Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/ó-lũ̀

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

• *ó-lìlũ̀ (reduplicated form)

Etymology

From the root *lũ̀, probably referring to shining or light, a much younger root, likely innovated by Proto-Yoruboid or late stage Volta-Niger speakers (or Proto-Defoid speakers, if such a thing existed). The Yoruba descendant languages as well as Itsekiri, maintain a form consisting of a partial reduplication (*lìlũ̀) of this verb root, however it is unclear if the Proto-Yoruboid form also reflected this partial-reduplication. Compare with Ayere õnu, maybe Idoma ẹnọ̀.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ó.lũ̀/

Noun

*ó-lũ̀

1. sun, sunlight

Proper noun

*ó-lũ̀

1. the sun

Descendants

• Ede Nago: oòru, oòrʊ̃
• Igala: ólù
• Itsekiri: orurun
• Olukumi: òrùn
• Yoruba: orìrùn (obsolete)
  • Yoruba: oòrùn
• Ondo Yoruba: oùn
• Ekiti Yoruba: orìrùn