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

Further reading

• A Sociolinguistic Profile of the Pye (Pe) Language of Plateau State, Nigeria