Ebira

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
igb
Alternate Names
Egbira, Egbura, Ibara, Igbarra, Igbira, Igbirra, Katawa, Kotokori, Kwotto
Autonym
Ebira
User Population

2,210,000 (2020). 900,000 monolinguals.

Location

Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kwara state: Kogi, Okehi, and Okene LGAs; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGA.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade
Dialects

Okene (Hima, Ihima), Igara (Etuno), Koto (Bira, Biri, Egu, Igu, Ika, Panda). A dialect subgroup.

Language Use

Vigorous. Other language speakers use Ebira to communicate with Ebira people. All domains: administration, commerce, oral and written use in religious services; a subject at the College of Education. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Hausa [hau]. Also use Yoruba [yor].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%. High literacy motivation. Radio. TV. Bible: 2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Ebira
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1976.

Other Comments

Muslim, traditional religion.