Ekpeye_language

Ekpeye language

Ekpeye language

Distinct ethnic language of Rivers State, Nigeria

Ekpeye is one of many languages spoken in Rivers State, Nigeria. According to Roger Blench, Ekpeye is classified as an Igboid language. Although an Igboid language, Ekpeye has evolved to a very distinct Igboid language that is phonologically different from other Igboid languages.[2] The Engenni, Ogba and Ikwerre languages are closely related to Ekpeye. Ekpeye has many mutually intelligible dialects.

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Writing system

Ekpeye alphabet[3]
abbhchd dheẹggb gwhiịj kkpkw
lm nnwnyoọ psshtu ụwwhyz zh

Phonology

Vowels

Ekpeye has nine vowel phonemes:

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The language has no long nasal vowels, no contrast between oral and nasal vowels, and no allophonic variants. The vowels carry tones, as Ekpeye is a tonal language. Ekpeye exhibits active synchronic vowel harmony.[3]

Distribution

References

  1. [1]
    Ekpeye at Ethnologue (21st ed., 2018) Closed access icon
  2. [2]
    Blench, Roger. "A reconstruction of the phonology of proto-Igboid".
  3. [3]
    Ngulube, Isaac (2011). "Ekpeye Orthography". Orthographies of Nigerian Languages. IX. Retrieved 19 December 2023.



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