Okpe language (Southwestern Edo)

The Okpe language is a Southwestern Edo language spoken primarily in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It is closely related to other Edo languages, including Edo (Bini), Esan, and Etsako. Okpe is classified within the Edoid language family, which is a branch of the Benue-Congo languages.

The language is used in daily communication within Okpe communities, and oral traditions, folklore, and traditional ceremonies are typically conducted in Okpe. While documentation efforts exist, Okpe, like many indigenous Nigerian languages, faces challenges related to language vitality and the dominance of English in formal education and other sectors. Efforts are ongoing to promote and preserve the language through literacy programs, documentation projects, and the development of educational materials. The orthography of the language has been established, although its consistent usage varies.