Roger Blench Kay Williamson Educational Foundation 8, Guest Road Cambridge CB1 2AL United Kingdom Voice/ Fax. 0044-...
EKOID: BANTOID LANGUAGES OF THE NIGERIA-CAMEROUN BORDERLAND
Roger Blench
DRAFT ONLY NOT TO BE QUOTED WITHOUT PERMISSION Roger Blench Kay Williamson Educational Foundation 8, Guest Road Cambridge CB1 2AL United Kingdom Voice/ Fax. 0044-(0)1223-560687 Mobile worldwide (00-44)-(0)7967-696804 E-mail
[email protected] http://www.rogerblench.info/RBOP.htm
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. The Ekoid-Mbe languages: Overview ....................................................................................................... 1 2. Classification................................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 External.................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Internal................................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Phonology..................................................................................................................................................... 5 4. Morphology.................................................................................................................................................. 6 5. Conclusions .................................................................................................................................................. 7 References ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 Appendix I. Comparative Mbe-Ekoid wordlist............................................................................................ 9 TABLES Table 1. Innovative roots in Ekoid-Mbe ........................................................................................................... 3 Table 2: Lexical similarity within Ekoid including words with regular sound changes ................................... 4 Table 3. Proto-Ekoid consonant phonemes....................................................................................................... 5 Table 4. Ekoid correspondences for alveolars and velars ................................................................................. 5 Table 5. Mbe consonants................................................................................................................................... 5 Table 6. Ejagham noun classes ......................................................................................................................... 6
FIGURES Figure 1. Genetic classification of Ekoid-Mbe languages ................................................................................ 4
MAPS Map 1. The Ekoid languages............................................................................................................................. 2
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft 1. The Ekoid-Mbe languages: Overview The Ekoid-Mbe languages are spoken principally in SE Nigeria and in adjacent regions of Cameroun. Mbe [M̀ bè] is a single language spoken in seven villages in Ogoja LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Ekoid languages consist of around closely-related 19 lects, the majority of which are spoken in Nigeria (Crabb 1969). Ekoid speakers have been known by a number of terms in the literature (including ‘Keaka’ and Ekoi, which covers a variety of languages in this region, some of quite different affiliation). Ekoid languages in Cameroun are known as ‘Ejagham’, which is a cover term for a variety of lects which vary from village to village. Ethnologue (2009) says; Western Ejagham includes Bendeghe Etung (Bindege, Dindiga, Mbuma), Northern Etung, Southern Etung, Ekwe, Akamkpa-Ejagham. Eastern Ejagham includes Keaka (Keaqa, Kejaka, Edjagam), Obang (Eeafeng). These are surveyed in Edmondson & Edmondson (1971) but no complete wordlists have been published and this material is clearly in a highly preliminary transcription. Yoder et al. (2009) have recently surveyed the ‘Bakor’ languages in Nigeria and have provided wordlists of previously unknown lects/ Map 1 shows the situation of the main Ekoid languages in Nigeria, with indications of the location of Mbe and Ejagham, partly in Cameroun. Historically speaking, Ekoid looks like a recent westward expansion into the territory of the Upper Cross languages, hence the presence of isolated languages such as Ikom within Ekoid territory. East of Ekoid are the Bendi languages, also forming a closely-related set of lects; linguistic geography suggests that they were originally bordering on the Upper Cross languages and the expansion of Ekoid forced the two groups apart. The first publication of Ekoid material is in Clarke (1848) where five ‘dialects’ are listed and a short wordlist of each is given. Other significant early publications are Koelle (1854), Goldie (1862), Mansfeld (1908), Thomas (1914, 1927), Johnston (1919-1922), Jeffreys (1950) and Byström (1954). Crabb (1969) remains the major monograph on these languages, although regrettably, Part II, which was to contain grammatical analyses, was never published. The monograph also reviews the literature on Ekoid up to the date of publication. Crabb (1969) lists fourteen lects and Watters (1978a) refers to some 4-5 ‘dialects’ of Ejagham across the border in Cameroun. Nonetheless, some of these are very close to one another and the most recent Ethnologue (2009) boils them down to some eight ‘languages’. In recent years, some speakers of nine Ekoid lects have resolved to unite under the umbrella term Bakor. The Bakor people speak Nkim, Nkum, Ekajuk, Nnam, Abanyom, Nde, Nta, Nselle1 and Efutop. The term ‘Bakor’ [bakɔ] is derived from the two words, ba ‘come’ and kɔ ‘take’. It was chosen because the expression ba kɔ is the same in all nine lects. All the Bakor peoples are within Ikom and Ogoja Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State, Nigeria. The Bakor languages have been surveyed in greater detail by Yoder et al. (2009)2. Orthography development in Ekoid consists of Ekajuk, where a New Testament was published in 1971 and other orthography materials exist and Ejagham in Cameroun where there has been a New Testament since 1997. There are also radio and television broadcasts in Ejagham. Mbe [=Mbube] has been developed by the Roman Catholic church and there is a catechism dating from 1962. Work by Lutheran Bible translators produced an initial orthography (1983) and a revised version (Pohlig 2006). St. John’s Gospel appeared in 2001 and a liturgy in 2007.
This follows the common practice of writing their name with two ‘l’s (e.g. on village signs). The 15th edition of the Ethnologue uses only one ‘l’ (Nsele) because it is not a long consonant ( [ńsə̀lè] not [ńsə̀lːè]). 2 Thanks to Mike Rueck and Zachariah Yoder for making their unpublished material available. 1
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Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Map 1. The Ekoid languages
Source: Yoder et al. (2009) 2
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft The Mbe area and the people are known to the administration as Mbube, a designation which includes the Mbe and the Upper Mbe, who speak a different language. There may be as many as 20-30,000 speakers although no recent census data are available. There said to be three dialects, Idum, Ikumtale and Odaje, but no evidence for this has been published. An Mbe list appears in Koelle (1854) and is analysed in Ankermann (1927). Mbe has been described by Bamgboṣe (1965, 1966, 1967) and more recently an unpublished phonology and orthography statement (Pohlig 2006) and a dictionary (Pohlig n.d.) have been circulated3. 2. Classification 2.1 External The Ekoid languages have long been associated with Bantu, without their status being precisely defined. Although Koelle (1854) grouped his languages in the same area, Cust (1883) linked them together and place them in a group co-ordinate with Bantu but not within it. Thomas (1927) correctly pointed to the Bantu status of Ekoid, but the much later Westermann & Bryan (1952) repeat an older, less accurate classification, grouping the Nyang languages with Ekoid. Guthrie (1967-1971) had difficulties with the notion that Ekoid formed part of Bantu. His first improbable explanation was that its ‘Bantuisms’ resulted from speakers of a Bantu language being ‘absorbed’ by those who spoke a ‘Western Sudanic’ language, in other words, the apparent parallels, were simply a massive corpus of loanwords. This was later modified into ‘Ekoid languages may to some extent share an origin with some of the A zone languages, but they seem to have undergone considerable perturbations’ (Guthrie 1971, II:15). Williamson (1971), in an influential classification of Benue-Congo, assigned Ekoid to ‘Wide Bantu’ i.e. Bantoid. Williamson (1971) still lists Mbe as a branch of Bantu distinct from Ekoid but all subsequent classifications have put these languages together. All modern classifications of Ekoid are based on the data from Crabb (1969) and when Watters (1978a,b) came to explore the proto-phonology of Ekoid, he used this source, rather than his own field material from the Ejagham dialects in Cameroun. Crabb fails to distinguish clearly phonetic from phonemic transcriptions thus multiplying vowels and diacritics unnecessarily. Fresh work on Ejagham in both Nigeria and Cameroun has extended our knowledge of individual dialects of Ekoid (Edmondson, E. (1966), Edmondson, T. (1966), Edmondson & Bendor-Samuel (1966), Edmondson & Edmondson (1971, 1977), Kleiner & Kleiner (1976), Watters (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990, 2000, 2001), Asinya (1987) and Sibomana (1986, 1988, 1989). In 2009, a new survey of part of Ekoid in Nigeria that presently has adopted the name ‘Bakor’ for the cluster has made possible a re-assessment of the status of some of the languages. A perhaps more pertinent question is whether Ekoid has any clear innovations that would distinguish it from A Group Bantu. Table 1 shows some suggested Ekoid innovations or retentions not attested elsewhere inside Bantu; Table 1. Innovative roots in Ekoid-Mbe Efutop Mbe PB Gloss sg. pl. eye èmár àmár llí yícò head èsí àsí bùcí túè hair è-muɔ̌r à-muɔ̌r mmuɛ́ cʊ̀kɪ́ tooth è-mə́n à-mə́n lè-kɔ̀ yínò tongue élíbà álíbà le-lɛ́m dɪm ́ ì water à-lə́b bɛ̀lɛ̀b 2.2 Internal Watters (1978a) is a comparative phonology and classification of Ekoid which presents the internal classification is shown in Figure 1. The Mbe and Ejagham languages have been added has been added and
3
Thanks to John Watters for the file of Crabb’s lexical material, to Paul Schroeder and Jim Pohlig for recent unpublished material on Mbe and Pascal Piron for typing up and making accessible the work of Bamgboṣe.
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Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft some lower level subgroups have been collapsed. Nonetheless, since material is now available for a more comprehensive classification, it could be usefully undertaken. Figure 1. Genetic classification of Ekoid-Mbe languages Proto-Ekoid-Mbe
Mbe Ejagham
Ekparabong
Balep West
East Efutop
Nde-Nselle -Nta
AbanyomNkim-Nkum Nnam
N. Etung S. Etung
Ekajuk
Bendeghe Keaka
Obang
Voorhoeve (1980) also takes the view that Nyang shows some similarities to Ekoid-Mbe in terms of the concords for Class 6, *ma/*ga. But this is to ignore the numerous other differences of phonology and morphology. Nyang languages have their own quite distinct characteristics and are probably more remote from Bantu than Ekoid. Gerhardt (1980) has presented tables showing regular correspondences between some Mbe lexemes and proto-Bantu. There is no overall analysis of internal diversity in the Ekoid languages, but Table 2 shows a table of lexical similarity for the lects surveyed in Yoder et al. (2009). Ekoid languages are quite diverse, with lexicostatistical counts going down to ca. 50%. Were Mbe to be included, this would probably drop to below 40%. Table 2: Lexical similarity within Ekoid including words with regular sound changes Efutop 66% Nselle 68% 92% Nde 66% 88% 91% Nta 56% 67% 67% 65% Abanyom 51% 53% 57% 54% 71% Nkim 52% 57% 58% 58% 71% 89% Nkum 53% 61% 60% 58% 72% 65% 67% Nnam 52% 59% 59% 58% 68% 64% 67% 90% Ekajuk – Ekagongho 52% 57% 57% 57% 67% 63% 67% 89% 97% Ekajuk – Esham 53% 59% 58% 58% 66% 63% 67% 87% 93% 93% Ekajuk – Mfom Source: Yoder et al. (2009)
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Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft 3. Phonology The most comprehensive attempt to explore the comparative phonology and classification of Ekoid is Watters (1978a). This provides an analysis of sound-shifts between the lects recorded in Crabb (1969), but regrettably omits the Ejagham material from Watters’ own fieldwork. The likely consonant phonemes of proto-Ekoid are shown in Table 3; Table 3. Proto-Ekoid consonant phonemes Bilabial LabioAlveolar dental Plosive p b t d Nasal m n Trill r Fricative β f v s z Approximant Lateral Approximant l
Alveop alatal
Palatal
Velar
ʧ ʤ ɲ
k g ŋ
ʃ
ɣ y
Labialvelar kp gb ŋm w
/ŋ/ and /ɲ/ are in complementary distribution; /ɲ/ is always in C1 position and /ŋ/ in C2 position. Watters (1978a:36) notes irregular correspondences with /b/, /t/ and /g/ that suggest proto-Ekoid had some sort of contrast at this level which he notates b1,/b2, t1/t2 and g1/g2. This is suggested by the correspondences shown in Table 4; Table 4. Ekoid correspondences for alveolars and velars Language to find to think tree work snail èréré èróm ŋ̀kɔ́ A té tɛ̌d G tî tɛ̌d étí ètûm ŋ̀kɔ́ N teè tɛ̀r ète nɛ̀tôm ŋ̀kɔɔ́ Mbe kpé búob bè-cí butwóŋ ǹdwé Source: extracted from Watters (1978a:16)
wife plantain mountain mìŋkái ɛ́kɔ̀mî bɛ̀kòkói ŋ̀káɛ ɛ̀gɔ̀mɛ́ ègúi ŋ̀kaa ɛgɔ̀mɔ egǒn myɛ̀l èkùŋkwàm bùkwɛ̀l
Mbe forms are included for reference though they are not always cognate. On comparative grounds it is relatively easy to establish the nature of the proto-Ekoid consonants. For example, for ‘tree’ and ‘work’ /t/ must be reconstructed as this word always has /t/ in external cognates (see Mbe and the entries in BCCW for this word). The question then becomes ‘under what circumstances does t→r in some Ekoid lects?’. Similarly, the evidence for ‘plantain and ‘mountain’ points to /k/ as the proto-phoneme, thereby eliminating Watters’ g2. Mbe phonology is strikingly more elaborate than Ekoid. Pohlig (2006) gives the following consonants (Table 5); Table 5. Mbe consonants Bilabial Vcl. stops p pʷ pʸ Lenis Vdc. stops b bʷ bʸ
t
Alveolar tʷ
d
dʷ
Fricatives
s
sʷ
ʃ
ʃʷ
ts dz n r l
tsʷ dzʷ
ʧ ʤ ɲ
ʧʷ ʤʷ ɲʷ
y
yʷ
Vcl. affricates Vcd. affricates Nasals Taps Laterals Approximants
f
fʷ
m mʷ
mʸ
rʷ lʷ
Alveo-palatal
g
Velar kʷ kʸ kʷ̘ gʷ gʸ
ŋ
ŋʷ
k
Labio-Velar kp gb
rʸ lʸ
5
w
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft The most striking feature of this is the contrast postulated by Pohlig between fortis and lenis /kʷ/. He gives as an example the following pairs: /kʷě/ /kɛ̀kʷěl/
/kʷ̘ě/ /kɛ̀kʷ̘él/
cut down! bush fowl sp.
