Efik language
Quick Summary
The Efik language is a member of the Benue-Congo branch of Niger-Congo languages. It is spoken by the Efik people, who inhabit the lower Cross River in southeastern Nigeria. The Efik language is widely used as a lingua franca throughout the Cross River region and is closely related to the Ibibio language.1
Historically, the Efik people migrated down the Cross River in the 17th century and established settlements that later became known as Old Calabar. This area developed into a significant trading center, exporting slaves and later palm oil. The Efik language was first documented in 1849. In the 21st century, most Efik people identify as Christians, influenced by the early translation of the Bible into their language.12
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- Efik
…dialect and language of the Efik-Ibibio group of the Benue-Congo branch of Niger-Congo languages. It is widely spoken as a lingua franca throughout the Cross River region. The Efik, who are culturally and linguistically related to the Ibibio, migrated down the Cross River during the first half of the 17th…
Read More…dialect and language of the Efik-Ibibio group of the Benue-Congo branch of Niger-Congo languages. It is widely spoken as a lingua franca throughout the Cross River region. The Efik, who are culturally and linguistically related to the Ibibio, migrated down the Cross River during the first half of the 17th…
Read More - Benue-Congo languagesCross River
…together with its written cousin, Efik, has some 3,500,000 speakers. Other languages with more than 100,000 speakers are Anang, Khana, Ogbia, Loko, Mbembe, Obolo, and Gokana.
Read More…together with its written cousin, Efik, has some 3,500,000 speakers. Other languages with more than 100,000 speakers are Anang, Khana, Ogbia, Loko, Mbembe, Obolo, and Gokana.
Read More