Alternate Names: Central-Western Ijo, Ijaw, Ijo, Izo, Uzo
Dialects: Apoi, Arogbo, Basan (Bassan), Bumo (Boma), East Olodiama, East Tarakiri, Egbema, Ekpetiama, Furupagha, Gbarain, Iduwini, Ikibiri, Kabo (Kabowei), Kolokuma-Opokuma, Koluama, Kumbo (Kumbowei), Mein, Ogbe Ijo, Ogboin, Ogulagha, Operemo, Oporomo (Oporoma), Oporoza (Gbaranmatu), Oyiakiri, Tuomo, West Olodiama, West Tarakiri. The Ijo (Ijaw) subgroup includes 7 languages. Izon has about 30 inherently intelligible dialects.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,000,000 (Williamson 1989). 100,000 Kolokuma (1991 UBS). 1,770,000 all Ijo languages.
Language Use: Adult education (Kolokuma dialect). Used as L2 by Biseni [ije], Epie [epi], Okodia [okd].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1912–1924.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Nigeria