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Nupe
(Greetings)
About the Language
Nupe, also known as Nupenci, is a Volta-Niger language spoken largely in the Middle Belt of Nigeria. The Nupe people are renowned for their artistic traditions, particularly in brass-smithing, glass-making, and wood carving. The language reflects their agrarian and riverine lifestyle along the Niger River.
History & Origins
Nupe is a Nupoid language of the Volta-Niger family. The Nupe people formed a powerful kingdom in the Middle Belt of Nigeria before the 19th century.
Cultural Significance
The language is central to the identity of the Nupe people, who are renowned for their traditional brass-smithing, glass-making, and rich agrarian culture.
Common Phrases
Okú
Greetings
Lafiya
Fine / Good
Kú ishé
Well done
Speakers
Approximately 1-2 million speakers
Regions
NigerKwaraKogi
Writing System
Latin script
Dialects
BidaLafiagiAgaiePategi