MORPHOLOGY AND PHONOLOGY INTERFACE: URHOBO NUMERALS

Abstract

This study presents a morpho-phonological analysis of Urhobo numerals, aiming to explore their structural components and formation processes. By identifying the various morphological methods employed in deriving numerals in Urhobo, the research sheds light on the complexities of this aspect of the language. The investigation focuses on the phonemes, syllable structures, and phonological processes that contribute to the realization of numerals. Data for this analysis were gathered through interviews, where informants provided the Urhobo equivalents of English numerals. A descriptive approach was utilized for data analysis, leading to insightful findings. The results reveal that affixation, reduplication, and compounding are key word formation processes in the derivation of Urhobo numerals. Moreover, the research indicates the presence of seven oral vowels and three nasal vowels in Urhobo numerals, complemented by thirteen consonant sounds. The predominant syllable structure observed in Urhobo numerals is the consonant-vowel (CV). Among various phonological processes, deletion emerged as the most frequently observed in these numerals. Overall, this study highlights the significant interplay between morphology and phonology in Urhobo numerals, contributing to a deeper understanding of the language's structure.