Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/ɔ́-yà

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

Etymology

Compare with Idoma onya, Ebira anya (“woman”), further etymology is unclear. The root does not resemble Proto-Yoruboid terms for "woman," see *ɔ́-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃ (“female”). Perhaps related to Nupe èyà (“friend”). May come from the same root as *ɛ́-ɲã̀ (“breast”)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ́.jà/

Noun

*ɔ́-yà

1. wife

   Antonym: *ɔ́-kɔ

Descendants

• Ifè: aya
• Igala: ọ́yà
• Olukumi: aya
• Yoruba: aya
• Central Yoruba
  • Ekiti Yoruba: ọyà
  • Akure Yoruba: ayà