Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/ó-mĩ

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 edit

Etymology edit

The root *mĩ is ultimately proposed to be from the root Proto-Niger-Congo *-ni by Westerman. hypothesizes that the common Proto-Niger-Congo *-ma root is found across Africa and may derive from Niger-Congo ma- class-prefix for liquids. Cognate with Igbo mmiri, Proto-Edoid *A-mɪN and Proto-Edoid descendant languages, (Edo amẹ, Yekhee àmɛ̀), Akpes íɲí, Àhàn oɲĩ, Proto-Ukaan *ùmɔ̃̀, Proto-Nupoid *e-ɲi (Proto-Ebiroid), Proto-Ukaan *ùmɔ̃̀, Proto-Idomoid *ì-mànyì. Also see Proto-Lower Cross River *-mɔ́ːŋ, Khana maá, Gur languages Proto-Oti-Volta *ni, Proto-Eastern Oti-Volta *nia-, Savannas languages Baatonum nim, Kim mam, and some Plateau languages, Yeskwa ame, Ahwai mankuri (Shakara), and Proto-Bantu *màjíjɪ̀.

  • Likely also related to Igbo Osimili (Niger river) and Yoruba Ẹ̀sìnmirin, as the Niger River was likely the main body of water of which Proto-Yoruboid speakers were familiar with.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

*ó-mĩ

  1. water; body of river
    Synonym: *á-ji
  2. rain
    Synonym: *á-ji

Descendants edit

  • Igala: ómi
  • Itsekiri: omi
  • Yoruba: omi (all dialects)
  • Ifè: omi
  • Olukumi: omi