Tiv

Primary tabs

A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3

tiv

Autonym

Tiv

User Population

4,560,000 in Nigeria (2020).

Location

Benue state: Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer West, Katsina Ala, Kwande, Makurdi, Ushongo, and Vandeikya LGAs; Cross River state: Bekwara, Obanliku, Obudu, and Yala LGAs; Nassarawa state: Awe, Doma, Keana, Nassarawa, Lafia, and Obi LGAs; Plateau state: Qua’an Pan and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Takum, and Wukari LGAs.

Language Maps

3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states, used in elementary education.

Classification

Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid

Language Use

Used as L2 by Abanglekuo [bzy], Yace [ekr].

Language Development

Taught as subject in most primary and secondary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1964–2017.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Tiv

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 1936.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.