Page Type: languageTiv | Ethnologue

TIV ISO 639-3

Tiv

Tiv Autonym

A language of Nigeria

ISO 639
tiv
Autonym
Tiv
Population
4,560,000 in Nigeria (2020).
Location:
Benue state: Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer West, Katsina Ala, Kwande, Makurdi, Ushongo, and Vandeikya LGAs; Cross River state: Bekwara, Obanliku, Obudu, and Yala LGAs; Nassarawa state: Awe, Doma, Keana, Nassarawa, Lafia, and Obi LGAs; Plateau state: Qua’an Pan and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Takum, and Wukari LGAs.
Language Status
3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states, used in elementary education.
Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid
Language Use
Used as L2 by Obanliku [bzy], Yace [ekr].
Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1964–2017.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tiv
Writing
Latin script [Latn], used since 1936.
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Tiv
User Population
Few in Cameroon.
Location
South West region: Manyu division, Njobo village on Nigeria border.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Christian.
View other languages of Cameroon

Map

Location: Benue state: Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer West, Katsina Ala, Kwande, Makurdi, Ushongo, and Vandeikya LGAs; Cross River state: Bekwara, Obanliku, Obudu, and Yala LGAs; Nassarawa state: Awe, Doma, Keana, Nassarawa, Lafia, and Obi LGAs; Plateau state: Qua’an Pan and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Takum, and Wukari LGAs.