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This 1990 survey investigates two Tiv-related languages: Assumbo and Mesaka. The purpose is to recommend which varieties should be standardized, based on both linguistic data (shared lexical percentages and inherent intelligibility) and sociolinguistic data (language use and attitudes). In particular, since the Assumbo dialect, Ipulo, as spoken in the village of Tinta is planned for development, there was need to discover the extent to which a written form of this dialect could be used. We investigated the use of Pidgin in key domains to determine community use and proficiency.
[This report has not been peer reviewed.]