Ika language (Nigeria)
| Ika | |
|---|---|
| Region | Delta and Edo, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Ika people |
Native speakers | (560,000 cited 2000)[1] |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | ikk |
| Glottolog | ikaa1238 |
The Ika language is an Igboid language, classified under Nuclear Igboid in the Yeai language family.[2]
The language is spoken primarily by the Ika people of Delta and Edo states of southern Nigeria.[3]
More specifically, the Ika people are in the North-West of Delta State; but some, like Igbanke, Inyelen and Ekpon, are currently in Edo State. Ika communities mostly comprise the following: Agbor, Owa, Umunede, Mbiri, Abavo, Orogodo, Otolokpo, Igbodo, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Ugbeje, Idumuesah, Akumazi, Ekpon, Igbanke, Inyelen, Iru Egbede (Delta State).[3]
Other Ika-speaking communities found in Edo State are Owanikeke, Owa-Riuzo Idu, Igbogili, Ute Oheze, Oghada, Otobaye I & II, Ogan and Ute Obagie N’Oheze. On Delta Radio there is now news in the Ika language. A similar program is also aired on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Radio, where it is called Igbanke Request, named after the most popular Ika-speaking town in Edo State. Ikas have started to write the Bible in their language, and the gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John have been published in Ika along with other books.[4] Ifeanyi Okowa is a prominent son of Ika background.[5]
Ika phonological comparisons
[edit]A concise phonological juxtaposition among three distinct Ika dialects.[6]
| English | Akumuzi (North-East) dialect of Ika | Owa (North South) dialect of Ika | Agbor (South) dialect of Ika |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘cloth’ | akwa | ekwa | ekwa |
| 'paper' | akuwo | ekukwo | ehuhwo |
| ‘chewing stick’ | atu | etu | etu |
| ‘sponge’ | elu | eru | eru |
| 'sweet' | uso | uso | uswo |
Further reading
[edit]- Uguru, Joy Oluchi (2015). "Ika Igbo". Illustrations of the IPA. Journal of the International Phonetic Association. 45 (2): 213–219. doi:10.1017/S0025100315000067, with supplementary sound recordings.
References
[edit]- ↑ Ika at Ethnologue (25th ed., 2022)
- ↑ "Glottolog 4.8 - Ika". glottolog.org. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- 1 2 Uguru, Joy Oluchi (20 July 2015). "Ika Igbo". Journal of the International Phonetic Association. 45 (2): 213–219. doi:10.1017/S0025100315000067. ISSN 0025-1003.
- ↑ "Complete Bible now in Ika language". Ika Weekly Newspaper. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
- ↑ Dr, Mefor (28 June 2022). "Igbo ancestry: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has nothing to prove". TheCable.
- ↑ "The Ika community: a sociolinguistic description - PDF Free Download" (PDF). Retrieved 2 January 2024.
External links
[edit]- "Ikaworld - News Articles, Ika Community Nigeria". Ikaworld. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- "Ịka Language Development and Cultural Advancement Foundation - Courses, Ika Lessons". Ịka Language Development and Cultural Advancement Foundation. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- Onwaniban, Evelyn (20 April 2020). "IKA: IGBO or EDO?".
- "STOP PROMOTING IGBO CULTURE, SAYS DEIN OF AGBOR". Ika Weekly Newspaper. 12 May 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- "Promote The 'Unique Agbor Culture Instead Of Igbo' – Dein Keagborekuzi Tells Subjects". The Oasis Reporters. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
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