fall down! pimple
With [kʷě], the vowel [e] is half-rounded from the fortis labialisation, while the vowel [e] in [kʷ̘e] is without rounding. Pohlig notes that the younger generation may be losing this distinction. Such a contrast is clearly not widespread in Ekoid-Mbe and may be a result of contact with the neighbouring Upper Cross languages, where such long/short or fortis/lenis contrasts are pervasive (e.g. Sterk 19xx). The two alveopalatal nasal consonants /ɲ/ and /ɲʷ/ correspond to the other alveopalatal consonants, e.g., /ʤ/ and /ʤʷ/. Some consonants only occur in ideophones, e.g., /fʸ/ (as in [fʸɛ̀p˺] ‘sound of spitting’) and /hʸ/ (as in [hʸáuŋ:] ‘meow’). Ekoid lacks the systematic prosodic contrasts of Mbe, labialisation and palatalisation. It is easily shown on historical grounds that it is Mbe that must have developed these contrasts, as external cognates with Ekoid almost always have plain consonants. Both Ekoid and Mbe are reconstructed with seven vowels (Watters 1978a; Pohlig 2006); i e ɛ
u o ɔ a
Crabb (1969) transcribed vowels phonetically using numerous symbols and diacritics thereby adding confusion to what is essentially a rather simple, Bantu-like vowel system. The dissertation by Asinya (1987) based on fieldwork in Nigeria made an important claim, namely that most Ekoid languages have long/short distinctions in the vowels but this has not been echoed by other fieldworkers. Both Mbe and Ekoid have High, Low, Rising, Falling and Downstep tones and these correspond fairly directly to the tones posited for proto-Bantu. Edmondson & Bendor-Samuel (1966) argue that by positing word-level tone, it is possible to account for the rising and falling tones, leaving only a three-way contrast. As so often, this is largely a matter of diachronic versus synchronic accounts; the five-way contrast exists on the surface synchronically but can be shown to derive from VV sequences that evolve through segment deletion. 4. Morphology The Ekoid noun-class system resembles Bantu and yet the two do not correspond exactly (Watters 1980). Table 6 shows the noun-classes of Ejagham, following Bantu numbering. with the prefix of the singular and the concord consonant. Table 6. Ejagham noun classes Class Prefix Concord 1 Nw, ɲ 2 ab 3 Nm 5 ɛy 6 am 8 bib 9 Ny, ɲ 14 ɔb 19 if Source: Watters (1981)
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Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft The reason for the absence of various Bantu classes is that these are said to have ‘merged’, for example 3/4 and 6/7. However, this would only be true if Ekoid were Bantu, whereas from a Bantoid perspective, these classes are simply absent. 5. Conclusions The present document represents an initial survey of the literature on Ekoid and Mbe and a comparative wordlist as a tool for seeking sound correspondences and noun-class morphology as well as external cognates. The primary tasks ahead are to complete the survey of Ekoid lects, especailly in Cameroun, and to characterise their phonology more completely. In particular, the phonology of Mbe argues that the sound systems of Ekoid may have been under-analysed. References Ankermann, Bernhard 1927. Koelles Mbe-sprache. MSOS, 30: 1-4. Asinya, O.E. 1987. A reconstruction of the Segmental phonology of Bakor (an Ekoid Bantu language). M.A. Linguistics, University of Port Harcourt. Edmondson, Eileen 1966. Nouns of Etung classified by their singular-plural prefix pairs. In Kenneth L. Pike (ed.), Tagmemic and matrix linguistics applied to selected African languages (Appendix VI), 206-226. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Center for Research on Language and Language Behavior. Edmondson, Thomas and Eileen Edmondson 1971. Some dialect shifts in Ejagham. Camelang 3: 19-42 Edmondson, Thomas and Eileen Edmondson 1977. Preliminary notes towards a phonological description of Etung (Ejagham). Language Data, African Series, 10. Dallas: Summer Institute of Linguistics. 58 p. Edmondson, Thomas and John T. Bendor-Samuel 1966. Tone patterns of Etung. Journal of African Languages 5: 1-6. Kleiner, Werner and Renate Kleiner 1976. Preliminary phonological statement, Ekajuk (Nigeria). Language Data, African Series, 6. Dallas: Summer Institute of Linguistics. Sibomana, Leo 1986. An outline of Nkem language. Afrika und Übersee, 69: 252-292. Sibomana, Leo 1988. Nkem folktales. Afrika und Übersee, 71: 17-55. Sibomana, Leo 1989. The tonal system of Nkem. Afrika und Übersee, 72: 255-272. Watters, John R. 1978a. A reconstruction of proto-Ekoid phonology. Unpublished ms. UCLA. Watters, John R. 1978b. Proto-Ekoid and Guthrie’s Bantu. Unpublished ms. UCLA. Watters, John R. 1980. The Ejagham noun class system: Ekoid Bantu revisited. In Larry M. Hyman (ed.), Noun classes in the Grassfields Bantu borderland, 99-137. Southern California Occasional Papers in Linguistics, 8. Los Angeles: University of Southern California. Watters, John R. 1981. A phonology and morphology of Ejagham, with notes on dialect variation. Ph.D. thesis. University of California at Los Angeles. xviii, 549 p. Watters, John R. 1982. Problems in developing an Ejagham orthography. Cahiers du Département des Langues Africaines et Linguistique 2: 37-48. Watters, John R. 1983. The expression of the locative semantic function in (Western) Ejagham. Journal of West African Languages 13(2): 53-70. Watters, John R. 1985. The inclusive/exclusive distinction in Ejagham. Journal of West African Languages 15(2): 75-92. Watters, John R. 1985. The place of morphology in functional grammar: the case of the Ejagham verb system. In A.M. Bolkestein, C. de Groot and J. L. MacKenzie (eds.), Predicates and terms in functional grammar, 85-104. Functional grammar series, 2. Dordrecht: Foris. Watters, John R. 1989. Bantoid overview. In: Bendor-Samuel. The Niger-Congo languages. University Press of America pp 401-429. Watters, John R. 1990. Reduplication and the origin of high tone on noun prefixes in Ejagham. Journal of West African Languages 20(1): 105-17. Watters, John R. 2000. Tone in Western Ejagham (Etung): the case of lexical and postlexical tone on nouns. In H. Ekkehard Wolff and Orin D. Gensler (eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress of African Linguistics Leipzig 1997, 411-424. Köln: Rüdiger Köppe Verlag. Watters, John R. 2001. Some phonological characteristics of Ejagham (Etung), an Ekoid Bantu language of Cameroon and Nigeria. In Ngessimo M. Mutaka and Sammy B. Chumbow (eds.), Research mate in 7
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft African linguistics: focus on Cameroon (A fieldworkers tool for deciphering the stories Cameroonian languages have to tell): in honor of Professor Larry N. Hyman, 55-78. Grammatische analysen Afrikanischer Sprachen, 17. Köln: Rüdiger Köppe Verlag.
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Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Appendix I. Comparative Mbe-Ekoid wordlist This wordlist has been compiled from a number of sources, most importantly the comparative wordlist in Crabb (1969) which was typed up for John Watters in old SIL format and converted by me to Unicode. The Mbe comes from the unpublished Mbe dictionary of Pohlig and the publications of Bamgboṣe, typed up by Pascale Piron. The Ejagham comes from the unpublished dictionary of Ejagham by Jonh Watters. My thanks to all who supplied me with original data. Gloss accident4
PoS n
Mbe ò-fɛ̀n /ɛ̀
add to alligator
v n
báró
animal5
n
ant, house
n
bè-ɲàm /bùkɛmpab
ant, tailor antelope
n n
nkáb
ant-hill
n
arch6
v
sébó
arm, hand armpit
n n
obé
arrive arrow
v n
ashes ask7
n v
shɛ́ró, tué lè-bán /bɛ̀bètwé bób
axe
n
back
n
bag8
n
bark9
barren woman bat (house) bat (fruit) bathe bear a child bear10
Ejagham
Ekparabong è-fěn/bè-
Balep è-fěn/bè-
Bendeghe è-fǐn/bì-
N Etung è-fǐn/bì-
bódí ɲ̀-ɲùŋ/bò-
bódé ɲ̀-ŋùŋ/bò-
kpɛ̀ɛ̂ ɲ̀-ŋ b̀ /bɔ̀-[y]
kpɛ̌~kpɛ̀ɛ̂ ɲ̀-y b̀ /ɔ̀-
nɲam
ɲ̀-ɲàm/bɔ̀-
ɲ̀-ŋàm/bɔ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɔ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɔ̀-
S Etung è-fǐn/ɱ̀~bèkpɛ̀ɛ̂ í-kwá ɲ̍ɲ b̀ /ɲ̍-..ɲ̍ ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɔ̀-
Efutop è-fɩ̌ n
Nde è-fěn/bè-
Nselle ɛ̀-fěn/bɛ̀-
Nta è-fěn/bè-
Abanyom ɛ̀-fěn/b -̀
Nkim ù-fěn/à-
Nkum ù-fěn/à-
Nnam ɛ̀-fèn/à-
Ekajuk ɛ̀-fìn/à-
kpiɛ́nə̀ ɲ̀-yìb/òɲ̀-ɲàm/ò-
kpɛ̀nɛ̂ ɲ̀-yɩ̀b/ɛ̀-, ba̍ g/à-) ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɛ̀-
kpɛ̀nɛ̀ ɲ̀-yə̀b/ɛ̀-
kpɛ̀nɛ̀ ɲ̀-yʌ̀b/ɔ̀-
kpɛ̀lɛ̂ ɲ̀-ɲ b̀ /ɔ̀-
bôd ɲ̀-ɲ b̀ /à-
bódɔ̀ ɲ̀-ɲə̀b/à-
kpɛ́lɛ̀ ɲ̀-ɲʌ̀b/ɛ̀-
kpɛ́lɛ̀ ɲ̀-ɲə̀b/ɛ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲà/ɛ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲà/ɔ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɔ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ù-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ù-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɛ̀-
ɲ̀-ɲàm/ɛ̀-
mfap
ɲ́ɲàmíɲámí/báɲàmî (ò-fèrì/bà-) ŋ́-kòb/bò
ɲ́ɲàmáɲámág/báɲàmâŋ ɱ̀-fə̀fə̀b/bà-fə̀b ŋ́-kòb/bò
ɛ̀-fǎb
ɱ̀-fâb/ɛ̀fǎb
ɱ̀-fâb/ɛ̀fâb~bɛ̀-
ɱ̀-fìfàβá/à-
ɱ̀-fìfàβa̍ /à-
ɱ̀-fə̀fàba̍ /à-
ɱ̀-fə̀fàβa̍ /à-
ɱ̀-fǎb/à-
ɱ̀-fǎb/à-
ɱ̀-fǎb/à-
ɱ̀-fàb/à-
ɱ̀-fàb/à-
(ŋ̀-kʰì/ô-) ŋ̀-gùŋgù/ò-
(âŋ-kʰì/ô-) ŋ̀-gù/ò-
ɛ̀-tǎn/bì-
(âŋ-kì/ô-) ŋ̀gùŋgù/ògùúgù ɛ̀-tǎn/ǹ-
(ŋḿ-kpìb/á-) ŋ̀-gùrɛ̀gbɛ̀/àgùráŋmgbɛ̀
ɱ̍-fùb/a̍ ŋ̀-gù/àgùa̍ ŋmgbɛ̀
ɱ̍-fòb/a̍ ŋ̀-gù/àgùa̍ ŋmgbɛ̀
