Igbo

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
ibo
Alternate Names
Ibo
Population

18,000,000 (Wiesenfeld 1999).

Location

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, Aniocha, and Ndokwa LGAs; Akwa Ibom State, Ika LGA; northeast Delta State; southeast Rivers State, Oyigbo LGA and Opobo part of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, and alongside Ibani [iby] langauge area in Bonny LGA. The only or majority language in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.

Language Maps
Language Status

2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in southeastern region.

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo
Dialects

Afikpo, Aniocha, Bonny-Opobo, Eche, Egbema, Mbaise, Ngwa, Nsa, Nsuka, Oguta, Ohuhu, Oka (Awka), Onitsha, Orlu, Owerri (Isuama), Umuahia, Unwana. 30 dialects vary in inherent intelligibility. The standard literary form developing based on Owerri and Umuahia dialects, omitting the nasality and aspiration found in those dialects.

Language Use

Main LWC of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Used for government notices.

Language Development
New media. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1906–2006.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Igbo
Writing
Latin script, used since 1900.
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.