Anyima Nyima people live in Cross River State in southern Nigeria. They speak the Lenyima language. Like many small language groups in this area who exist in one village, Lenyima is only spoken in the town of Inyima. The people there told language surveyors that they originally lived in Abakaliki in central Ebonyi State, then for a short time in Ekwenekwene, but left around 1912 or 1917 due to poor harvests and persistent war with the other Agbo groups. From there, they traveled to Nko in Cross River State, south of Inyima.
The Anyima Nyima people’s primary occupation is farming. The town of Inyima has a market where they can sell their produce.
Anyima Nyima people are multilingual, with all generations speaking Lenyima, English, and some of the neighboring languages. The Lenyima tongue remains dominant in the home and when they meet among themselves. English is used in public domains with outsiders and neighboring groups. English is the language used for education. English literature includes Bibles, magazines, novels, and textbooks. Use of Lenyima in the classroom is prohibited, but the children may use it on the playground. When teachers were asked if they had any interest in teaching in Lenyima, they said that it would help the children understand better, which implies there is some loss of comprehension in English.
A large majority of Lenyima speakers are Christians. A small percentage still practice traditional African religion. Animism, a religious worldview that believes natural physical entities such as animals, plants, and even inanimate objects possess a spiritual essence, is its core concept. English and/or Pidgin English are used for most church activities. Many of these denominations tend to focus more on social justice issues rather than personal salvation through Christ.
Lenyima is a strong oral language used for face-to-face communication by all generations. The people have a good attitude toward their language and desire to have literacy materials produced. Community leaders interested in language development could attend a planning workshop that would expose them to the concepts of language vitality and development. SIL Nigeria can provide training in langue development and Bible translation principles. A Bible in their language would help them understand God’s Word better. Church leaders would encourage use of translated Scripture among their people both in the churches and in homes.
Ask God to give community and church leaders wisdom to pursue language develop and establish goals for Bible translation.
Pray that God’s word may be translated into the Anyima Nyima people’s heart language to help them understand the true gospel message and grow in their faith in Christ.
Pray for the Lord to call people from the community to serve as Bible translators and literacy specialist.
Scripture Prayers for the Nyima, Anyima in Nigeria.
SIL Linguistic survey: https://www.sil.org/resources/publications/entry/95706
peoplegoups.org – Lenyima
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