ɱ̍-fòb/a̍ ŋ̀-gùànɛ̀gbɛ̀/àgùa̍ ŋm̍ gbɛ̀
ɱ̀-fǒb/àŋ̀-gòàl ̀gbɛ̀/ɔ̀gòáŋmgbɛ̂
ɱ̀-fǒb/àŋ̀-gò/ù-
ì-kǒb á-fà/àŋ̀-gò/ù-
ɱ̀-fòb/àŋ̀-gò/ɛ̀-
ɱ̀-fùb/áŋ̀-gù/ɛ̀-
etan
(è-sómí/bè-)
séré, goóŋ (bent over) obhô ogbâp
gúŋí
(ɛ̀-rómóŋ/bɛ̀, ɛ̀gbá/bɛ̀-) gúŋí
ɛ̀-tǎn/ǹ-
è-tǎn/à-
ɛ̀-tǎn/à~bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-tǎn/b ̀-
ɛ̀-tǎn/bə̀-
ɛ̀-tǎn/à-
ì-tǎn/à-
ì-tǎn/à-
ɛ̀-tàn/à-
ɛ̀-tàn/à-
gúŋɛ̀~gɔ́ŋɛ̀
gúŋì
gɔ̀ŋɛ̂
gɷ̀ŋə̀
gɔ̀ŋɔ̂
gɔ̀ŋɔ̀
gɔ̀ŋɔ̀
gɔ̀ŋɛ̂
kùŋî
kɷ̀ŋɔ̂
gə́lɔ̀
g ĺ ɔ̀
ɔ̀-bɔ́/bàɔ̀-wáb/bà-
ɔ̀-bɔ́/bàɔ̀-wáb/bà-
ɔ̀-βɔ̂/àɔ̀-gbâb/à-
ɔ̀-βɔ̂/àɔ̀-gbâb/à-
ɔ̀-βɔ̂/àɔ̀-gbâb/à-
ɛ̀-bɔ̂/àɛ̀-gbâb/à-~bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-bɔ̂/àɛ̀-gbâb/bə̀-~à-
ɔ̀-bɔ̂/àɔ̀-gbâb/à-
ɔ̀-bɔ̂/àɔ̀-gbâb/à-
ù-bɔ̂/àù-gbâb/à-
ù-bɔ̂/àù-gbâb/à-
sî m̀ -bɔ̀m/à-[β]
sî nə̀-ba̍ n~bã̍ /m̀ -
slì nə̀-ba̍ n/m̀ -
r ̂ r, (lómê) l -̀ bán/ḿ-
(lôm) í-bán/ḿ-
(lómɔ̀) í-bán/ḿ-
ǹ-dɔ̂n~bà-[r] béb
à-tɔ̂ŋ β ̂ b
sî m̀ -bɔ̌m/à[β] à-tɔ̂ŋ β ̂ b
slì nɛ̀-ba̍ n/ḿ-
ǹ-dɔ̂i béb
sî m̀ -bɔ̌m/à[β] à-tɔ̂ŋ β ̂ b
ɛ̍-bɔ̍/a̍ ɛ̍gbɛa̍ b/a̍ rə́ŋ~rʌ́ŋ ɛ̍b-ba̍ n/m̍ -
ɛ̍-bɔ̍/a̍ ɛ̍-gba̍ b/a̍ -
rí lɛ̀-bán/ḿ-
ò-buɔ̂/àò-lǒgbàb/àlǎgbàb (l ŕ à) è-bán/à-
sé oyege
sí (ɛ́-dɔ̂b/bɛ́-)
atôŋ βə́p
ǹ-tûŋ bə́b
ǹ-tɔ̂ŋ bə̍mɔ̀
ǹ-tɔ̂ŋ bə̍mmɔ̀
ǹ-tɔ̂ŋ bə̍mmɔ̀
à-tɔ̂ŋ b ̂ b
à-tɔ̂ŋ b ̂ b
à-tɔ̂ŋ bə̂b
a̍ -təˈɔŋ bʌ́b
èfúk
(bɛ̀-tɛ́m/mìn-)
(bɛ̀-tɛ́m/ǹ-)
è-fúg/ɱ̀
è-fúg/ɱ̀-
è-fúg/ɱ̀~bèɲ̀-dz m ̀ /ɔ̀-
è-fuɔ́g/à-
nɛ̀-fɔ̍g/ɱ̀-
nə̀-fɔ̍g/ɱ̀-
nò-fo̍ g/ɱ̀-
l -̀ fóg/ɱ̀-
ì-fóg/à
ì-fóg/à-
ɲ̀-zə̀m/ò-
ɲ̀-jʌ̀m/à-
ɲ̀-jə̀m/à-
ɲ̀-jʌ̀m/à-
ɲ̀-j m ̀ /à-
ɲ̀-ɲ m ̀ /à-
ɲ̀-j m ̀ /à-
ɛ̍fəˈog/ɱ̍ɲ̀-jʌ̀m/à-
a̍ -tɛˈɔŋ bə́b~bə́m mɛ́ ɛ̍lfɨˈug/ɱ̍ɲ̀-jə̀m/à-
(ò-dʌ̀g/à-)
ɛ̀-bàm/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-bà/bə̀-
ɛ̀-bà/bʌ̀-
ɛ̀-bàm/b -̀
ì-bàm/à-
ì-bàm/à-
ɛ̀-bàm/à-
ɛ̀-bàm/à-
è-kpɔ́ɣá/à-
ɛ̀-kpə̍ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ̀-kpə̍ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ̀-kpə̍ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ̀-kpágá/à-
ì-kpág/à-
ì-kpágá/à-
ɛ̍kpɛˈɣɛ̍/a̍ -
ńki
(ɛ̀-
rə́ŋ ɛ̍l-bɛ̍n/m̍ -
kɛ̀-tɛ̀m /kè bè-tsèm/ bùèbàm, /bè okpɔrɛ
ndʒəm
ɲ̀-s m ̀ /bɔ̀-
ǹ-də̀m/bà-[r]
ɲ̀-j m ̀
ɲ̀-j m ̀ /ɔ̀-
ebham, ntâk
ɛ̀-bàm/bɛ̀
ɛ̀-bàm/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-βàm/m̀ -[b],à-
ɛ̀-βàm/m̀ [b]
n
ékpékpá
ngu
ɛ̀-kpáɣá/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-kpágá/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-kpáɣɛ́/à-
ɛ̀-kpáɣɛ́/à-
ɛ̀-βàm/bɛ̀m, (ǹtâg/ɔ̀-) ɛ̀-kpáɣá/à-
n
mìŋ-gòm/bà-
ŋ̀-gòm/bà-
ŋ̀-gùm/bà-
ŋ̀-gùm/bà-
ŋ̀-gùm/à-
ŋ̀-gùm/à-
ŋ̀-gòm/à-
ŋ̀-gòm/à-
ŋ̀-gò/à-
ŋ̀-gòm/à-
ŋ̀-gòm/à-
ŋ̀-gòm/à-
n
wukuɔmmmiɛ́l è-lɛ́m /bɛ̀-
ɛ̍kpɛˈaɣɛ̍/a̍ ŋ̀-gòm/à-
ifə́ghé
è-fùfúg/bè-
bɛ̀-fùg/ɱ̀-
bì-f ɣ́ ɛ́/ɱ̀-
ì-f ɣ́ ɛ́/ɱ̀-
ì-f ɣ́ á/ɱ̀-
é-fìgə̀/á-
bɛ̍-fɔ̀g/ɱ̍-
bə̍-fɔ̀g/ɱ̍-
bo̍ -fòg/ɱ̍-
b -̀ fùgà/ɱ̀-
ì-f g̀ /à-
ì-fògɔ̀/à-
ɛ̀-fɔ̀g/ɱ̀-
ɛ̀b-fɔ̀g/ɱ̀-
n v v
yuáb byɛ́l
yumé
wòbí guɛ́i
wòbóg guɛ́l
yùmɛ̂ yǚ
yùmî yǚ
yùmâ u̇̌
yuúmə̀ yiɛ́n
yòmô wɛ̂n
yòmò wɛ̂n
yòmò wɛ̂n
yòmâ gbɛ̂l
yòmî gɛ̂l
yòmɔ̂ bɛ̂l
woˊomò jɛ́l
wuˊumù jɛ́l
kap
(wóm)
(wóm)
kǎb
kǎb
kǎb
(ɲə́m)
kàb
kàb
kàb
kàb
(tûg)
(tóŋɔ̀)
kâb
kâb
v
4
The form in Nde was glossed ‘trouble’. The singular of these forms also means ‘meat’. 6 1. These forms are used in the sense of ‘arch one’s back’, 2.#these forms are to be compared with ‘squat’, with ‘bow’ (v.) and with ‘duck’#(v.) 7 The forms listed in Nnam and Ekajuk specifically mean ‘to ask the price of something’. 8 The first form in S Etung is ‘archaic’. 9 These forms refer not only to ‘bark’ but also to any ‘empty thing, covering, shell’. 5
9
ŋ̀-gùm/à-
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss beard beat drum bed11
PoS n v
Mbe èrì kuɔ́b
Ejagham iwe bhem, təm
Ekparabong ɲ̀-sɛ̌ kób
Balep ɛ̀-yɛ̌/bɛ̀(sóm, rád)
Bendeghe bì-yɛ̌/ɲ̀(sûm, k ̌ d)
N Etung ì-wɛ̌/ŋɱ̀(sûm, k ̌ d)
S Etung ɛ̀-wɛ̀/à(sûm, ku̇̌ d)
Efutop è-ziɛ̌/àkúb
Nde ɛ̀jɛ̌/bɛ̀kûb
Nselle ɛ̀-jɛ̌/b -̀ kôb
Nta ɛ̀-jɛ̌/bɛ̀kôb
Abanyom ɛ̀-yɛ̌r/àkôb
n
ebɛ́de
enuŋ
ǹ-nɔ̌ŋ/bɔ̀-[l]
ǹ-nǔŋ/bà-
è-nùŋ/bì-
è-nùŋ/bì-
è-nɷ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-sı̍ mı̍ /bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-sı̍ mı̍ /bə̀-
ǹ-tèf ̍ ɣe̍ /à-
bee
n
nkon
ò-gǒi/bà-
m̀ -bòbóe/m̀ -bǒe
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
ŋ̍-kuɔ̀n/ò-
ŋ̍-kɔ̀nɔ̀/a̍ -
ŋ̍-kɔ̀nɔ̀/a̍ -
ŋ̍-kɔ̀nɔ̀/a̍ -
l -̀ nɔ̀ŋ/ǹ-, gbéŋâ/áŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
beg money beg pardon belch12 bell
v
ò-kwɔ̀n /ɛ̀-, òkwàn /ɛ̀lɔ́ní
ɛ̀-nɔ̀ŋ/à~bɛ̀ŋ̀-kɔ̂n/ɔ̀kɔ̀n
yéŋé
lɛ́ní
lɛ́ŋɛ́n, gɔ̀rɛ́
yɛ́ŋɛ̀
yɛ́ŋɛ̀
yɛ́ŋɛ̀
liɛ́m
bɔ̀ɔ̂
bɔ̀
bɔɔ̀
v
tuóm
goré
lɛ́dí
gɔ̀rɛ́
gɔ̀rɛ̂
gɔ̀rɛ̂
gɔ̀rɛ̂
liɛ́rə̀
gɔ̀rɔ̂
gɔ̀rɔ̀
n n
égbáŋ
bhe ebhuk
ɛ̀-bɛ̀i/bɛ̀ɛ́-gbáŋ/bɛ́-
ɛ̀-bɛ̀/bɛ̀ɛ́-gbáŋ/bɛ́-
ɛ̀-βɛ̀ ɛ́-gbáŋ/bí-
ɛ̀-βɛ̀ ɛ́-gbáŋ/bí-
ɛ̀-bɛ̀/àɛ́-gbáŋ/á-
è-bɛ̀/àŋḿ-gbə́ŋ/á-
ɛ̀-bɛ̀m/bɛ̀ɛ̍-gba̍ ŋ/a̍
belly13 bird14
n n
bɛle kɛ̀nén /kè-
oya inón
bɔ̀-là/bàń-nɔ̂nɔ́n/bɔ́-
bà-là/ǹ-[l] bɛ́-nɔ̀nɔ́n/ń-
ɔ̀-yà/àbì-nɔ́n/ǹ-
ɔ̀-yà/àì-nɔ́n/ǹ-
ɔ̀-yà/àì-nɔ́n/ǹ-
ò-là/àè-súsuɔ́g/à-
bite black
v n
lwɔ́m -shén (a.), fén (v.)
lóm é-jírá/bé-
lóm ɛ́-jírá/bɛ́-
yûm ɛ́-ɲàɣɛ̂/bí-~á-
yûm ɛ́-ɲàɣɛ̂/á-
yûm ɛ́-ɲàɣɛ̂/á-
blacksmith ing blood
n
otuél
yúm kpə́ŋ (v.), ényaghé (n.) otʉ́i
(ɔ̀-làm)
(ɔ̀-làm)
ò-tü̂ i
ò-tü̂ i
n
bɛ̀lwòŋ
agyʉ́ŋ
ǹ-núŋ
ǹ-núŋ
à-yǘŋ
blow (mouth) blow (wind) bone bottle
v
fwél
fé
fí
fílí
v
fwò
n n
èʧíʧí /bèókpómá
ékə́p ékpémé
ɛ̀-k ́k b́ /bɛ̀ɛ́-kp m ́ á/bɛ́-
bottom15
n
ndə́p
bow bow16 brains break (1)
n v n v.i.
ólɔ̀ŋ
eyek
bɛ̀fúɔrɔ́ sé
break, snap (2)
v.t.
aron wa break open, shatter jághé break into pieces; shatter féŋ
a
bwén break long
a
Nkim ì-rɛ̌r/àkôb
Nkum ì-rɛ̌r/àkôb
Nnam ɛ̀-lʌ̀ŋ/àkób
Ekajuk ɛ̀-lʌ̀ŋ/àkúb
í-gbêŋ/á
í-gbéŋɛ̀/á-
ɛ̍-go̍ do̍ /a̍ -
ɛ̀l-nɛˋɔŋ/ǹ-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/à-~ù-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀n/ɛ̀-
lɛ̂m
lɛ̂m
lɛ̂m
lɛ́m
lɛ́m
gɔ̀rɔ̀
gɔ̀rɛ̂
gɔ̀rî
gɔ̀rɔ̂
gbəˊɔŋɔ̀
gbɛˊɔŋɔ̀
ɛ̀-bɛ̀/bə̀ɛ̍gba̍ ŋ/a̍ -
ɛ̀-bɛɛ̀/bɛ̀---
ɛ̀-bɛ̀/àɛ́-gbáŋ/á-
ì-bɛ̀/àí-gbâŋ/á-
ì-bɛ̀/àí-gbáŋ/á-
ǹ-nà/àbɛ̀-sɔ̍g/ɲ̀-slsɔ̍g
ǹ-nà/à-[l] bə̀-sɔ̍g/ɲ̀sə̍sɔ̍g
ǹ-nà/àbò-so̍ g/òso̍ so̍ g
ɔ̀-là~b -̀ /àɲ́-ɲǎmfǒr/á-
à-là m̀ -mɔ̀n áɲàm/à-[b]
à-là ì-róg/à-
ɛ̀l-bɛ̀/ḿɛ́gbɛˊaŋ/áɛ̀b-là/àɛ̍b-rɨˈug/n[r]
gə́ŋ é-ɲə́ɣə̀/á-
gʌ̂ŋ ɲ̍-ɲ ɣ̀ â/a̍ -
gʌ̂ŋ ɲ̍-ɲə̀ɣâ/a̍ -
gʌ̂ŋ ɲ̍-ɲə̀ɣa̍ /a̍ -
lôm ɲ̍-ɲâgâ/á-
lôm ì-ɲàɲàg/á-
lôm ì-ɲàɲàg/à-
ɛ̀-bɛ̀/àɛ́gbəˊaŋ/áǹ-là/àɛ̍rrəˈog/n[d] tɔ́ɣɔ́ ɲ́ɲɛˊaɣɛ̍/á-
tɔ́ɣɔ́ ɲ́ɲɛˊaɣɛ̍/á-
ɔ̀-ʧü̂ i
ò-tə̂n
ɛ̀-tʌ̂n
ɛ̀-tə̂n
ɔ̀-tə̂n
ɔ̀-tûl
ù-tûl
ù-tȯ̂ l
ɛ̍-tʌ̍l
ɛ̍-tə̍l
à-yǘŋ~yúŋ
à-yúŋ
à-lɷ́ŋ
à-nɔ̍ŋ
à-nɔ̍ŋ
à-nɔ̍ŋ
à-lóŋ
à-lóŋ
à-lóŋ
á-lɨˈuŋ
fü̂ i
fü̂ i~fî
fî
f ń ə̀
f ̍ nɛ̀
fə̍nɛ̀
fɛ̍nɛ̀
fúlî
f ̂ l
f ĺ ɔ́
a̍ ləˈoŋ~luˈ uŋ fə́lɛ́
fə́lɛ́
ɛ̀-kə́b/bɛ̀ɛ́-kp m ́ ág/bɛ́-
ɛ́-k ́b/áɛ́-kp m ́ ɛ́/ŋḿ-
ɛ́-k ́b/áékpámá/ŋḿ-
è-kə́b/àé-kpuɔ́má/á-
ɛ̀-kʌ̍b/àe̍ -kpu̍ ma̍ /a̍ -
ɛ̀-kə̍b/àɛ̍-kpo̍ ma̍ /a̍ -
ɛ̀-kʌ̍b/àɛ̍-kpo̍ ma̍ /a̍ -
ɛ̀-kúb/àɛ́-kpómá/á-
ì-k b́ /àú-tôtò/á-
ì-kób/àí-kpém/á-
ɛ̍-kʌ̍b/a̍ ɛ́kpóma̍ /á-
ɛ̍-kə̍b/a̍ ɛ́kpúma̍ /á-
è-nùd/bè-
ɛ̀-nùd/bɛ̀-
ǹ-d b́ /ɔ̀-[r]
ɛ́-k ́b/áɛ́kp m ́ ɛ́/ŋḿ ǹ-d b́ /ɔ̀-[r]
ǹ-d b́ /ɔ̀-[r]
ǹ-lə́b/ò-
ì-tòlɔ̀/à-
n̍ -nʌ̍b/a̍ -
n̍ -nə̍b/á-
ò-yǜg/àk b́ ɛ̀ à-rɔ̌n wǎ
ò-y g̀ /àk b́ ì à-rɔ̌n wǎ
ɔ̀-y ̀gà/àk β ́ à à-rɔ̌n u̍ ǎ
ó-lîg/ákə́mə̀ à-duɔ̌n wà
ǹ-nʌ̍b/à-bʌ̀ŋ á-nʌb o̍ -nèg/a̍ kɛ̍mɛ̀ à-rɔ̌n wànà
ì-tùl/à-
bɔ́-lɛ̀g/ńkúbdúm (bà-pə́l) ʃɛ́g
ǹ-nə̍b/à-bə̀ŋ á-nə̍b ɛ̍-nɩ̀g/a̍ à-rɔ̌n wà~wànà
ǹ-núb/à-[l]
bɔ́-lɛ̀g/bátɛ̌b (bà-fíág) ʧɛ́g
ǹ-nʌ̍b/à-bà ńnʌb ɛ̍-nìg/a̍ k ̍ mɛ̀ à-rɔ̌n wà
ɔ́-l ̂ g/ágɔ̀ŋɛ̂ à-rɔ̌n wà
ú-lɛ̀g/ákə̂m à-rɔ̌n wàâ
ú-lèg/ákómɔ̀ à-rɔ̌n wàâ
ɛ́-lɔ̇̂g/ágəˊɔŋɔ̀ à-lɔ̀n wâ
ɛ́-lɔ̇̂g/ágɛ́ɔ̀ŋ à-lɔ̀n wâ
(guɛ́g)
bə́n
β ̂ n
β ̂ n
b ̂ n
bə́n
b ̍ nɛ̀
bə̍nɛ̀
bɛ̍nɛ̀
bûn
b ̂ n
bȯ̂ n
bʌ́nɛ́
bə́nɛ́
10
The forms are used with the meaning of a ‘tree bearing fruit’. another form in Efutop is é-búbúnà/á-. 12 The forms in languages Bendeghe and N Etung have no singular/plural alternation. 13 The forms in minor sub-group r-s have no singular/plural alternation. 14 The compound in Ebanyom is derived from ‘animal-feathered’. 2. The construction in Nkim means ‘junior animal’. 15 1. This gloss refers to the part of the body. 2. another form given for Nkim was ŋ̀-kùtù/à-. 16 1. The cognate form in Nselle mean ‘kneel’. 2. These forms are to be compared with ‘arch’, with ‘squat’, and with ‘duck’(v.). 11
10
ɛ́-
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss
PoS
Ejagham
Ekparabong
Balep
Bendeghe
N Etung
S Etung
Efutop
Nde
Nselle
Nta
Abanyom
Nkim
Nkum
Nnam
Ekajuk
breast breath breathe brush17 bubble buffalo18
n n v v v.i. n
ebhê eyó
ɛ̀-bɛ̂i/bàɛ́-wɛ̀mî/báwɛ̀mí kpɛ́l fí m̀ -póŋ/bò-
lɛ̀-bɛ̂l/bàbá-wɛ̀mâŋ wɛ̀máŋ nǔg, bóg fə́l m̀ -póŋ/bò-
ɛ̀-βɛ̂/àɛ̀-yɔ̂ --βûg fü̂ i ɱ̀-fúŋ/ò-
ɛ̀-βɛ̂/àɛ̀-yɔ́ --βûg fü̂ i~fî ɱ̀-fúŋ/ò-
ɛ̀-βɛ̂/àɛ̀-yɔ́ yɔ̌ βûg fî ɱ̀-fɷ́ŋ/ò-
è-biɛ̂n/àè-yuɔ̀/àyuɔ̂~yúɔ̀ fɷ́n, núg fə́n ɱ̀-fɷ́ŋ/ò-
nɛ̀-bɛ̂n/ànɛ̀-yɔɔ̀/ɲ̀yɔ̀ɔ̂ fe̍ rè fʌ̂n ɱ̀-fɔ̍ŋ/ɛ̀-
m -̀ bɛ̂n/ànɔ̀-yɔ̀/àyɔ̀ fe̍ rè fə̂n ɱ̀-fɔ̍ŋ/ɛ̀-
nɛ̀-bɛ̂n/ànɔ̀-yɔɔ̀/àyɔ̀ɔ̂ fe̍ rè fʌ̂n ɱ̀-fɔ̍ŋ/ɔ̀-
l -̀ bɛ̂l/àl -̀ yɔ̀ yɔ̀ fôl fûl ɱ̀-fóŋ/ɔ̀-
ì-bɛ̂l/àì-yɔ̀/àyɔ̀ɔ̂ fôl f ̂ l ɱ̀-fóŋ/ù-
ì-bɛ̂l/àì-yɔ̀/àyɔ̀ɔ̂ fôl f ̂ l ɱ̀-fóŋ/ù-
ɛ̍l-bɛ̍l/a̍ ɛ̀l-wɷ̀/àâɷ̀ fúl fə́l ɱ̍-fɨˈuŋ/ɛ̍-
ɛ̀-kàn/bɛ̀-
ɔ̀-kàn/bà-
ɛ̀-gàn/à-
ɛ̀-gànà/ŋ̀-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
ù-gàn/à-
ù-gàn/ŋ̀-~à-
è-kó/bè-
lɛ̀-kú/ŋ̀-
è-kü̂ /bì-
ɛ̀-ku̇̂ /à-~bɛ̀-
è-kû/ŋ̀-
nɛ̀-kû/ŋ̀-
nɔ̀-kû/ŋ̀-
nù-kû/ŋ̀-
l -̀ kû/ŋ̀-
ì-kû/à-
ì-kû/ŋ̀-
ɛ̍g-ku̍ /ŋ̍-
ɛ̍l-kɷ́/ŋ̍-
réghé bha nam itə́n, ékú
rǒi fǎ nǎm ò-tín/bà-
rǒ fǎ kǒ ɔ̀-tə́n/bà-
rígì~dígì βàɛ̂ nǎm bì-tɨn/ǹ-
ɛ̀-gàn~ɔ̀/ŋ̀è-kü̂ /bì~ŋ̀r ǵ ì~rígì βǎ nǎm ì-t ń /ǹ-
ɛ̍b-bɛ̍l/a̍ ɛ̀-wù~ɛ̀vwû fól fʌ́l ɱ̍fəˈoŋ/ɛ̍ŋ̀-gàn/à-
bundle
n
burial
n
tèm (v.)
