Efik | Ethnologue

A language of Nigeria

ISO 639: efi
Alternate Names: Calabar
Autonym: Efik
Population: 2,693,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 693,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 2,698,620 (as L1: 698,620; as L2: 2,000,000).
Location:: Akwa Ibom state: Itu town; Cross River state: Calabar municipality, Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs.
Language Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, all domains. The Efik Bible, published in 1868, was the very first translation into any Nigerian language and is used widely throughout the region. Following translation of Efik Bible, adopted as church language in surrounding area. Now used throughout Cross River State in church, market, business, and media domains.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik
Typology: SVO.
Language Use: The major dialect and language of the Ibibio-Efik group. Used in adult education, university courses. All domains. Used by all. Used as L2 by Anaang [anw], Bakpinka [bbs], Efutop [ofu], Ekit [eke], Ibibio [ibb], Ibino [ibn], Ilue [ilv], Kiong [kkm], Korop [krp], Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], Odut [oda], Oro [orx].
Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Literature. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1868–1985.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Efik
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian.