EFIK LANGUAGE
THE ORTHOGRAPHY
By Elder Prince Ofion Akak (Co-ordinator of Efik Language Programmes)

HISTORY
The literary important of Efik Language dates back to the earliest attmpt at written records when the efiks started a form of secret writting "NSIBIDI" known only to its highest tittles holders.

By the 18th century, sucesseful records has been achieved in writting of the language.

The early missionaries put in a lot in the development of efik orthography Language and Literature. Some of such popular missionaries include Rev. Hope Waddell, Rev. Hugh Godie and Edgerley. Others including the Efiks were Mr. E.M. Falk, prof Westermam, Mr. Gaskin, rev. Maegregor Pritchard, Okon Efiong, Ballantyne, father Meehan, Dr. Henshaw, Mr Westgarth, chief Ekpengong, Messrs Essien Archibong, Amaku, and Ayo. Mr E.E Nkanga the author of the popular"Mutanda Oyom Namondo' played a great unforgettable role . The Efik Language shares almost the same alphabet with English except C,J,Q,V,X and Z.The vowels include A.E. I. O. U. Please see the attched file for this.

HISTORICAL FACTS: By way of briefity, I hereby highlight the following important historical facts: 1. In 1812, Efik was one of the earliest language with the original orthography devised by Efik son, King Eyo Nsa Honesty.

In 1860, it was one of the first three nigerian languages to be codified with its own orthograph and grammar.

In 1862, Efik language was the first Nigerian language used in translating the Holy bible (New Testament).

In 1868, it was used to complete the translations of Old Testament.

The two first Efik Priest who assisted Rev. Hugh Goldie and other missionaries for the translations include: Rev. Essien Ukpabio in Greek Town An Rev. Asukwo Ekanem In Mbiabo Ikot Offiong.

Thus as early as that, Efik language had become a vital vehicle for the dissemination of Education, Religion, Trade and Commerce in the region of Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State and even beyound to cameroon and equatorial Guinea from 1880 - 1950 Efik had popular Newspapers and these included UNWANA, OBODOM, OBUPKONG etc.

Efik has produced many literary men and women who surfaced with pride in african Literary world.

In 1933 an English Post- grauduate student, Miss Ida Ward got her D. Litt degree in Efik Language. Prof. Okon Esien a fomer H.O.D, Linguistics, University of Calabar also bagged his Phd in Efik Language from the University of Edinburgh, late Obong Akpanyung an Efik language especialist and Author also studied and specialized in Efik language from school of Oriental and Afriaca studies, London. the Efik language has for long gotten international status as a Research and Phd subject since 1930s

In 1938, at the literary contest by the International institute of African languages, london, E. N. Amaku's popular Efik literature Abasi Ekpenyong toppled the list for thr first prize award.

In 1962, E. A. Edyang's popular SIDIBE (Efik drama - Romance) got the first prize during the Pan- Afriacan Drama Competition organized by an Americam university.

In 1970 again, Dr. E.N. Amaku's popular Drama, INYANG Abari Ndem fetched the author another first prize award.

In 1972, the University of Ibadan for his great contribution in Efik Pose, Drama, Pror of letters.