burn butcher19 buy calabash20
v t/i v v n
camwood
n
lɔ́ yɔ kʷòr ntuo, óbámú, kɛbɔ́ŋ, kɛ̀pɔ̀rɔ̀
r ǵ à βǎ nǎm ì-t ń /ǹ-
fí bà gúù è-bə́r/ḿ-~à-
fî bà gòô ɛ̀-bʌ̀r/ḿ-
fî bà gò ɛ̀-bə̍r/ḿ-
fî bà gò ɛ̀-bʌ̍r/ḿ-
fî bà gònâ ɛ̀-búr/ḿ-, tôg/á-
fî bàâ gònî ǹ-tòg/ù-
fî bàâ gònɔ̂ ǹ-tòg/ù-
fí bâ gónò ɛ̍-bʌ̍r/m̍ -
fí bâ gúnù ɛ̍-bə̍r/m̍ -
ekúé
(ɛ̀-bá)
(lɛ̀-bá/m̀ -)
è-kúɛ/bì-
è-kúi
è-kɷ́n/ŋ̀-
nè-ko̍ n/ŋ̀-
nò-ko̍ n/ŋ̀-
nò-ko̍ n
l -̀ kól/à-
à-kól
à-kol
a̍ -ko̍ l
a̍ -ku̍ l
ó-gbâŋ /ɛ́-
okpi
ò-kpě/bà-
ò-kpě/bà-
ò-kpǐ/à-
ò-kpǐ/à-
è-kúi/ŋ̀~bèò-kpǐ/à-
canoe
n
ò-gbáà/à-
ɛ̀-gba̍ à/à-
ɛ̀-gbâ/à-
ɔ̀-gbâ/à-
ɛ̀-gbâ/b -̀
ú-gbâŋ/á-
ú-gbâŋ/á-
v n
fʷɔ́r kɛnyamfé lɔnkʷɔ
gye aŋwâ
lɛ̌i ɔ̀-ŋâ/bà-
lɛ̌ı̍ ɛ̀-kǎndɛ̀m/bɛ̀-
yɛ̌ ɔ̀-ŋâ/à-
yɛ̌ ɔ̀-ŋâ/à-
yɛ̌ àŋuâ
liɛ̀~fínà è-kándiɛ̀m/à-
f ǹ ê ɛ̀-kǎndɛ̀m/à-
fə̀nè~nɛ̀ ɛ̀-kǎndɛ̀m/à-
fɩǹ ì ɔ̀-kǎndɛ̀m/à-
lɛ̀ ɔ̀-kǎndɛ̂n/à-
lɛ̀ɛ̂ ì-pùʃí/à-
lɛ̀ɛ̂ ù-kǎndɛ̀n/à-
ɛ́gbɛˊaŋ/álɛ̂ ɛ̀kàndɛ̀n/à-
catch hold caterpillar
v n
piɛl
gbáp éʧághé
kpébí é-sûsú/bé-
kpébáŋ ɛ́-rùrû/bɛ́-
gbâb è-dǜ/à-
gbâb è-dǜ/à-
gbâb ɛ̀-rù/à-
yɩb̀ è-dùdù/à-
gb ̍ βè è-rùrù/à-
gb ̍ bè ɛ̀-dùdù/à-
gb b̀ è è-dùdù/à-
gbébâ ɛ̀-rùrù/à-
gbêb ---
chameleon
n
kɛ́nyángú ru
ókuŋâ
ɔ́-kɔ̀ŋâɲsɛ̀/bá-
ɔ́-kɔ̀ŋɔ́rɛ̀/bá-
ó-kùŋâ/â-
ó-kùŋâ/á-
ó-kùŋâ/á-
ó-kɷ́ŋə̀/á-
ɛ̍-k ŋ̀ ɔ̂/a̍ -
ɛ̍-kɔ̀ŋɔ̂/a̍ -
ɔ̍-kɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ -
ɔ́-kôŋê/à-
ú-kòŋí/á-
kpébɛ̀,bɔ̂b ǹ-dùrù/àrùrù ú-kòŋí/á-
ɛ́gbɛˊaŋ/álɛ̂ ɛ̀kǎndɛ̀m/à bɔ́b ---
care for21 cat
ɛ́kɛˊɔŋɔ̍/á-
cheek
n
okîk
ò-kíg/bà-
ɔ̀-kə́g/bà-
ò-kîg/à-
ò-kîg/à-
ɔ̀-kâg/à-
ò-dân/à-
ɛ̀-kp ɣ̀ ɔ̀/à-
ɛ̀-kp ɣ̀ ɔ̀/à-
ɛ̀-kp ɣ̀ ɔ̀/à-
ɔ̀-kpɔ̀gà/à-
ù-kêg/à-
ù-kêg/à-
chest
n
ngaŋ
(é-kpókpó/bé-)
(ɛ́-kpókpó/bɛ́-)
ŋ̀-gǎŋ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gǎŋ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gǎŋ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gə̌ŋ/ò-
ŋ̀-gʌ̂ŋ
ŋ̀-gʌ̂ŋ/à-
ŋ̀-gǎŋ/à-
ŋ̀-gǎŋ/à-
chew22 chief
v.i. n
nyéé, sáé ntûfâm
jǎb mì-nɛ́n/bà-[l]
jǎb ŋ̀-kə̂m pám/bà-
jǎm ǹ-tûfâm~túfâm/à-túfàm
--ǹ-túfâm/àtúfàm
(saánə̀) ǹ-tâɷ̀n/à-
jàb ǹ-tôn/à-
jàb ǹ-tôn/à-
jàb ǹ-tôn/à-
jàb ǹ-tôl/à-
(ì-krùŋkù/à) jàâb ǹ-tôl/à-
jâb n̍ -to̍ l/a̍ -
jâb n̍ -tu̍ l/a̍ -
child
n
mmon
m̀ -mɔ̌n/m̀ -bɔ̌n
m̀ -mɔ̌n/m̀ -bɔ̌n
m̀ -mɔ̌n/à-βɔ̌n
m̀ -mɔ̀ɔ̍/à-bɔ̀ɔ̍
m̀ -mɔ̌n/à-bɔ̌n
ʧé, gbe23 ejo esúm n.
gbɛ̌g ɛ̀-sɔ̌b/bɛ̀(kɔ̌b)
gbɛ̌g ɛ̀-rɔ̌b/bɛ̀(kɔ̌b)
gbɛ̌g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/bìsûm
m̀ -muɔ̌n/àbuɔ̌n gbə̀g è-zuɔ̌/àsúm
m̀ -mɔ̌/à-bɔ̌
v n v
m̀ -mɔ̌n/àβɔ̌n gbɛ̌g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/à-~bɛ̀sûm
m̀ -mɔ̌/à-bɔ̌
chop civet24 clear bush25 clitoris
jǎm ǹ-tûfâm~túfâm/àtúfàm m̀ -mɔ̌n/àβɔ̌n bgɛ̌g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/bìsûm
(ìkùrùŋkù/à-) jàbî ǹ-tôl/à-
ɛ́kəˊɔŋákâ/ áɛ̀kpəˋɔɣɔ̀/à ŋ̀-gəˋaŋ/à-
gbʌ̀g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/àsôm
gbə̀g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/bə̀sô
(k ̍ βɛ̀) ɛ̀-jɔ̍/bɔ̀sô
gbɛ̀g ɛ̀-jɔ̌/àrôm
m̀ -mɔ̌n/àbɔ̌n (gɔ̀mî,kêm) ì-jɔ̀ɔ̂/à(jâ)
m̀ -mɔ̌n/àbɔ̌n (gɔ̀ɔ̂m,kêm) ì-jɔ̌/à(jâ)
m̍ -mɔ̍n/a̍ bɔ̍n gbʌ̂g ɛ̀-jɔ̀/àróm
m̀ -mɔ̀n/àbɔ̀n gbə̂g ɛ̀-jɔ̀/àrúm
etiŋi
è-ʧód/bè-
ɛ̀-ʃód/bɛ̀-
è-tìŋì/à-
ɛ̀-t ŋ̀ à/ǹ-
ɲ̀-sɩ̂ n/ò-
è-tìŋì/bè-
ɛ̀-tìŋì/b -̀
è-mi/bè-
ɛ̀-sôd/b ̀-
ì-kêb/à-
ì-kêb/à-
ɛ̍-ke̍ b/a̍ -
ɛ̍-kı̍ b/a̍ -
n
Mbe object lebɛ́l èlé èlé orú fʷɛ́l tʷɔ́b í-dwɛ̀l/ bɛ́-
bhúk ʧoghé
egane
kɛ̀-kwò /kèbù-tùrò /bɛ̀m̀ -mwàn /bùtɛ́b bupʷoŋ n. kɛpampán g, ojuulu
m̀ -
è-tìŋì/à~ɛ̀-t ŋ̀ ɛ̀/à-
17
These forms are to be compared with ‘wipe’ and with ‘erase’. The animal referred to is Syncerus nanus, lydekk (cf. Talbot, In the shadow of the bush, p. 468). 19 These forms are to be compared with ‘self’. 20 The first form in Ebanyom refers to a calabash ‘for tapping wine’, and the second ‘for storing wine’. 21 These forms are used in the sense of ‘bring up’ or ‘take care of’ (a child). 22 1. The form in Bendeghe is ‘rare’. 2. the form in N Etung means ‘hard chewing’. 23 ‘cut the body of someone e.g. with blade’ 24 These forms refer to the African civet, Civetta civetta. 25 compare these forms with the same one for ‘hit’ in most of the languages. 18
11
ń-
ŋ̀-gàn/à-
bɔ́b ---
ɛ̀kpɛˋɔɣɔ̀/àŋ̀-gɛˋaŋ/à-
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss cloth26
PoS n
Mbe ngbé, ìgbé /bɛ̀-
Ejagham éfô
Ekparabong ɛ́-fɔ̂/ɱ́-
Balep ɛ́-fɔ̂/bɛ́-
Bendeghe ɛ́-fɔ̂/ɱ́-
cocoyam
n
èkwór
mbət
è-rɔ̂ŋkǒ/ŋ̀-kǒ
ɛ̀-β ̌ d/ɔ̀-~m̀ -[b]
cold27
n
egyʉk
ǹ-nùg
come contamina tion28 cook
v n
ywɔ̀rɔ̀, kúnô (become cold) ʧú
è-rôŋkògî/ŋ̀kògî è-lùg
bhá
bá è-bǔ~bè-
v
lám, kyê
ʧughé, yám
cotton
n
ówú
cough
v
count cover(1)29
v v
cover(2)30 cow
v n
ò-kwál /ɛ̀(n.) pàl sued, kuóbó mpel n. égurubiá
crab
n
cut in two
v
cutting grass31 dance day32
n
daylight33 defecate descend dew die dip34
n v v n v v.i.
