Reconstruction:Proto-Nguni/íli-

This Proto-Nguni 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-Nguni

Etymology

From Proto-Bantu *dɪ́-, plus augment. Originally the pronominal and verbal concord, it displaced the older Bantu noun prefix *ì-. The tone was lowered by analogy with other noun prefixes.

Prefix

*íli-

Class 5 noun prefix.

Descendants

Northern Ndebele: ili-, i-
Phuthi: li-
Swazi: li-
Xhosa: ili-, i-
Zulu: ili-, i-