THE NUMERAL SYSTEM OF THE URHOBO LANGUAGE

ABSTRACT

This research work generally aims at investigating the nature of the numeral system of the urhobo language. It examine the process of deriving the compound-complex numerals from the simple ones and the morphological, packing strategy and descriptive linguistic processes that apply to numeral derivation. It also examine the different sets of numerals that are in the urhobo numeral system, their positioning, how they are derived and how the local speakers perceives the numbers Furthermore the study seeks to account for the morphological processes in the numeral system of the urhobo language. Primary and secondary source of data collection was utilized. The primary were elicited through an interview of one learned and competent speaker of the urhobo language who lives in the urhobo speech community. The secondary method of data collection was drawn from previous works namely Ukere’s (1989), Urhobo English dictionary and Arererian (2004), Ephere r’ Urhobo. The data were analyzed using the descriptive linguistic theory. This analyzed number 1-200, and shows the processes of how the numerals are derived in the urhobo language. It was found from the study that the numeral system of urhobo operates simple, denary and vigesimal system and also has compound and complex numeral and lastly, they have sets.