Éwé

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A language of Ghana

ISO 639-3
ewe
Alternate Names
Ebwe, Efe, Eibe, Eue, Eve, Gbe, Krepe, Krepi, Popo, Vhe
Population

2,250,000 in Ghana (2003), increasing. Population total all countries: 3,112,000.

Location

Southeast corner. Also in Togo.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Recognized language (1951, Laws of the Gold Coast, Vernacular Literature Board Ordinance, as amended by Ordinance No. 44).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe
Dialects

Anglo (Anlo), Awuna, Hudu, Kotafoa. Westernmost language of the Gbe language subgroup.

Typology

Whistle speech reported

Language Use

Vigorous. 500,000 L2 speakers. All domains.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1911–2011.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Éwé
Writing
Braille script. Latin script, used since 1850s, primary usage.
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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