My Esan

About the Book

There are approximately 290 distinct languages spoken in Nigeria with almost as many dialects for each language, and Esan (pronounced /aysan/) represents one of these indigenous languages. Esan is classifi ed as belonging to the Kwa subdivision of the Niger-Congo language family. The people that speak this language are similarly called Esan, and they make up one of the major ethnic groups of Edo State, located in the southern region of Nigeria. There are thirty-four towns that comprise Esan land; that are further divided into fi ve local governments: Esan North East Uromi, Uzea Esan Central Irrua, Ugbegun, Okpoji, Idoa, Ewu Esan West Ekpoma, Urohi, Ukhun, Egoro Esan South East Ubiaja, Ewohimhin, Emulu, Ohordua, Ebhoato, Okhuesan, Orowa, Ugboha, Oria, Illushi, Onogholo Igueben Igueben, Ebele, Amaho, Ebhosa, Udo, Ekpon, Ujorgba, Ugun, Okalo Esan is taught in primary schools and used in local radio and television. However, because each town speaks their own slightly varied dialect of Esan, communications can sometimes be cumbersome. For this reason, most natives choose to speak Nigerian Pidgin English when communicating with persons from neighboring towns. Similarly, secondary schools choose to teach in English. These dynamics are adversely impacting the Esan language, and causing it to become eroded; the number of people that can grammatically write the language correctly is slowly dwindling. What is Esan? What is Esan? NO WHITE GUTTER 52177-OKOJ 7

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