Pe language

Not to be confused with Pai language.
Pe
Pai
Native toNigeria
RegionPlateau State
Native speakers
4,000 (2003)[1]
Language codes
ISO 639-3pai
Glottologpeee1238
Pè[2]
PersonùPè
PeopleáPè

Pe, also spelled Pai or Pye,[3] is a minor Plateau language of southeastern Plateau State, Nigeria. It is classified as a Tarokoid language by Roger Blench (2023).[2]

In 2019, Blench observed that Pe was being spoken by all generations, including children.[2]

Names

Pai is the Hausa pronunciation of Pe. Dalong is a pejorative name for Pe that is used by the Angas.[2]

Geographical distribution

Pe villages are located southeast of Pankshin town. Tal and Tarok are spoken to the east, and Teel (also called Montol) is spoken to the south. As a result, many adults also speak those languages. Ngas is spoken by almost all adults as well.[2] Blench (2004) listed Dok (Dokpai) (main village), Tipap Kwi, Tipap Re, Bwer, Kup (=Tiniŋ), Ban, Kwasam, and Kamcik. Other villages, listed in CAPRO (2004),[4] which Blench considers to be unconfirmed, are Yong, Jak, Bil, Bwai, Wopti, Kanchi, and Yuwan.[5]

Phonology

Pe has six vowels: /i, e, a, ə, o, u/. The language also has diphthongs.[2]

References

  1. ^ Pe at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
  2. ^ a b c d e f Blench, Roger. 2023. The Pe language of Central Nigeria and its affinities. Cambridge: Kay Williamson Educational Foundation.
  3. ^ A Sociolinguistic Profile of the Pye (Pe) [pai] Language of Plateau State, Nigeria.
  4. ^ CAPRO. 2004. A harvest of Peace. An ethnic survey of Plateau State. Jos: CAPRO Research Office.
  5. ^ Blench, Roger. 2004. Tarok and related languages of east-central Nigeria.

Further reading