A Comparative Analysis of the Morphological Structure of Igede and Ilaje

Student: Oluwakemi Jumoke Odofin (Project, 2025)
Department of Linguistics and Nigeria Language
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

This research investigates the morphological structure and word formation processes in the llaje and Igede languages of Nigeria. This research employed a descriptive linguistic approach to analyze the morphological structure and word formation processes in Ilaje and Igede. Both languages demonstrate a rich morphological system with free and bound morphemes. Affixation, particularly prefixation, plays a significant role in word formation, with Ilaje utilizing vowel prefixes extensively to derive nouns from verbs, a feature less prominent in Igede. Igede, however, exhibits infixation to form agentive nouns, a process absent in llaje. Both languages utilize compounding to create complex words by combining two or more free morphemes. Reduplication, both total and partial, is observed in both languages, although with varying patterns and functions. Borrowing from other languages, particularly English is evident in both, with borrowed words adapted to fit the phonological and morphological systems of each language. This study provides valuable insights into the morphological intricacies of Ilaje and Igede, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Niger-Congo language family.

Keywords
morphological igede languages ilaje structure formation research processes llaje morphemes
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