Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/ɛ̀-ta

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

Alternative forms edit

*à-ta

Etymology edit

Likely from Proto-Volta-Niger *ta, ultimately proposed to be from Proto-Niger-Congo *-tati, or Proto-Niger-Congo *tat. This is one of the most stable roots for numerals in Niger Congo, see also Proto-Yoruboid *ɛ̀-lı̃ (“four”). Cognate with Ayere ita, Nupe guta, see Proto-Nupoid *gu-ta and Proto-Idomoid *ɛ̀-tā. Possibly related to Fon atɔ̀n, Edo eha. The -ta root is widespread in many branches of Volta-Congo and Atlantic-Congo, see Ukaan táárh (Proto-Ukaan *tárV), Gade ɪ̀tá, Proto-Plateau *tat, Tee taa (see Proto-Lower Cross River *ìtá). Also compare with Proto-Bantu *-tátʊ̀, Proto-Grassfields *tád. It also likely is present in the Senufo branch of Volta-Congo, see Mamara Senoufo taanri and in Gur and Savannah languages, see Baatonum ita, Dagbani ata, Farefare tã, Koromfé ɪtãã, Gourmanchéma -tà, and in some Kwa languages, see Ga etɛ and Proto-Kwa *-tã (Proto-Potou-Akanic). Others include Bassa tã, Ega ɪ̀tà, Fula tati (Senegambian branch), showing a tangible Proto-Niger congo origin.

From the same root as Yoruba ọta (“sixty”)

Pronunciation edit

IPA^(key): /ɛ̀.tā/

Numeral edit

*ɛ̀-ta

three

Descendants edit

Yoruba: ẹ̀ta
Igala: ẹ̀ta
Itsekiri: ẹ̀ta
Ifè: ɛ̀ta
Olukumi: ẹ̀ta