The following is the entry for this language as it appeared in the 14th edition (2000).
It was superseded by the corresponding entry in the 15th edition (2005). See also the corresponding entry in the current edition of Ethnologue.
SIL code: IGR
ISO 639-2: ibo
| Population | 18,000,000 or 16.6% of the population (1999 WA). |
| Region | Abia State, Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra, Awka, Idemili, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi, and Onitsha LGAs; Enugu State, Awgu, Enugu, Ezeagu, Igo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu, Nsukka, Udi, and Uzo-Uwani LGAs; Imo State; Rivers State, Ikwerre, Bonny, and Ahoada LGAs; Delta State, Oshimili, Anoicha, and Ndokwa LGAs; Akwa Ibom State, Ika LGA. |
| Alternate names | IBO |
| Dialects | OWERRI (ISUAMA), ONITSHA, UMUAHIA (OHUHU), ORLU, NGWA, AFIKPO, NSA, OGUTA, ANIOCHA, ECHE, EGBEMA, OKA (AWKA), BONNY-OPOBO, MBAISE, NSUKA, OHUHU, UNWANA. |
| Classification | Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. |
| Comments | 30 dialects vary in inherent intelligibility. A standard literary form is developing from the dialect of Owerri and Umuahia. The main trade language of Anambra and Imo States. Used for government notices. Official language. Dictionary. Grammar. Roman. Radio programs, TV. Christian, traditional religion. Bible 1906-1988. |
