Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/ɛ̀-fà

Proto-Yoruboid

Etymology

While most Yoruboid roots beyond five seem to be local innovations, not even sharing with cognates in other Volta-Niger languages, this seems strongly related to Edo ehan, where /h/ to /f/ is a common phonological change often seen between Edoid and Yoruboid languages. The Edo form is also certainly related to Edo eha (“three”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɛ̀.fà/

Numeral

*ɛ̀-fà

1. six

Descendants

• Ifè: ɛ̀fà
• Igala: ẹ̀fà
• Yoruba: ẹ̀fà
• Itsekiri: ẹ̀fà