A Comparative Analysis of the Numerals and Counting Systems of Igbo and Igala

Abstract

This paper carries out a comparative study of the numbering systems of the Igbo language and the Igala language. The paper analyzes the counting systems of both languages to find out their similarities and differences. Besides, the paper studies both the cardinal and ordinals of the Igbo language and the Igala language. Again, the paper makes a foray into the counting of days, weeks and months in both Igbo and Igala. Furthermore, the paper looks at how both Igbo and Igala express days ahead of time. The paper adopts the descriptive approach of analysis whereby relevant literatures are consulted for data and analyzed. The paper finds that though there are some areas of differences, there are some striking similarities in the numerals and counting systems of the Igbo language and the Igala language. Worthy of note is the vestiges of vigesimal counting system noticeable in some Nigerian languages. This feature, however, is being eroded to some extent by language planning efforts that tend to embrace the British decimal system. Moreover, both languages have some interesting similarities in their use of concepts for the expression of ordinals. Again, the similar four market days calls for more research into Igbo and Igala to find out where the two languages crossed paths in history.