disappear, miss s.t. divide35
v v
divine
v
v n
ʃɛ́b, kpɛ́t ~ kpɛ́r, jyé ebél bén bù-fùor/ bɛ̀-, lèfùor ɲè ebuór wú duom (dive) lém dɛ́, gábô, bánî
è-yǜg
N Etung ɛ́-fɔ̂/ɱ́-,ɛ̀βɔ́mɛ́/m̀ [b] ɛ̀-β ̌ d/m̀ [b] è-yǜg
S Etung ɛ́-fɔ̂/ɱ́-,m̀ bɔ́má/à-[β]
Efutop m̀ -buɔ́mə́/à-
Nde m̀ -bɔɔ̍/à-
Nselle m̀ -bɔ̍/à-
Nta m̀ -bɔɔ̍/à-
Abanyom m̀ -bɔ́má/à-
Nkim ŋḿ-gbág/á-
Nkum ḿ-bɔ́mɔ́/á-
Nnam m̍ bɔ̍mɔ̍/a̍ -
Ekajuk m̍ -bɔ̍mɔ̍/a̍ -
ɛ̀-β ̌ d/m̀ -[b]
è-b ̀rá/m̀ -
nɛ̍-b r̀ ɛ̍/m̍ -
nɛ̍-b r̀ ɛ̍/m̍ -
nɛ̀-b r̀ ɛ̍/m̀ -
ɛ̀-b ̀dí/m̀ -
ì-b ̌ d/m̀ -
ì-b d̀ ɛ́/m̀ -
ɛ̀-bʌ̀dɛ̀/m̀ -
ɛ̀-bə̀dɛ̀/m̀ -
ɛ̀-yùg
ǹ-luɔ̀g
à-nɔ̀g
à-nɔ̀g
à-nòg
à-lùg
à-lùg
à-lòg
(ɛ̀kkəˋɔgɔ̀)
à-lɔ̀g
bá lɛ̀-bǔ/m̀ -
bág è-βü̂
βág è-βü̂
βág ɛ̀-βu̇̌
bá è-wǎ
bâ nè-bǔ/m̀ -
bâ nɔ̀-bǔ/m̀ -
bâ nò-bǒ
bâ l -̀ bǔ/m̀ -
bâ ---
bâ ---
bá ɛ̀-ȯ ̀ ŋ/m̀ -
bá ɛ̀-bɔ̀ŋ/m̀ -
(kágí)
(kágɛ́)
yâm
yâm
yâm
lám
nâm
nâ
nâ
lâm
lâm
lâm
lám
lám
é-wú
lɛ́-wú/ŋ́-
é-wú
é-ú~-wú
ɛ́-ú/á-
ó-wú
nɛ̍-wu̍ /ŋiɱ-
nɔ̍-wu̍ /ŋɱ̍-
o̍ -wiı̍
l -́ wú/ŋɱ́-
ú-wú/á-
ú-wú/á-
a̍ -ɷ́
kɔ́dí
kɔ́rɔ́g
kɔ̂ɛ
kɔ̂ɛ
kɔ̂ɛ
kuɔ́rà
kɔ̍rɔ̀
kɔ̍rɔ̀
kɔ̍rɔ̀
kɔ́rɛ̂
kɔ̂r
kɔ́rɔ̀
ɛ̍-vu̍ /ŋɱ̍wu̍ kɔ́rɔ́
okóe fan bhúi
fǎi fǒi
fǎl fǒl
fǎn βùɛ̂
fǎn βùɛ̂~βùî
fǎn βùî
fàn búnə̀
fàn b ǹ ô
fàn b ǹ ò
fàn b ǹ ò
fàl bòlê
fàlî bòlî
fàâl bòlɔ̂
fâl bólò
fɛˊaŋɛ̀ búlù
bhúi mfoŋ
fǒi m̀ -pɔ̀ŋ/bɔ̀-
fǒl m̀ -pɔ̀ŋ/bɔ̀-
βùɛ̂ ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ɔ̀-
βùî~βùɛ̂ ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ɔ̀-
βùî ɱ̀-fɔ̀ɔŋ/ɔ̀-
búnə̀ ɱ̀-fɷ̀ŋ/ò-
b ǹ ô ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ɛ̀-
b ǹ ò, fû ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ-ɛ̀-
b ǹ ò, fû ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ɔ̀-
fû ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ɔ̀-
bòlî ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ù-
bòlɔ̂ ɱ̀-fɔ̀ŋ/ù-
fɷ́ ɱ̀-fɛɔ̀ŋ/ɛ̀-
ekáé
ɛ̀-kái/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-kál/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-káɛ/à-
ɛ̀-ka̍ n/à-
ɛ̀-ka̍ n/bə̀-
ɛ̀-ka̍ n/bà-
ɛ̀-kál/b ̀-
í-ʃ ḱ àl/á-
í-ʃíkàlà/á-
sób
ʃɛ́
kîm
ɛ̀-káɛ/à~bɛ̀kʰîm
è-kán/à-
se, kém
ɛ̀-káɛ/bì~àkîm
fú ɱ̀fəˋɔŋ/ɛ̀ɛ̍-ka̍ l/a̍
kə́βə̀
k ̍ βɛ̀
kə̍bɛ̀
kə̍βɛ̀
kêm
kêm
kêm
kém
kím
kobhéo
é-bêb/bé-
è-béb/bè-
é-βîb/bí-
é-βîb/á-
è-bíb~-bîb/à-
ɛ̀-bı̍ b/à-
ɛ̀-be̍ b/à-
è-be̍ b/à-
ɛ̀-béb/à-
ì-béb/à-
ì-béb/à-
ɛ̍-be̍ b/a̍ -
ɛ̍-bı̍ b/a̍ -
bhə́n ofú
b ń bò-rú/ǹ-[d]
bə́n bò-rú/ǹ-[d]
β ̂ n ò-fú/ɱ̀-fín
β ̂ n ò-fú/à~ɱ̀-fín
kòbíɔ̀/àkǒbíɔ̀ β ̂ n ò-fú/ɱ̀-fín
bə́n ò-fuú/à-
bʌ̂n è-foa̍ /à-
bə̂n ɛ̀-fo̍ /à-
bʌ̂n ò-foo̍ /à-
b ̂ n ɔ̀-fó/à-~ɱ̀-
b ̂ n ù-fôfò/à-
b ̂ n ù-fômfò/à-
bʌ̂n ɛ̍-fəˈoŋ/a̍ -
bə́n ɛ̍-fɨˈuŋ/a̍ -
efén ɲe abhə̂ŋ bhət abhʉ́ kpó tet
è-pén ɲɛ̌ bǐ bà-bú kuɔ́ l m ́
ɛ̀-pén/bɛ̀ɲǐ rə̌b bà-bú kuɔ́ lə́máŋ
è-fín ɲɛ̌ β ̌ d à-βǘ kpɔ̂ tɛ̌d
è-fín ɲɛ̌ β ̌ d à-βǘ kpɔ̂ tɛ̌d
è-fín/bèɲɛ̌ β ̌ d à-βǘ kpɔ̂ tɛ̌d
è-fɩ́n/àɲì s ́nə̀ à-wú kpɔ́ lə́m
ɛ̀-fe̍ n~fe̍ e̍ n/àɲì s ̍ nɛ̀ ɛ̀-bu̍ kpɔ̂ nʌ̂m
ɛ̀-fe̍ n ɲì sə̍nɛ̀ ɛ̀-bu̍ kpɔ̂ nə̂m
è-fe̍ n/bə̀ɲì sɛ̍nɛ̀ è-bu̍ kpɔ̂ nʌ̂m
ɛ̀-fénté ɲì bùdî ɛ̀-bù kpɔ̂ l m ́ â
--ɲìî b d̀ ̂ ~bùdî ì-b ŕ r kpɔ̂ n ̂ m
ì-fén/ɱ̀ɲìî bȯ ̀ dɔ̂ ì-bórr kpɔ̂ n ̂ m
ɛ̍-fe̍ n ɲî bʌ́ddɛ̀ ɛ̍-bo̍ ŋ kpɔ́ lʌ́m
ɛ̍-fı̍ n ɲî bə́dtɛ̀ ɛ̍-bɔ̍ŋ kpɔ́ lə́m
tán
l m ́
lə́m
(tân)
(tân)
(tân)
lə́m, (taárà)
nʌ̂m
nə̂m
nʌ̂m
l ̂ m
n ̂ m, (tân)
n m ́ ɛ̀
lʌ́m
lə́m
kiré
kéní
kénáŋ
kìrî
kìrî
kìrî
baáŋà
bàŋâ
bàŋà
bàŋà
bàg
bàgî
bàâg
bɛˊaŋɛ̀
bɛˊaŋɛ̀
bhú
bó
bó
bû
βû~bû
βû
bù
bû
bû
bù
bô
bô
bô
bó
bú
kɔ́rɔ́
ɛ̍-ka̍ l/a̍ -
1. These forms refer to ‘cloth’ as an article of clothing. 2. The second form in S Etung, however refers to kkpe cloth. These forms refer to ‘cold’ in the sense of ‘cold water’. 28 These forms refer to ‘sexual contamination’ i.e. ‘sleeping with a woman so that the child she is still nursing becomes sick’. 29 The root which is cognate throughout these forms is the same as that in ‘roof’ (q.v.). 30 These forms are used in the sense ‘cover something hollow’. 31 The West African cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus. 32 see the section on english glosses, p.50. 33 1. The forms in sub-groups a-b and f-h were all glossed as ‘daylight’. 2. within Nkum sub-group m-u, only the form in Nselle was glossed as ‘daylight’. 3. the forms in languages Efutop and Ekajuk were explained to mean ‘noon’. 4. the form in Nde means ‘daytime or noon to evening’. 5. the forms in languages Nta, Nkum, and Nnam mean ‘afternoon’. 6. the form in Abanyom means ‘daytime’. 34 1. These forms are used in the sense of ‘dive’ or ‘dip beneath the surface of the water’ 2. They are to be compared with ‘disappear’ and with ‘extinguish’. 35 These forms are to be compared with those for ‘share’. 26 27
12
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss do dog
PoS v n
Ejagham yim njô
Ekparabong lěm ŋ̀-guɔ́/bɔ̀-
Balep lɛ̌m ŋ̀-guɔ́/bɔ̀-
Bendeghe yǐm ɲ̀-jɔ̂/ɔ̀-
N Etung yǐm ɲ̀-jɔ̂/ɔ̀-
S Etung y ̌ m ɲ̀-jɔ̂/ɔ̀-
Efutop nìm ŋɱ̀-wuɔ̂/ò-
Nde nèm ŋɱ̀-wɔ̂/ɛ̀-
Nselle nè ŋɱ̀-wɔ̂/ɛ̀-
Nta nè ŋɱ̀-wɔ̂/ɔ̀-
Abanyom lèm ŋ̀-gɔ̂/ɔ̀-
Nkim lèmî ŋ̀-gɔ̂/ù-
Nkum lèêm m̀ -bɔ̂/ù-
Nnam lêm m̍ -bu̍ a̍ /ɛ̍-
Ekajuk lîm m̍ -bɷ́/ɛ̍-
n
Mbe pyè m̀ -pyé, ìpyè/ bɛ̀- ~ bùbekuɛló
domestic pig36 door37
akûk
à-kûg/bà-
à-kûg/bà-
à-kûg
à-kûg
à-kûg
à-kûg
à-kûg
à-kôg
à-kôg
à-kôg
ɛ́-k ́ùg/á-
bufuóro
itə̂m
ò-kégéré/bà-
ɱ̀-fù/bà-
m̀ -bù/à-[β]
m̀ -bù/ò-[β]
m̀ -buù/ò-
m̀ -bù/à-
m̀ -bù/à-
m̀ -bù/à-
m̀ -bò/à-
m̀ -bò/à-
m̀ -bù/à-
dove38
n
ibhʉ́é
é-bǐ/bé-
bɛ̀-bə̌l/m̀ -
bì-βü̂ i ń-d m ́ /à-
ì-βíá/m̀ -[b]
é-bə̀nâgɷ̀m/á-
b ̍ -b ǹ âgù/m̍ -
ɛ́-b ̀lágòm/m̀ -
í-b ̌ l/á-
í-bə̌l/ḿ-
ɛ̀b-bə̀l/m̀ -
ɛ̀b-b l̀ /m̀ -
v
láŋ
lèbé
gùŋɛ̂, sɔ̀βɛ̂
gùŋî, sɔ̀βɛ̂
liíβʌ̀
nèβì
nèβè
lèbâ
kàgî
kàâg
liˊibì, kʌ́àg
liˊibì, kɛ́àg
drink drum
v n
guŋé (male), sobhé (female) gwó nkam
bɛ̍b ǹ âgòm/m̍ nèbê
b ̍ -b ǹ âgù/m̍ -
dress39
m̀ -bɛ̀l, kɛ̀bèlòŋ fé
m̀ -bù/à[β] ì-βǘi/m̀ [b] gùŋî, sɔ̀βɛ̂
(ù-kômbà/à) m̀ -bò/à-
ɛ́-kə́òg/á-
n
(úkpɔ̀gbɔ́/á-) m̀ -bò/à-
yɔ́ (è-tórí/bè-)
jɔ́ (ɛ̀-kpɛ̀dɛ̀/bɛ̀-)
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎm/ɔ̀-
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎm/ɔ̀-
wɔ̂ ɔ̀-kǎm/ŋ̀-
wuɔ́ (m̀ -bə́n/à-)
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎm/à-
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎ/à-
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎ/à-
wɔ̂ ŋ̀-kǎm/à-
wɔ̂ ŋ́-kǎm/ú-
wɔ̂ ŋ́-kǎm/ú-
wɔ́ ŋ̀-kàm/à-
wɔ́ ŋ̀-kàm/à-
dry season
n
oyum
ò-lòm
ò-lòm
ò-yùm
ò-yùm
ò-yùm
ò-lùm
ɛ̀-nɷ̀m
ɛ̍-nòm
ò-nò-
ɔ́-lôm
ù-lòm
ù-lòm
ɛ́-lôm
ɛ́-lûm
dry, be dry
v.i. v.t.
kút, yúm bhán
wóm bán
wóm bán
yûm βân
yûm βân
yûm βân
yúm bán
yôm bân
yô bân
yô~yo̍ ò bân
yôm bân
yôm bân
yôm bân
wóm bán
wúm bán
duck40 dust
v n
gyʉ́ŋé ebhə́bhé
ɲúdí bè-búbí
kúdúm bɛ̀-búbú
sɛ́mɛ̀~sɛ́rɛ̀ ɛ̀-β b́ βɛ́
sɛ́rɛ̀ ɛ̀β ́βɛ́~β ́βí
sɛ́rà ɛ̀-β β ́ í
--è-wúwuú
gɔ̀ŋɔ̂ ɛ̀-bu̍ bu̍
gɔ̀ŋɔ̀ ɛ̀-bu̍ bu̍
gɔ̀ŋɔ̀ ɛ̀-bu̍ buu̍
gɔ̀ŋɛ̂ ɛ̀-búbú
rɛ̂m ì-bùbù
rɛ̂m ì-bùbù
rɛ́mɛ̀ ɛ̀-bòŋm̀ bu̍
rɛ́mɛ́ ɛ̀bɔ̀ŋə̀mbɷ̀
dusty, be ear earth, ground41 eat egg elephant42
v.i. n n
otûŋ otop
ò-rôn/bàǹ-tɔ́b~bà-
ò-tûŋ/àɲ̀-sǐ/à-
ò-tûŋ/àɲ̀-sǐ/à-
ò-tûŋ/a̍ ɲ̀-sǐ/à-
ò-tâɷ̀ŋ/àà-tuɔ́~-tútuɔ̍
ɛ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/àɲ̀-sèə̍~-sìse̍
ɛ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/àɲ̀-sǐ
ɔ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/àɲ̍-sìsí
ɔ̀-tôŋ/àǹ-dě
ù-tôŋ/àǹ-děg
ù-tôŋ/àǹ-dègɛ́~à-[r]
ɛ̍-tuˈɷŋ/a̍ ǹ-dè
ɛ̍-tüˈɷŋ/a̍ ǹ-dì
dé eji njok
ò-rôi/bàɲ̀-sìsí, tɔ̀b~bàlí é-kě/báɲ̀-sɔ̀g/bɔ̀-
lí ɛ́-kǐ/bɛ́ǹ-dɔ̀g/bɔ̀-[r]
dî è-jǐ/àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɔ̀-
dî è-jǐ/àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɔ̀-
yî è-jǐ/àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɔ̀-
yiɛ́ è-zí/àɲ̀-zùɔ̀g/ò-
nɛ̂ è-jı̍ /àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɛ̀-
nɛ̂ ɛ̀-jı̍ /àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɛ̀-
nɛ̂ ì-jı̍ /àɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɔ̍-
lî ɛ́-jǐ/áɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ɔ̀-
lî í-jǐ/áɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ù-
lî í-jǐ/áɲ̀-jɔ̀g/ù-
lí ɛ̀-jɛ̀/àɲ̀-jəˋɔg/ɛ̀-
lí ɛ̀-jɛ̀/àɲ̀-jɛˋɔg/ɛ̀-
erase43
v
ʧóbhé
sìrí
tɔ́l
ʧɔ́βɛ̀
ʧɔ́βɛ̀
ʧɔ́βɛ̀
fɷ́n, nɷ́g
sa̍ mà
sa̍ mà
sa̍ mà
r ǹ , dùg
fôl
fôl
fól
fu̍ ˊu̍ tɷ́
European
n
bóm otué ɛ̀-gbɛ̀rɛ̀, bè-ʃì/ bùlyé lè-kì /bɛ̀bè-tswò /bùkɔ́rí (wipe off) òkárá
ébháré-ńn e
ɔ̀-kágárá/bà-
ɔ̀-kágárá/bà-
ɔ̀-káɣárá/à-
màkárá
ò-kə́ɣárá/á-
ɛ̀-k ̍ ɣa̍ ra̍ /à-
à-kə̍ɣa̍ ra̍
à-kə̍ɣa̍ ra̍
ɛ̀-kág ŕ á/à-
ì-kágárá/à-
ì-kágárá/à-
excrement , shit, dung, manure, faeces extinguish
n
abí
m̀ -b ̂ ŋ/bà-
m̀ -bə̂ŋ/bà-
à-β ̂ ŋ
ɔ̀káɣárá/àà-β ̂ ŋ
à-β ̂ ŋ
à-bîŋ
à-bîŋ
à-bɩ̂ ŋ
à-bɩ̂ ŋ
à-b ̂ ŋ
à-bə̂ŋ
à-bə̂ŋ
ɛ̍ka̍ g ̍ ra̍/a̍ a̍ -bʌ̍ŋ
ɛ̍kɛˈak ̍ ra̍/a̍ a̍ -bə̍ŋ
v
lém
táné
l m ́ í
límí
tánɛ̀
tánɛ̀
tánɛ̀
lə́mə̀
n ̍ mɛ̀
nə̍mɛ̀
nɛ̍mɛ̀
l m ́ î
n m ́ ɛ̀
n m ́ ɛ̀
lʌ́mɛ́
lə́mɛ́
eye45
n
llí /bɛ̀mí
è-líd/m̀ -m d́
lɛ̀-mə́rr/m̀ -
è-yîd/à-m ̂ d
nə̀-mə̂r/à-
nʌ̀-mʌ̂r/à-
l -̀ m ̂ r/à-
ì-m ̂ r/à-
ì-m ̂ r/à-
tǔn,ʧɔ́
ʃɔ́
gbɔ̌
gbuɔ̀~gbɔ̀
gbɔ̀
gbɔ̀
gbɔ̀
gbɔ̀
gbɔ̀ɔ̂
gbɔ̀ɔ̂
ɛ̍mmʌ̍r/a̍ gbɔ̂
ɛ̍l-mə̍r/a̍ -
ʃór, kwè
ɛ̀-yɛ̂d/àm ̂ d gbɔ̌
nɛ̀-mʌ̂r/à-
v
ɛ̀-y ̂ d/àm ̂ d gbɔ̌
è-mə̂r/à-
fall46
eyə̂t amə̂t gbo
v n n
nywé édúmù, édúmó odzendzɔ ŋ, bè-sàr /bùywɔ́mú, yánú ebúbú
44
pl.
