Introduction / History

Tita (aka Hoai Petel) is a stable indigenous language of Nigeria. It belongs to the Niger-Congo class and is part of the Benue people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. Tita is spoken in Jalingo LGA (Local Government Areas) in Taraba State, Nigeria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The major occupation of the Tita people is agriculture. They grow maize, rice, sorghum, millet and cassava. Their cash crops include coffee, tea, ground nuts, cotton, and yams. They also herd cattle, sheep, and goats. Some breed rabbits and pigs. Others make a living through pottery, cloth-weaving, dyeing, mat-making, carving, embroidery and blacksmithing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Less than half of the Tita people claim to be Christians. Most follow the traditional religion of their culture and ethnicity. Animism is frequently a component of traditional religions. This religious worldview believes natural physical entities such as animals, plants, and even inanimate objects possess a spiritual essence. People tend to think becoming a Christian means turning your back on your culture and identity, which makes evangelism challenging.

What Are Their Needs?

Tita is believed to be the first language used by all in the community. It is not taught in schools. A survey would help assess the multilingualism of the Tita people and in what domains, English, Hausa, and neighboring languages are being used. Community leaders interested in language development to preserve their language may consider attending workshops as they become available. That would expose participants to language vitality and potential short-term development and translation projects.

Prayer Points

Pray community leaders will consider attending a workshop to assess the vitality of their language and if they desire to pursue language development and Bible translation.
Pray a translation project can begin among the Tita people so they can access God s word to grow in faith and evangelize their neighbors.

Scripture Prayers for the Tita in Nigeria.

References

Tita | Ethnologue Free
Tita language - Wikipedia
Taraba State - Wikipedia
PeopleGroups.org Tita