Yoruboid languages

The yoruboiden languages ​​( or shortly Yoruboid ) form a sub- unit of the West Benue - Congo languages ​​( the western branch of the Benue - Congo languages ​​), which in turn belong to the Niger -Congo language family.

The approximately 15 yoruboiden languages ​​are relatively closely related apart from the Igala with the eponymous Yoruba; they are spoken by about 22 million people in southwest Nigeria, Benin and Togo.

Position of Yoruboid within the Niger - Congo

  • Niger - Congo Volta - Congo Southern Volta - Congo Benue - Congo West Benue - Congo Yoruboid

Internal classification

  • Yoruboid Yoruba Isekiri Yoruba (20-22 million), Isekiri (500 thousand), Ife (150 thousand), Nago (180 thousand), Cabe (80 thousand), Aguna (15 thousand), Ica (40 thousand), Idaca (30 thousand), Iye (20 thousand), Mokole (65 thousand), Kambole (20 thousand), Ulukwumi (10 thousand) Lucumi ( ritual language in Cuba )
  • Igala ( 1 million)
Igala language Yoruba language Itsekiri language Ifè language Ede language Mokole language (Benin) Ulukwumi language Lucumi language Volta–Niger languages
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