ɲ̀-
36
The forms in the languages of sub-group f-h and minor sub-groups m-p and q participate in no singular/plural alternation. 1. The form in N Etung is ‘archaic’. 2. Bendeghe also has the form ò-kíɣírí/à- with the same meaning. 38 The form in Nde was described as a ‘small wild bird in the pigeon family’. 39 In Nkum sub-group f-h the first is used in reference to men and the second to women (i.e. men’s apparel and women’s apparel). 40 These forms are to be compared with ‘arch’ with ‘squat’, and with ‘bow’ (v.) 41 1. The variant forms in languages Balep and Nkum refer to ‘heaps’ of earth. 2. The plural forms in Nkum sub-group f-h refer to ‘loose earth’. 42 The forms in languages N and S Etung are most usually expanded into the construction ɲ̀-jɔ̀g ŋ̀-gǔn/ɔ̀-jɔ̀g ŋ́-gǔn (‘... of the land’) to mean ‘elephant’, where the first member of the construction means something like ‘giant’ or ‘monster’. 43 These forms are to be compared with ‘wipe’ and with ‘brush’ (v.) 44 These forms are to be compared with ‘disappear’ and ‘dip’. 45 There is another singular form in Balep, namely m̀ -mɔ̀g ɔ̂-r ́n. 37
13
gbɔ̂
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss fan(1)
PoS v
Mbe mpɔ́b ofuó
Ejagham fək
Ekparabong fǔg
Balep fǔg
Bendeghe f ̌ g
N Etung f ̌ g
S Etung f ̌ g
Efutop fiɛ̀b
Nde fɛ̀b
Nselle fɛ̀b
Nta fɛ̀b
Abanyom fɛ̀b
Nkim fùgî
Nkum fòȯ̂ g
Nnam fɛ̂b
Ekajuk fɔ̇̂g
fan(2)47 fat father of...48 father49 feather
v n n
bɛfwám ʧé
afôm
fǔg (bà-nɔ̀i) ɲ̀-sǐ/bàɲ-
fǔg (bà-lɔ̀l) ǹ-dǐ/bà-[r]
f ̌ g à-fɔ̂m ɲ́-sɛ́/á-
f ̌ g à-fɔ̂m ɲ́-sɛ́/á-
f ̌ g à-fɔ̂m ɲ́-sɛ́/á-
fiɛ̀b à-fuɔ̂m ɲ́-siɛ́/á-
--à-fɔ̂m ɲ̍-sɛ̍/bàɲ̍-
--à-fɔ̂ ɲ̍-sɛ̍/bàɲ̍-
--à-fɔ̂ ɲ̍-sɛ̍/bàɲ̍-
fùgî à-fɔ̂m ń-dɛ́/á-[r]
fo̍ âo̍ g à-fɔ̂m ń-dɛ́/á-[r]
fɛ̂b a̍ -fɔ̍m ń-dɛ̂/á-
fɔ̇̂g a̍ -fɔ̍m ń-dɛ̂/á-
n n
è-té ì-pu /bɛ̀-
ńsé efut
ɲ̍-sɔ̂ nə̀-fǔr~ne̍ -/a̍ -
ɲ̍-sɔ̂ nò-fǒd/à-
ɲ́-ʃɔ́ í-fǒr/ɱ́-
ɲ́-ʃú í-fǒr/ɱ́-
ɲ́-sɔ́ ɛ̀b-fòr/à-
ɲ́-ʃɔ́ ɛ̀l-fùr/à-
è-kû
ɲ́-sɛ́ è-fǔd/ɱ̀~à-~bèè-kû
ɲ̍-sɔ̂ nɛ̀-fǔr/à-
ekû
ɲ́-sɛ́ è-fǔd/à~ɱ̀è-kû
è-fɷ̌r/à-
òɲì
ǹ-dǐ (ń-dòbòg/bá[r]) lɛ̀-kó
ɲ́-sɛ́ è-fǔd/à-~ɱ̀-
mè-kúù
nɛ̀ko̍ ò
nə̀-kô
nò-ko̍ ò
l -̀ kô
í-kôr
í-kôr
ɛ́k-kô
ɛ́l-kû
find50 finish
nu m v v
ɲ̍-sǐ (mín-dòbî/bà[r]) è-kó
fùg à-fɔ̂m ń-dɛ́/á[r]~bán-[d] ɲ́-sɔ́ l -́ fǒr/á-
té man
té mǎn
té mǎn
tî mǎn
tî mǎn
tî mǎn
tíì màn,maárə̀
te̍ è (kʌ̂n)
tê (kə̂n)
te̍ è (kə̂n)
têr màl
têr,(jàŋî) màlî
têr,(jàâŋ) màâl
tiˊeŋ mâl
tiˊɨŋ mâl
fire51
n
ngûn
mìŋ-kǒd/bà-
ŋ̀-kǒr/bà-
ŋ̀-gûn/à-
ŋ̀-gûn/à-
ŋ̀-gûn/à-
ŋ̀-gɣn/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/à-
ŋ̀-gô~gôn/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/à-
ŋ̀-gôn
ŋ̀-gôn/à-
ŋ̍-go̍ n/a̍ -
ŋ̍-gu̍ n/a̍ -
firewood
n
okún
ɲ̀-sí/bói/ŋ̀-
bò-kón/ŋ̀-
ò-kún/ŋ̀-
ò-kúŋ/ŋ̀-
ò-kún/ŋ̀-
è-kɣn/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-ko̍ n/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-ko̍ n/ŋ̀-
èko̍ n/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-kón/ŋ̀-
ì-kón/ŋ̀-
ì-kón/ŋ̀-
ɛ̍-ko̍ n/ŋ̍-
ɛ̍-ku̍ n/ŋ̍-
fish52 fish smell53 fish-hook fit54 five
n n
bwɔ́ŋ, kpé màl (v.i.), mání (v.t.) ò-mwén /ɛ̀ywɛ̀n /byɛ̀n kɛ̀ʃú
nsé à-wâŋ
ɲ̀-sí/bòbà-wâŋ
ǹ-dí/bò-[r] bà-wâŋ
ɲ̀-sí/òà-wâŋ
ɲ̀-sí/òà-wâŋ
ɲ̀-sí/òá- ŋ́
à-wə̂ŋ
à-wʌ̂ŋ
à-wʌ̂ŋ
à-wʌ̂ŋ
ɔ̀-rí/àà-wâŋ
ŋ́-kɔ̌b/áì-wâŋ/à-
ŋ́-kɔ̀bɔ́/áì-wâŋ/à-
ɲ̀-sʌ̀rɛ̀ a̍ -wɛˈaŋ
ɲ̀-ʃə̀rɛ̀ a̍ -wɛˈɛŋ
é-lɔ́ŋ
óyôp
-ʧán
árôn, ńdôn, érôn
bɛ́-lɔ́b/mín-[l] bɛ́-rɔ̂n
bɛ́-lɔ́/ń-`n~ kɔ́náŋ bɛ́-rɔ̂n
(ɛ̀-βáŋ ó-sí/à-) βǐg ɛ́-rɔ̂n~bí-
ɔ́-yɔ̂b/áβǐg ɛ́-rɔ̂n
ɔ́-yɔ̂b/áβǐg ɛ́-rɔ̂n
é-luɔ́~-lɔ́/álə́g á-dɔ̂n
bɛ̍-nɔ̍/n̍ fùmû bɛ̍-rɔ̂n
bə̍nɔ̍/n̍ fùmù bə̍-rɔ̂n
bɔ̍-n:ɔ/n̍ fòmò bə̍-rɔ̂n
b -́ lɔ́/ń-`n~ fòmâ bɛ́-rɔ̂n
(ú-kúja̍ /á-) lâg í-rɔ̂n
ú-lɔ́/álâg í-rɔ̂n
ɛ̍l-lɔ̍/n̍ foˊomò ɛ́l-lɔ́n~ɛ́-
ɛ̍b-lɔ̍/n̍ fuˊumù ɛ́b-lɔ́n
flog flow fly
v v v
yál, rwé gàn, fwór (jump)
yʉt, sé fəbhé
kúd fáb bú
dú fáb bú
t ̌ m (sɛ̂) f b̀ ɛ̂
t ̌ m (sɛ̂) f β ̀ ɛ̂~f β ̀ ̂
t ̌ m fâb f β ̀ î
kə́r fáb fuúβə̀
mɔ̀b fâb fùbû~fùβû
mə̀b fâb fùbù
mɔ̀b fâb fùbù
dû fâb fùbî
dû fâb b ̂ g~bûg
dû fâb bȯ̂ g
dú fáb fɔ̍ˊŋŋɔ̀
dɷ́ fáb fɔ̍ˊŋŋɔ̀
forehead55
n
mbûk
m̀ -bóg/bò-
m̀ -bóg/bà-
(ǹ-do̍ n)
(ǹ-do̍ n)
m̀ -bôg/à-
m̀ -bôg/à-
m̀ -bôg/à-
é-kúé /á-
è-kókói
è-kól/bè-
è-kún gbɛ̀/à-..á-
ɛ̀-kɨn o̍ -gbɛ̀/àku̍ n a̍ ŋm-gbɛ̀
ì-kól
ì-kól/ŋ̀-
yɔ́nî -nyí
gyiné ńnî
yìdí bɛ́-nɛ̂
jìráŋ bɛ́-nɛ̂
yìnî é-nî
yìnî é-nî
yìnâ é-nî
yínə̀ á-ɲiɛ̂
ta̍ n̍ tèr bɛ̍-nɛ̂
yènâ b -́ nî
yèdî í-nî
yènɛ̂ í-nî
yénè ɛ́-ní
fowl
v nu m n
ɛ̍-mɛ̀n ɛ̂gbɛ̀/à-mɛ̀n âŋm-gbɛ̀ yìnì bɛ̍-nɛ̂
ɛ̀-kól
forget four
ɛ̀-ko̍ n o̍ gbɛ̀/à-ko̍ n ŋ̍m-gbɛ̀ yìnì bə̍-nɛ̂
m̍ bəˈog/a̍ ɛ̀-kòl/ògbɛ̀/à-..ò-
m̍ -bɨˈug/a̍ -
ì-kɛ̀m /bɛ̀-
m̀ -bûg/ò[β] é-kúa/á-
(ǹ-do̍ n/à-[r])
n
m̀ -bûg/ò[β]~à-[β] é-kúi/á-
(ǹ-dún/ò-[d])
forest
m̀ -bûg/ò-[β]~à[β] é-kúɛ/á-
bè-kwɔ̀
ǹ-kòk
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kuɔ̌g/ò-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̌g/ù-
ŋ̀-kəˋɔg/ɛ̀-
friend
n
bù-ʧì /bɛ̀-
ǹ-tèm /à-
ǹ-tèn/bàn-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tiɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
frond56
n
òbɔ̀-mbór
ɛ̀-kpàk/à-
é-bègê/bé-
ǹ-tèn/bàn,(ŋ̀kɛ̌n/bà-) ɛ́-bègêl/bɛ́-
ŋ̀kɔ̌g~kɔ̀gí/ùǹ-tɛ̀m/à-
ɛ̀-kùl ùgbɛ̂/à-..ù,ɛ̍-ku̍ l/a̍ yínì ɛ́b-ní~ɛ́mní ŋ̀-kɛˋɔg/ɛ̀-
ɛ̀-kpàg á-kpɛ́/à-
ɛ̀-kpàg/à-
ɛ̀-kpàg/à
---
ɛ̀-gbə̀ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ̀-gbə̀ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ̀-gbə̀ɣa̍ /à-
ɛ́-gbâgâ/á,ŋɱ́-
ì-kpàg ú-b ̂ r
ì-kpàgà/à-
ɛ̀gbɛˋaɣɛ̀/à-
fruit fry
n v
è-rèn yáŋ
ǹ-kàp/àkáŋé
--kání
--kánɛ́
ŋ̀-kàb/àkáŋɛ̀
ŋ̀-kàb/àkáŋɛ̀
ŋ̀-kàb/àkáŋɛ̀
(ŋ̀-sûm/à-) kaáŋə̀
ŋ̀-kàb/àka̍ ŋà
ŋ̀-kàb/àka̍ ŋà
ŋ̀-kàb/àka̍ ŋà
ŋ̀-kàb/àkáŋâ
ŋ̀-kàb/àkâŋ
(ì-r[ɣm) káŋà
ɛ̀gbɛˋagɛ̀/à ŋ̀-kàb/àkəˊaŋɛ́
fifteen
n v n
46
é-
The forms in Ekparabong refers to a person and the second to a fruit on a tree. These forms have the specific meaning of ‘fan vigorously’. 48 These forms are used for teknonymy as well as for discussion of general kinship. 49 1. These forms are used in possessive constructions ‘my father, your father, his father, etc.’ 2.Efutop tàtá ‘my father’ 50 1. The form in Balep means ‘find again’ or ‘retrieve’. 2. The second forms in languages Nkim and Nkum mean ‘find something when it has been lost’. 51 These forms are identical with those for ‘gun’ (q.v.) except for the lack of singular-plural alternation in Nkim. 52 1. minor sub-group m-p uses a construction with the meaning ‘animal of the water’ 2. The plural form in Ekajuk is ‘rare’. 53 In N Etung the initial consonant of the root was described as a ‘light w’ and appears to have a labio-dental articulation. 54 1. These forms are used in the sense of ‘fit, suit, become’. 2. The form in Ekparabong is a nominalization because the ‘imperative’ could not be elicited. 55 The forms in languages Nselle and Nta do not allow of any singular/plural alternation. 56 These forms refer especially to the ‘lower palm frond’. 47
14
ŋ̀-kàb/àkɛáŋɛ́
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss germinate
PoS v.i.
