branch A
Afrike-Irungene cluster
Obe cluster (incl. Obe, Mgbenege, Utugwang, Hausa group
Okwọrọgung, and Okwọrọtung) Hausa
Bumaji Gwandara
Bokyi
Bole-Ngas major group
g. Jarawan Bantu
Ɓile Bole group
Mbula-Bwazza a.
Mama i. Kərekəre
Lame cluster (incl. Ruhu, Mbaru and Gura) ii.
Labɨr Gera
Shiki Geruma
Kulung Deno
Jar cluster (incl. Zhar, Ligri, Kanam, Bobar, Bure
Gwak, Doori) Kubi
Dulbu Giiwo
Gwa Galambu
Daza
Unclassified Benue-Congo languages: iii.
Bole
Fali (in Baissa area; virtually extinct) Ngamo
Kaura Maaka
Ɓeele
b.
II. NILO-SAHARAN i.
Kwaami
SONGHAI Pero
Zarma Piya-Kwonci
Dendi Kholok
Nyam
100
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
Kushi Siri
Kutto Ciwogai
Tangale
ii. Dera Zaar group

Ngas group a. Barawa cluster

a. Geji cluster
i. Ngas Məgang [=Bolu]
ii. Geji
Mwaghavul Pyaalu [=Pelu]
Cakfem-Mushere Buu [=Zaranda]
Miship (incl. Doka) Polci cluster
Jorto Zul
Kofyar cluster (incl. Kofyar, Mernyang, Baram
Doemak, Kwagallak, Bwol, Gworam, Jipal) Dir
iii. Buli
Goemai Langas
Koenoem Luri (†)
Pyapun Polci
Tal Zeem cluster
Montol Zeem
b. Gerka group Danshe
Yiwom Lushi
Dyarim
Ron group Das cluster
a. Ron cluster Lukshi
Bokkos Durr-Baraza
Daffo-Butura Zumbul
Sha Wandi
Kulere Dot
Karfa Zari cluster
Shagawu Zakshi
Mundat? Boto
b. Zari
Fyer Guus-Zaar cluster
Tambas Sigidi
Zaar
Sub-branch B b. Guruntum sub-group
Zangwal
Bade/Warji major group Tala
Ju
Bade group Guruntum-Mbaaru
Bade c. Boghom sub-group
Ɗuwai Boghom
Ngizim Kir-Balar
Warji group Mangas
Diri d. Jimi?
Pa’a
Sirzakwai (=Warjĩ
Kariya
Mburku
Miya
Zumbun

101
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
BIU-MANDARA Mafa

Sub-branch A Sukur group

Sukur
Tera group
a. Daba group
Tera (incl. Nyimatli, and Pidlimdi, Bura Kokura) Daba
Jara
b. Hwana Bata group
c. a.
Ga’anda i. Bata cluster
Boga Bata
Ngwaba Bacama
ii.
Bura/Higi major group Guɗe
Zizilivəkən
Bura group Fali cluster (incl. Vin, Huli, Madzarin,
a. Ɓween)
Bura-Pabir iii.
Cibak Nzanyi
Putai b. Gudu
Nggwahyi
b.
Huba Sub-branch B
Margi
Margi South Kotoko group
Afaɗe
Higi group Jilbe
Kamwe
Kirya-Konzǝl Yedina group
Mukta (?) Yedina

Mandara/Mafa/Sukur major group Unclassified Chadic language

Mandara group Kofa

a.
Wandala cluster Pidgins
(incl. Wandala,
Mura, Malgwa) Pidgin (including Nigerian English, English based)
Glavda
Guduf Official Language
Gava
Cinene English
Cikide
Dghweɗe Language Isolate
Gvoko
b. Jalaa (=Cuŋ Tuum)
Lamang cluster (incl. Zaladva, Ghumbagha,
Ghudavan) Further unclassified languages
Vemgo-Mabas
Xedi Dzuwo
Kpwee
Mafa group

102
Atlas of Nigerian Languages Edition III.
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