Numeral systems in Olùkùmi and Òwò dialects of Yorùbá, evidence of Yorùbá Affinity

Abstract

This study investigates the numerals of Olukumi and Owo dialects of Yoruba to identify some basic and derived forms of the numeral systems in the two Yoruba dialects. The data for this study were drawn from structured interviews using purposive sampling of ten (10) native speakers of Olukumi and another ten (10) native speakers of Owo dialects. Thirty-seven varying numbers from the two dialects generated from Ibadan four hundred basic wordlists were subjected to descriptive and comparative analyses. The results of this investigation using the Weak Lexicalist Approach (WLA) show that there are linguistic convergences and divergences in the numeral systems of Olùkùmi and Òwò dialects. Counting numbers from one to ten is considered basic in Olùkùmi and Owò dialects. The results of the two dialects subscribe to the subtraction method in the mathematical approach. In addition, the Owo dialect has a basic numeral system for two hundred (‘ugba’); whereas the Olukumi dialect, on the other hand, employs a derived decimal approach as two hundred (‘orumezi’). The Olùkùmi dialect of Yorùba? was seen to be in favor of the additive numeral system rather than the subtractive and multiplication methods that are common in Owo numeral system. More so, Olukumi uniquely attests to clipping. Finally, it was generally discovered that the change in space, time, and distance account for the linguistic variations observed in the numeral systems of the two dialects (Olùkùmi and Òwò). This study, therefore, provides an insight into how Olùkùmi and Òwò dialects of the Yorùba are spoken within and outside Yorùba communities, as well as how their numeral systems are being derived.