Ejagham fém
Ekparabong mɛ̌i
Balep mɛ̌ ̃
Bendeghe mɛ̀ɛ̂,(dǚ)
N Etung mɛ̌,(dǚ)
S Etung mɛ̌,(rǔ̇ )
Efutop míɛ̀
Nde mɛ̀ ɛ̃ ̂ ̃
Nselle mɛ̀ ̃
Nta mɛɛ̃ ̀
Abanyom mɛ̀r
Nkim mɛ̀rî
Nkum mɛ̀ɛ̂r
Nnam mʌ̂ŋ
Ekajuk mə̂ŋ
v n
Mbe fwám, mɔ̀r yúbô m̀ -pûɛl
go out57 goat
m̀ -búi /ò-
t ̌ b m̀ -bói/bò-
tə̌b m̀ -ból/bò-
dùɛ̂,fâm m̀ -bûɛ/ò-[β]
rùû m̀ -bôn/è-
rù m̀ -bôn/ɛ̀-
rù m̀ -bôn/ò-
jôg m̀ -bôl/ɔ̀-
jôg m̀ -bôl/ù-
jôg m̀ -bôl/ù-
lɔ̇̂ŋ m̍ -bo̍ l/ɛ̍-
lɔ̇̂ŋ m̍ -bu̍ l/ɛ̍-
n
òʧúwɛ̀
ò-βàsì
ɔ̀-sɔ́wɔ̀
ɔ̀-sɔ́wɔ̀
ɔ̀-sɔ̂wɔ̀,ɔ̀-βàsì
ò-sôwuɔ̀
ɛ̀-sɔ̍wɔ̀
ɛ̀-so̍ wɔ̀
ɔ̀-sɔ̍wɔ̀
ɔ̀-sɔ́wɔ̂/à-
ì-ʃɔ̂~-ʃɔ̂wɔ̀
í-ʃɔ́ɔ̀
ɛ́-sɔ́wɔ̂
ɛ́-ʃɔ́wɔ̂
gourd
n
kɛ́buɔ́
è-kpúŋ
ɔ̀-kpɛ̀dà/bà-
ɔ̀-kpɛ̀/bà-
ɔ̀-kpɛ̀rɛ̀/à-
fâb m̀ -bûi/ò[β] ɔ̀-sɔ́wɔ̀,ɔ̀βàsì ɔ̀-kpɛ̀rɛ̀/à-
dúù m̀ -bâɷ̀n/ò-
God58
fâm m̀ -bûi/ò[β] ɔ̀-sɔ̂wɔ̀,ɔ̀βàsì ɔ̀-kpɛ̀rɛ̀/à-
---
---
---
---
ŋɱ̀-kpɛ̀dɛ̀/ɔ̀-
ŋm̀ -kpɛ̀d/ù-
grasp grave
v n
pyɛ̀l bù-lɛ̀m
fì ò-yə̀m /à-
dáb ò-yǒ/bà-
dáb ò-lǔ/bà-
fìî ɔ̀-y ̀m/à-
fìî ɔ̀-y ̀m/à-
fìî ɔ̀-y ̀m/à-
fínə̀ ò-lə̍m/à-
f ǹ ɛ̂ ɛ̀-nʌ̀m/bɛ̀-~à-
fɩǹ ì ɛ̀-nʌ̀m/bə̀-~à-
fèlê ɔ̀-l m ̀ /à-
fèlî ù-l m ̀ /à-
ŋm̀ kpə̀dɛ̀/ɛ̀félè ɛ̀-lʌ̀m/à-
ŋm̀ kpə̀dɛ̀/ɛ̀bfílì ɛ̀-lə̀m/à-
grey hair59 grind groundnut guest60
n v n n
ìpí kwɔ́ ǹjíkɔ́rɔ́ bù-kɛ̀n
m̀ pí gǒk ifə̂t ǹ-jéné /à
m̀ -bíbí/bòkɔ̌g ɱ́-fɩ̀rî ɲ̀-jɛ̌n/bà-
--gɔ̌g ɱ́-fìrî ɲ̀-jɛ́nɛ́/à-
--gɔ̌g ì-f ̂ d/ɱ̀ɲ̀-jɛ́nɛ́/à-
--gɔ̌g ì-f ̂ d/ɱ̀ɲ̀-jɛ́ná/à-
è-yî/àguɔ̀g ɱ́-fírə̀ ɲ̀-ziɛ̀nániɛ̀/à-
nɛ̀-bı̍ ì/àgɔ̀g ɱ̍-f r̀ ̂ ~f'rî ɲ̀-jànânà/à-
nɛ̀-bî/àgɔ̀g ɱ̍-f r̀ ̂ ~f'rî ɲ̀-jɛ̀nânɛ̀/à-
à-bí gɔ̀ɔ̂g à-ʃɛ̀kpá ɲ̀-jɛ̌nɛ̀
n n n
ò-mwén bù-ɲùŋ ì-mwɛ̀
ǹgûn ǹ-nyʉ̂ ì-ɲòt
ŋ̀-gûnàǹ-nü̂ ɛ̀-ɲɔ̌d/à-
ŋ̀-gûn/àǹ-nü̂ ì-ɲɔ̌d/à-
ŋ̀-gâɷ̀n/ò-~àè-lû/ǹ-[l] è-muɔ̌r/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/ànɛ̀-nû/ǹnɛ̀-mɔ̌r/à-
ŋ̀-gô~-gôn/ànɔ̀-nû/ǹnə̀-mɔ̌r/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/ànù-nû/ǹnʌ̀-mǎr/à-
ŋ̀-g'ôn/àɲ́-ɲù-ʃî ì-ŋuɔ̌r/à-
ŋ̀-gôn/àń-nù-ʃî ì-mɔ̌r/à-
ɛ̍l-bı̍ /a̍ géɔ̀g à-ʃ ̀kpá ɲ̀-jɛ̀nnɛ̀/àŋ̍-gu̍ n/a̍ ɛ̍l-lu̍ /a̍ ɛ̀l-ɲàr/à-
bù-cí /bè-
è-ʧî/bì-,à-
kóm fǔ bǒg jǐŋ è-rí/bè-
kûm fǜî βǔg jǐŋ è-ʧî/bì-,à-
kûm fǜ βǔg (yírì) è-ʧî/bì,à-
ŋ̀-gûn/àɲ̀-ɲü̂ ɲ̀-ɲɔ̂d/àɲɔ̌d kûm fǔ̇ βǔg j ̌ ŋ,(yírà) è-ʧî/à-
ɛ̍b-bı̍ /a̍ gə́ɔ̀g à-s k̀ pá ɲ̀-jɛ̀nnɛ̀/àŋ̍-go̍ n/a̍ ɛ̍l-lu̍ /n̍ -[l] ɛ̀ɲ-ɲàr/à-
v v v v n
ŋ̀-kǒr/bàǹ-títí/ǹ-tí ŋ̀-ŋuɔ̀ŋuɔ̂r/bàŋuɔ̌r kóm fǔ bǒg jə̌ŋ ɛ̀-rí/bɛ̀-
l -̀ bî~-b ̂ r/àgɔ̀g ɱ́-f ̂ rî ɲ̀-jɛ̀nánɛ̀/àjɛ̀nánɛ̂ ŋ̀-gôn/àl -̀ ɲû/ɲ̀l -̀ ŋɱuɔ̌r/à-
ì-bí/àgɔ̀gî à-ʃ ̀kpá ɲ̀-jɛ̌nɛ̀
gun61 hair (head) hair (on body)62 hammer harvest63 hatch64 hate65 head66
--kɔ̌g ɱ́-fɩ́rî mìŋkɛ̀ŋkɛ́n/bàmìŋ-kǒd/bàǹ-dí ŋ̀-wɔ̌d
fɩǹ ì ɔ̀nʌ̀m~nə̀m/ànì-bı̍ /àgɔ̀g ɱ̍-f r̀ ı̍ ɲ̀-jɛ̀ra̍ nɛ̀/à-
ŋm̀ kpɛ̀dɛ̀/ùfèlɛ̂ ù-lə̀m/à-
kɷ́m (sə́m) laáɣə̀ zìŋ,(líì) è-sî/à-
kôm fù na̍ gà~na̍ ɣà jìŋ ɛ̀-sî/bɛ̀-,à-
kô fù na̍ ɣà jìŋ ɛ̀-sî/b -̀
kô fù na̍ ɣà jìŋ ì-sî/bì-
kôm fù wà j ŋ̀ ɛ̀-sî/b -̀ ,à-
kôm fù wàâ ì-ʃî/à-
kôm --wàâ ì-ʃî/à-
kóm fû laˊadɛ́ jʌ̂ŋ ɛ̍-si/a̍ -
headpad
n
lliár
nkâ
ŋ̀-ká/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-ká/bà-
ŋ̀-kâ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kâ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kâ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-káà/à-
ŋ̀-ka̍ à/à-
ŋ̀-kâ/à-
ŋ̀-ka̍ à/à-
ŋ̀-kâ/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kàr/à-
ŋ̀-kárà/ù-
hear heart
v n
yúk ḿbə́ŋé
wóg ǹ-tèd/bò-
wóg ǹ-dɛ́nɛ̀ŋ/bà-[r]
yúg~yûg ḿ-b ŋ́ ɛ́/ó-[β]
yɔ̂g nə̀-te̍ /ǹ-
yôg nè-tee̍ /ǹ-
yôg l -̀ tém/ǹ-
yôg ì-tém/ǹ-
yôg ì-tém/n-
yàt βéré
sɔ́ŋí bǒ
rɔ́ŋɛ́ bǒ
súbɛ̀ β ́mɛ̀
yúg ḿ-b ŋ́ í/ɔ́[β] fúβì βɛ́rà
yɔ̂g nè-te̍ m/ǹ-
v.t. v.i.
yúg~yûg ḿ-b ŋ́ ɛ́/ó[β] súbì~fúbì βɛ́rɛ̀~βîd~ β ́mɛ̀
yuɔ́g è-tím/à-
heat67 hide68
ywó bùtɛ̀m/bè-
ŋ́kəˊaŋɛ́/áwəˊog ɛ̍t-te̍ m/n̍ -
kúm fâɷ̀ wâ, laˊadɛ́ jə̂ŋ ɛ̍-ʃı̍ /a̍ -~ɛ̍ʃı̍ /a̍ ŋ́kɛˊaŋɛ́/áwɨˊug ɛ̍l-tı̍ m/n̍ -
fúβà yı̍ βə̀
fɨβì bı̍ bì
fı̍ bè bı̍ bì
fə̍βè bı̍ bì
fóbê bô
fôb bôb
fóbɔ̀ bóbɔ̀
fóbó biˊirí
fúbú biˊirí
hide s.t. hit69 hoe
v.t. v n
súm è-yòm /ǹ-
sóm ɛ̀-lɔ̌m/bɛ̀-
ʃóm ɛ̀-lɔ̌m/bɛ̀-
sûm ɛ̀-yɔ̌m/ɲ̀-
sûm ɛ̀-yɔ̌m/ɲ̀-
sûm ɛ̀-yɔ̌m/ɲ̀-
súm è-dû/à-
(kʌ̂r) è-rô/bè-
(kə̂r) ɛ̀-rô/bì-
(kʌ̂r) è-rô/bò-
rôm ɛ̀-rô/b -̀
rôm ì-ró/à-
rôm ì-ró/à-
róm ɛ̍-lo̍ /ɛ̍b-
rúm ɛ̍-lu̍ /ɛ̍b-
hoe hoe70 hole71
v v.i. n
kuǎŋ (kuǎŋ) è-bébé/bè-
fə̌m fə̌m ɛ̀-bɛ́bɛ́/bɛ̀-
kpǎŋ (kpǎŋ) é-βírí/á-
kpǎŋ (kpǎŋ) é-βírí/á-
kpǎŋ (kpǎŋ) é-βírá/á-
kpə̀n bə̀m ò-bií/à-
--bɔ̀m nè-bee̍ /à-
--bə̀m nè-be̍ /à-
--bɔ̀m nè-bee̍ /à-
kpáŋâ b m ̀ l -̀ bé/à-
kpâŋ (tâ) ì-bér/m̀ -
kpáŋà (tâ) ì-bér/m̀ -
kpəˊaŋɛ́ bʌ̂m ɛ̍bbiˈeŋ/a̍ -
kpɛˊaŋɛ́ bə̂m ɛ̍l-biˈəŋ/a̍ ~m̀ -
kúm fʉ̌ βǔk
bîm ɲìe jú è-rwé, kɛ̀rwé káb ì-pwó /bɛ̀, lè-pì
mfúk, otáé, ébhéré
57
These forms are used in the sense ‘leave the room’. S Etung also has the further form ɛ́-β r̀ ɔ̌kpáβí. 59 The form in Nkum has no singular/plural alternation. 60 a change of tone in the plurals of Nkum sub-group m-p will be discussed in the [never-appeared] next volume. 61 The roots in the above forms are identical with those for ‘fire’ (q.v.). 62 The form in Ekparabong has no singular. 63 These forms are used specifically in the sense ‘harvest yams’, except in minor sub-groups r-s and t-u where they mean ‘harvest groundnuts’. 64 compare ‘break’ (v.tr.) 65 1. In languages Nkim and Nkum the ‘imperative’ could not be elicited and the forms given mean ‘hatred’. 2. The first form in Efutop means ‘abstain’. 66 1. of the two plural prefixes given for languages Bendeghe and N Etung the first is used to refer to ‘leaders’ and the second to ‘skills’. 2. of the two plural prefixes for languages Nde and Abanyom the second is used to refer to ‘animal’ heads. 67 These forms are used especially in the sense of ‘re-heat soup’. 68 These forms are used in the sense of ‘hide oneself’. 69 The missing cognates in languages n-p can be found under the gloss ‘clear bush’. 70 1. another possible gloss for these forms is ‘cultivate’ (v.). 2. The form in Abanyom also means ‘plant’ (v.). 58
15
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss horn
PoS n
Mbe í-táŋ /bɛ́-
hornbill
n
house72
n
ò-swè/ɛ̀-
how many73 hunt
qua nt n
-ɲí
hunt husband
v n
bû, wúɔ bù-lwɔ́m /bɛ̀-
iguana (‘monitor lizard’) iroko tree74
n
Ejagham ńtáŋ
Ekparabong ŋ̀-ŋuɛ́g/bɔ̀-
Balep ǹ-taŋ/bà-
Bendeghe bì-βǎŋ/à-
S Etung ń-táŋ/á-, ìβǎŋ/m̀ -[b] ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
Efutop ǹ-tə́ŋá/à-
Nde ǹ-t ̍ ŋa̍ /à-
Nselle ǹ-tə̍ŋa̍ /à-
Nta ǹ-tə̍ŋa̍ /à-
Abanyom ǹ-táŋ/à-
Nkim ǹ-tâŋ/à-
Nkum ǹ-táŋ/ù-
Nnam n̍ -tɛˈaŋ/á-
Ekajuk n̍ -tɛˈaŋ/a̍ -
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
N Etung ì-βǎŋ/à~m̀ [b] ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-guɔ̀n/à-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/à-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/à-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/à-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/à-
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/à-
ɲ̀-jù/bò-
ɲ̀-jû/ò-
ɲ̀-jû/ò-
ɲ̀-dzû/ò-
ɲ̀-zû/ò-
ɲ̀-jô/bè-
ɲ̀-jô/bə̀-
ɲ̀-jû/bù-
ì-tàb/à
ì-tàbà/à-
-fég
-fég
-βíg
-βíg
-βíg
-bíg
-bı̍ g
-be̍ g
-be̍ g
ɲ̀-jô/b -̀ , ɛ̀tɛ́g/b -̀ -bég
-bég
-bég
ŋ̀-gɔ̀n/ɛ̀~àɲ̍-jo̍ ,ɛ̍tʌ̍g/n̍ -bíèg
ǹ-jû/ò-
ɲ̀-jù/bò-
ɲ̍-ju̍ ,ɛ̍tə̍g/n̍ -bí g̀
-βék etə́m-enór óm βém bù-lwɔ́m
ò-bêm/bà
ò-bêm/bà-
ò-βîm/à-
ò-βîm/à-
ò-βîm/à-
ò-bîm
ò-bêm/à-
ɛ̀-bê/à-
ò-bê/à-
ɔ̀-bêm/à-
ù-bêm/à-
ù-bêm/à-
ɛ̍-be̍ m/a̍ -
ɛ̍-bı̍ m/a̍ -
(yád) mì-núm/bàlóm (é-sôb/bé-)
bém ǹ-nóm/bà-[l]
--ǹ-dûm/à-[r]
b ̌ m~β ̌ m ǹ-nûm/à-[r]
bím ǹ-lɷ̀m/à-
bêm ǹ-nôm/à-
bê ǹ-nô/à-
bê ǹ-nô/à-
bêm ǹ-nôm/à-[l]
ɛ̀-βág/bì-
ɛ̀-βág/à~bɛ̀-
è-bə́g/à-
ɛ̀-ba̍ g/à-
ɛ̀-ba̍ g/b -̀
ɛ̀-ba̍ g/bə̀-
ɛ̀-bág/à-
bêm ǹ-nɔ̂m/àlôm (í-bɔ́/á-)
bêm ǹ-nɔ̂m/àlôm (ì-bójág/à-)
bém n̍ -lo̍ m/a̍ -
(ɛ́-rôb/bɛ́-)
