Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/-ye

This Proto-Yoruboid entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Yoruboid

Alternative forms

• *V́-ye, *í-ye

Etymology

Most Yoruba languages use this form or a form similar to this with the addition of a vowel prefix, see descendants below. The form usually maintains a mid-tone, but many forms also have a high-tone and low-tone form, *-yé, *-yè, and may derive roots referring to laying eggs or giving birth.

See other roots for mother including Proto-Yoruboid *-nà or Proto-Yoruboid *-mɔ̃̀. For cognates outside of Yoruboid, see Edo iye,

The form ìyá found in Yoruba does not seem to be related to this term, and only resembles Ibibio iya

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /jè/, /jē/, /jé/

Noun

*-ye or *-yé

1. mother; old woman

   Synonyms: *-nà, *-mɔ̃̀

   Antonyms: *bàbá, *-ba, *V-ba

Derived terms

• *í-ye?
• *ɔ́-mãye (“sibling, half-sibling”)
• *yeye (“grandmother”)

Related terms

• *ò-bí (“parent”)

Descendants

• Igala: íye
• Olukumi: ye
• Northwest, Northeast Yoruba: iye
• Yoruba: yèyé
• Ekiti Yoruba: èye, èyé
• Ondo Yoruba: yè
• Ikale Yoruba: yeye