Efik

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A language of Nigeria

Alternate Names
Calabar
Autonym
Efik
User Population

2,693,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 693,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 2,698,620 (as L1: 698,620; as L2: 2,000,000).

Location

Akwa Ibom state: Itu town; Cross River state: Calabar municipality, Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, all domains. The Efik Bible, published in 1868, was the very first translation into any Nigerian language and is used widely throughout the region. Following translation of Efik Bible, adopted as church language in surrounding area. Now used throughout Cross River State in church, market, business, and media domains.

Typology

SVO.

Language Use

The major dialect and language of the Ibibio-Efik group. Used in adult education, university courses. All domains. Used by all. Used as L2 by Anaang [anw], Bakpinka [bbs], Efutop [ofu], Ekit [eke], Ibibio [ibb], Ibino [ibn], Ilue [ilv], Kiong [kkm], Korop [krp], Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], Odut [oda], Oro [orx].

Language Development

Literature. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1868–1985.

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.

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