Esan

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A language of Nigeria

ISO 639-3
ish
Alternate Names
Anwain, Esa, Isa, Ishan
Population

300,000 (Okojie 1994). 7,000 Ekpon in 7 villages (1998).

Location

Edo State, Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West LGAs.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora
Dialects

Egoro (Egholo), Ekpoma (Ekpon, Ekunma), Ewatto (Ebhoato), Ewohimi (Ebhoikimi), Ewu (Eilu), Igueben, Irrua (Uruwa), Ogwa, Opoji (Ukpozi), Ubiaja (Ubiaza), Ugboha (Owoha), Uromi (Uronmun).

Language Use

Also use Nigerian Pidgin English [pcm], English [eng], or Ika [ikk].

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. TV. Bible portions: 1974.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Esan
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion, Muslim.