BLESSING OR CURSE? Taraba State Alone Has More Indigenous Languages Than 30 African Countries

Nigeria is no doubt a blessed country with an amazing diversity in culture, religion and language. On the aspect of language, one does not need to go too far to see the beauty in diversity.

Taraba is a state in North-Eastern Nigeria, named after the Taraba River which traverses the southern part of the state, is home to a major bulk of Nigeria’s population.

The state was created out of the former Gongola State on 27 August 1991, by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. The major inhabitants are of the Chamba, Fulani and Mumuye tribes.

The blend of languages that can be found in this state is one that blows the minds of both Nigerians and foreigners alike. Nigeria is home to seven per cent (7%) of the total languages spoken on earth and Taraba state alone hosts more languages than 30 African countries.

Taraba State has the highest number of ethnic groups in Nigeria with over 80 indigenous ethnic groups speaking different languages. This is no doubt a whopping number for a single state.

One familiar with biblical stories could even insinuate that majority of the divided languages which came as a result of the tower of Babel settled in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Some of these indigenous languages in Taraba State include: Fulfulde, Kona, Mumuye, Dirim; Etkywan; Fam; Gbaya, Jibu; Jukun Takum; Kam; Ndoola; Samba Daka; Samba Leko; Tiv; Waja, Yamba, Wapan, Duguri; Dza, Tita, Como Karim; Dadiya; Jiba; Jiru, kodei; Kulung; Kyak; Laka; Munga Lelau; Loo; Mághdì; Mak; Munga Doso; Nyam; Pangseng; Piya-Kwonci; Shoo-Minda-Nye; Yandang; Hõne; Kwa; Pero, Ndoro.

Others include Ichen language; Tigun language; Abon; Bitare, Dza; Loo; Yandang, Laka, Mashi; Bete; Etkywan; Jukun, Takum; Kapya; Kpan; Kpati; Kuteb; Lufu; Yukuben, Etkywan; Etulo; Tarok; Wapan, Áncá; Batu; Buru; Etkywan; Fum; Kpan; Lamnso’; Lidzonka; Limbum; Mambila; Mbembe, Tigon; Mbongno; Mvanip; Nde-Gbite; Ndoola; Ndunda; Nshi; Somyev; Viti; Vute.

Taraba is rich in culture and festivities such as the Nwunyu fishing festival in Ibi, which is usually held in April of each year where activities such as canoe racing, swimming competition and cultural dances are held.