Isoko

ISO

developing

Alternate Names: “Biotu” (pej.), “Igabo” (pej.), “Sobo” (pej.)

Dialects: Aviara, Elu, Emede, Enhwe, Ibiede, Imiv, Irri (Iri), Itebiege, Iwire (Igbide), Iyede, Iyede-Ami, Iyowo, Ofagbe, Ole (Oleh), Olomoro, Owe (Owhe), Oyede, Ozoro, Ume, Unogboko, Uti, Uzere.

Genealogy:

Niger-Congo
Atlantic-Congo
Volta-Congo
Benue-Congo
Edoid
Southwestern

Demographics: 423,000 (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001).

Language Use: Used as L2 by Eruwa [erh].

Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Grammar. Bible: 1977.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Nigeria

Other Comments: “Sobo” and “Igabo” are offensive names. “Biotu”, interior people, is the Izon name for the Isoko and is not meant offensively by the Izon; however, the Isoko do not like it.