Izon

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
ijc
Alternate Names
Central-Western Ijo, Ezon, Ijaw, Ijo, Ijon, Izo, Uzo
Autonym
Ịzọn
User Population

2,440,000 (2020). 100,000 Kolokuma (1991 UBS).

Location

Bayelsa state: Ekeremor, Sagbama, South Ijaw, and Yenagoa LGAs; Delta state: Burutu, Warri North, and Warri South West LGAs; Edo state: Ovia North East and Ovia South West LGAs; Ondo state: Ese-Odo and Ilaje LGAs.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Baylesa, Delta, Ondo, and Edo states, used in education and media.

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West Ijo
Dialects

Arogbo, Furupagha, Egbema, West Olodiama, Oporoza (Gbaranmatu), Ogulagha, Iduwini, Ikibiri, Ogboin, West Tarakiri, Kabo (Kabowei), Kumbo (Kumbowei), Mein, Operemo, Tuomo, Ogbe Ijo, Gbarain, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Ekpetiama, Apoi, Koluama, Basan (Bassan), East Olodiama, East Tarakiri, Oyiakiri, Oporomo (Oporoma), Bumo (Boma). The Ijo (Ijaw) subgroup includes 7 languages. Izon has about 30 inherently intelligible dialects.

Language Use

Adult education (Kolokuma dialect). Used as L2 by Biseni [ije], Epie [epi], Okodia [okd].

Language Development

Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1912.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Izon
Writing

Latin script [Latn].