--ǹ-dûm/à[r] ɛ̀-βág/bì-
bím n̍ -lu̍ m~nu̍ m/a̍ -[l] ɛ̍-jɛˈag/a̍ -
ɔ̀-sàn/bà-
ɔ̀-ràn/bà-
ɲ̀-sàn/à-
ɲ̀-sàn/à-
ɲ̀-sàn/à-
(m̀ -biínə́/à-)
(m̀ -be̍ n/à-)
(m̀ -be̍ n/à-)
(m̀ -be̍ n/à-)
ɲ̀-jàn/à-
(ù-lókò/à-)
(ù-lókò/à-)
ò-kòŋà/bà-
ɛ̀-kòŋà/bɛ̀-
ò-kùŋà/à-
ò-kùŋà/à,ɛ̀-βáŋɛ́/à-
ò-kuɔ̀ŋə̀/à-
ɛ̀-kùŋà/à-
ɛ̀-kùŋà/à-
ò-kòŋà/à-
ɛ̀-kòŋà/à-
ì-kòŋ/à-
ì-kòŋɔ̀/à-
ɛ̀kɨˋuŋù/à-
è-wóŋé
ŋ̀-kɔ́kɔ̀gî/bɔ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ́kɔ̀gɔ̂l/bà-
ɛ̀-wɔ́ŋɛ́
ò-kùŋà/à,ɛ̀βáŋɛ́/m̀ [b] ɛ̀-wɔ́ŋɛ́
ɲ̀-jàn/à,(m̍ be̍ n/a̍ -) ɛ̀kəˋoŋò/à-
à-yɔ́ŋá
ŋm̀ -kpâb/à-
ŋ̀-kı̍ kɔ̍/à-
ŋ̀-kɔ̍kɔ̍nɔ̍/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̍kɔ̍nɔ̍/à-
ŋ̀-k ḱ ɔ́lá/à-
ŋ̀-k ḱ ɔ́l/à-
ŋ̀-k ḱ ɔ́lɔ́/à-
nkôn è-jèn fə̀ßé, ɲə́p, jùt ḿfə́k
ɛ̀-mɛ̀g/bɛ̀ɛ̀-kɛ̀n (ɲ b́ ),f r̀ í
lɛ̀-mɛ̀gɛ̀l/m̀ lɛ̀-kɛ̀n/ŋ̀(bú)
ɛ̀-mɛ̀ɣɛ́/àɛ̀-jɛ̀n/bì(ɲ ̂ n)
ɛ̀-mɛ̀ɣɛ́/àɛ̀-jɛ̀n/bìf β ̀ î,(ɲ ̂ b)
ɛ̀-mɛ̀ɣɛ́/àɛ̀-jɛ̀n/bɛ̀f β ̀ î,(bâg)
--è-ziɛ̀n fiɛ́b,(yə̀b)
ɛ̀-mìgı̍ /ànɛ̀-jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ̂b
ɛ̀-m g̀ e̍/ànə̀-jɛ̀n fɛ̂b
ɛ̀-mɛ̀ɣɛ̍/ànɛ̀-jɛ̀n fɛ̂b
ɛ̀-mɛ̀gɛ̀/àl -̀ jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ̂b
ì-mɛ̀g/àì-jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ̂b
ì-mɛ̀gɛ̀/àì-jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ̂b
ŋˈmkp ̍ kɔ̍lɔ̍/a̍ ɛ̀-mʌ̀gɛ̀/àɛ̀j-jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ́b
ŋˈmkpa̍ kɔ̍lɔ̍/a̍ ɛ̀-mə̀ɣɛ̀/àɛ̀l-jɛ̀n/ɲ̀fɛ́b
m̀ -pópóg
m̀ -pə́g/bà-
ɱ̀-f ǵ
ɱ́-f ǵ /á-
ɱ́-f ǵ /á-
è-dùβə́/à-
ɱ̀-fɔ́ɣɔ́βâ
ɱ̀-fɔ̍g/à-
ɱ̀-fo̍ g/à-
ɱ̀-f ̂ g/à-
ɱ́-fə́gɛ́/á-
ɱ́-f ǵ ɔ́/á-
ɱ́-fɔ́ɣɔ́/á-
ywé arúŋ, êrʉ́ŋ
wói è-dûndúŋ/bè-
wól ɛ̀-rûndúŋ/bɛ̀-
yûɛ ê-rǘŋ/â-
yûi ê-rúŋ/â-
yún è-dâɷ̀ŋ/à-
yôn ɛ̀-rɔ̂ŋ/bɛ̀-
yôn ɛ̀-rɔ̂ŋ/b -̀
yôn ɛ̀-rɔ̂ŋ/bɛ̀-
yôl ɛ̀-rûŋ/ǹ-[d]
yôl ì-rȯ̂ ŋ/à-
wól ɛ̍-lʌ̍ŋ/a̍ -
wúl ɛ̍-lʌ̍ŋ/a̍ -
ɲúdí bɛ̀-bànáŋ/mì-
kúdúm ǹ-tə̀mà/bà-
--bì-t m ̀ ɛ̀/ǹ-
yûi ê-rǘŋ~rúŋ/â--ì-t m ̀ ɛ̀/ǹ-
ɱ̀-f ̂ g~f ǵ /àyôl ì-râɷ̀ŋ/à-
--ì-t m ̀ à/ǹ-
kə́mə̀ ǹ-tə̀mà/ò-
k ̍ mɛ̀ ǹ-t m ̀ ɛ̀/à-
k ̍ mɛ̀ ǹ-tə̀mɛ̀/à-
kə̍mɛ̀ ǹ-tɛ̀mɛ̀/à-
kùmâ ǹ-tùmà/ɔ̀-
k ̂ m ǹ-t m ̀ /ù-
kómɔ̀ǹ-tə̀mɔ̀/ù-
jʌˊmmɛ̀ ǹ-tʌ̀mɛ̀/ɛ̀-
jəˊmmɛ̀ ǹ-tə̀mɛ̀/ɛ̀b-
gbák
gbág
gbág
gbâg
gbâg
gbâg
kpə́g
gbâg
gbə̂g
gbʌ̂g
gbâg
---
---
gbɛˊag
gbɛˊag
è-kpù/à-
è-kpò/bè-
è-kpò/bè-
è-kpù/à-
è-kpù/à-
è-kpù/à-
è-kpù/à-
è-kpò/à-
ɛ̀-kpò/à-
è-kpò/à-
ì-kpòd/à-
ì-kpǒd/à-
ɛ̀-kpòd/à-
ɛ̀-kpùd/à-
mə̀ŋé yòé
(sǐd) mǎi wɔ̌i
(rə̌d) màɛ́ ̃ wɔ̌i
--mɛ̀ŋɛ̂ yɔ̀ɛ̂
--mɛ̀ŋɛ̂ yɔ̀ɛ̂
--mɛ̀ŋɛ̂ yɔ̀ɛ̂
kə̀n gbiɛ́rə̀ yuɔ̀n
kʌ̀n m ŋ̀ î yɔ̀n
kə̀n m ŋ̀ ì yɔ̀n
kə̀n mìŋì yɔ̀n
ɛ̀-kpò~kpǒd/àkùn mɛ̀ŋɛ̂ yɔ̀l
kɷ̀nî ɲî yɔ̀lî
kȯ ̀ ân ɲî yɔ̀ɔ̂l
kʌ̂n mʌ́ŋɛ̀ wɔ̂l
kə̂n mə́ŋɛ̀, mâl wɔ̂l
ǹjé/á-
è-guíguɛ̂/bè-
lɛ̀-ŋuán/bà-
ɲ́-jɛ́ɛ́/á-
ɲ́-jɛ́/á-
ɲ́-jɛ́á/á-
é-ɲánə́/ɲ́-
nɛ̀-ɲân/ɲ̀-
nɛ̀-ɲân/ɲ̀-
nɛ̀-ɲân/ɲ̀-
l -̀ ɲân/ɲ̀-
ì-ɲân/ɲ̀-
ì-ɲánà/ɲ̀-
ɛ́ɲɲánɛ́~ɛ́-
ɛ́l-ɲánɛ́/á-
ǹ-sàn/à-
n
iron75
n
itch76
n
joint77 journey78 jump
n n v
le-kwán lè-kɛ̀n fwôr
kidney
n
kill knee
v n
m̀ -pɔ́/ bɛ̀mywɛ́l lè-lú/bɛ̀-
kneel knife79
v n
knock, clap80 knot
v
knot know81 laugh
v v v
leaf
n
ò-kwòŋ
kɛ̀-sùɔm/ kègwɛ̀l
n
màl sɔ́, m̀ pám n. yìân, bìân
71
These forms refer to a ‘hole into’ rather than a ‘hole through’. 1. The first form in Nnam is dialectal. 2. The first form in Ekajuk is archaic and dialectal. 73 no common independent nominalization of this stem was elicited. 74 (Milicia excelsa) 75 These refer to both the metal and to articles made from it, including the ‘iron for ironing (clothes)’. 76 These forms also refer to scabies and craw-craw. 77 These forms refer to ‘joint of the body – especially wrist and ankle’. 78 These forms have identical roots with those in ‘walk’ (q.v.). 79 These forms refer to the ‘big knife’ or ‘matchet’. 80 The forms in languages Ekparabong, Balep and Efutop mean ‘clap’, and the others mean ‘knock with a stick’. 81 These forms are used in the sense ‘know how’ or ‘know a fact’ (for ‘know’ in the sense ‘know a person’, see ‘recognize’). 72
16
ɛ̍-jɛˈag/a̍ -
ɲ̀-jàn/à-
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss
PoS
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong
Balep
Bendeghe
N Etung
S Etung
Efutop
Nde
Nselle
Nta
Abanyom
Nkim
Nkum
lean lean learn leg82 leopard
v.i. v.t. v n n
yûen è-kpà/bèǹ-júkpɔ̀ŋ
yéɣé kpé, téŋé èkát/àm̀ -gbè /ò-
wɛ́mí wɛ́gí kɔ́i ò-kǒ/bàŋ̀-kɔ̀i/bɔ̀-
gɛ́gɛ́ gɛ́gɛ́ kóláŋ ò-kǒ/bàŋ̀-kɔ̀n/bɔ̀-
yɛ́ŋɛ̀ yɛ́ɣɛ̀ kpî ɛ̀-kád/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɔ̀-
yɛ́ŋɛ̀ yɛ́ɣɛ̀ kpî ɛ̀-kád/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɔ̀-
yɛ́ŋà yɛ́ɣɛ̀ kpî ɛ̀-kád/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɔ̀-
yiɛ́ŋə̀ yə́ɣə̀ kpínə̀ è-sàn/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ò-
yɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yı̍ ɣà~yə̍ɣà kp ̍ nè ɛ̀-tâ/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɛ̀-
yɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yə̍ɣà kp ̍ nè ɛ̀-tâ/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɛ̀-
yɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yʌ̍ɣà kpı̍ nì ɔ̀-tâ/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɔ̀-
yɛ́ŋâ yɛ́gɛ̂ kpélê ɔ̀-tâ/-a ŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɔ̀-
yɛ̂g yɛ̂g kpêl ì-kpàd/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/à-
yɛ́ŋɛ̀ yɛ́gɛ̀ kpélɛ̀ ì-kpàdà/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ù-
lie down life
v n
lál lè-yìel/bɛ̀-
nùŋé è-kpìn
n m ̀ í è-kuèn
nùmúŋ lɛ̀-kuèn
nùŋɛ̂ è-kpìn
nùŋî è-kpìn
nɔ̀ŋâ è-kpìn
nuɔ́ŋə̀ è-kpìn
nɔ̀ŋɔ̂ nè-kpèn
nɔ̀ŋɔ̀ nè-kpèn
nɔ̀ŋɔ̀ nè-kpèn
nɔ̀ŋâ l -̀ kpèn/ŋm̀ -
nɔ̀ŋî ì-kpèn
nɔ̀ŋɔ̂ ì-kpèn/ŋm̀ -
light s.t.83 limb (body) 84 liver85
v.t. n
muɔ́ró
ɲòé èyô/à-
ŋuɔ̌i è-yó/bè-
ŋuɔ̀lɛ́ ɛ̀-yóbɛ̀-
ɲɔ̀ɛ̂ ɛ̀-yɔ̂/à-
ɲɔ̀ɛ̂ ɛ̀-yɔ̂/à-
ɲɔ̀ɛ̂ ɛ̀-yɔ̂/à-
muɔ́nə̀ è-luɔ̂/à-
mɔ̀nɔ̂ ɛ̀-nɔ̂/à-~bɛ̀-
mɔ̀nɔ̀ ɛ̀-nɔ̂/b -̀
mɔ̀nɔ̀ ɛ̀-nɔ̍/à-~bə̀-
ŋuɔ̀lɛ̂ ɛ̀-rɔ̂/à-
ŋuɔ̀lɛ̂ ì-rɔ́/à-
n
lè-bàrò
àjìŋ
(bà-rɛ́m)
(bà-rɛ́m)
è-jìŋ/à-
ɛ̀-j ŋ̀ /à-
è-miɛ̂r/à-
ɛ̀-gbɛ̂r/à-
ɛ̀-gbêr/à-
n
ékáβúɣé/ŋ́-
ɛ́-pâmpám/bɛ́-
ɛ́-pàmpám/bɛ́-
ɛ́-káβúɣɛ́/ŋ́~bí-
ɛ́káβúɣá/á-
é-buɔ́ɣə́/á-
ɛ̍-bı̍ bə̍ɣɔ̍/a̍ -
ɛ̍-b ̍ bə̍ɣɔ̍/a̍ -
look at louse
v n
ìnɛ́ntɔ́r/bɛalso nɔ́ntɔ́r kɛ́l bù-bùab
ò-gbêr~gbêd/ào̍ -bo̍ bo̍ ɣo̍ /a̍ -
ɛ̀-ghêd/à-
lizard (agama)
èjìŋ~j ŋ̀ /àɛ́káβúɣɛ́/á-
kép, ßə́ré m̀ bì/ò-
mɔ̌n ŋ̀-kòkôr/bò-kǒr
bírì m̀ -bǚ/ò-[b]
yírə̀ ḿ-baánə̀/á-
b ̍ rì m̍ -bànâ/a̍ -
b ̍ rì m̍ -bànâ/a̍ -
v n
kǒt ǹkʉ̀ì
(nún) (ɛ̀-wâkpà/ŋ̀-)
kɔ̌d ŋ̀-kǜi~ò-
kɔ̌d ŋ̀-kúi/ŋ̀-ku̇ ̀ i
v n
kóré ò-réŋ/à-
fúgí ɔ̀-rɛ́ŋ/bà-
kɔ́rɛ́ ɔ̀-rɛ́ŋ/bà-~ǹ-[d]
kɔ́rɛ̀ ɔ̀-rɛ́ŋ/à-
kɔ́rɛ̀ ɔ̀-rɛ́ŋ/à-
kuɔ̀r (ḿ-màkpà/á[β]) kuɔ́nə̀ ò-sə́ŋə̀/á-
kɔ̀r ɛ̀-gù/à-
make fire mangrove (Rhizopho ra spp.) market87 mat88 measure
lɔ́ bù-kwèl /bèdzwòm
β ́rì m̀ -bí~bǘi/ò-βǚi kɔ̌d ŋ̀-kǘi/ŋ̀kǜi kɔ́rɛ̀ ɔ̀-rɛ́ŋ/à-
β ́rì m̀ -bí/ò-βǐ
love86 maize
mɔ̌n ŋ̀-kòkôd/bòkǒd () (m̀ -búkpà/bò-)
n n v
kɛ̀-sé /kèbú-kê /bɛ́kàn
ògə̀m /àè-kpà/ŋm̀ gáè
ɛ̀-f ń /bɛ̀ɛ̀-kpà/bɛ̀kǎn
lɛ̀-f ń /ɱ̀ɛ̀-kpà/bɛ̀kǎn
ɔ̀-g ̀m/àɛ̀-kpà/ŋm̀ gàɛ̂~gànɛ̂
ɔ̀-g ̀m/àɛ̀-kpà/ŋm̀ gàɛ̂
ɔ̀-g ̀m/àɛ̀-kpà/ŋm̀ gàɛ̂
medicine
n
ǹ-jân/à-
ŋ̀-guɛ́i/bà-
ŋ̀-guán/bà-ŋuán
ɲ̀-jân/à-
ɲ̀-jân/à-
melt money89
v.t. n
bù-kàl /bɛ̀ɲîan òbé
sáré ḿbé, ǹté
ɲàní bà-kpògà
ɲànáŋ bɛ̀-kpògà
ɲànɛ̂ ǹ-tí,à-kpùɣà
mongoose
n
è-βì/à-
ò-fìfì/bà-
ɔ̀-fìfì/bà-
è-βì/à-
m̀ -bùk/ò-
m̀ -pǒg/bò-
m̀ -pǒg/bò-
m̀ -bǔg/ò-[β]
ò-fêŋ/bà-
ò-fêŋ/bà-
m̀ -mǐ/à-
90
monkey
n
ò-bègù/ɛ̀-
moon91
n
wùtùrò-àf àl, bùnyén-m̀ pám (archaic)
mɔ̀ ̃lɔ̂ ì-rɔ́/à-
Nnam /ɲ́--yʌ́ggɛ́ kpélé ɛ̍-ta̍ /a̍ ŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɛ̀gbɛˋŋmgb ɛ̀ nəˊɔŋɔ̀ ɛ̀kpkpèn~ɛ̀/ŋm̀ ɲaˊalɛ̀ ---
ɲaˊalɛ̀ ---
ú-gêd/á-
ú-bɛ̂d/á-
ɛ̍-je̍ d/a̍ -
ɛ̍-jı̍ d/a̍ -
l -̀ sɔ́l/ɲ̀-
ì-ʃɔ̀l/ɲ̀-
ì-ʃɔ́lɲ̀-
ɛ̍s-sɔ̍l/ɲ̍-
ɛ̍l-ʃɔ̍l/ɲ̍-
b ̍ rì m̍ -bàna̍ /a̍ -
kpôr m̀ -bôl/ɔ̍-
b ̂ r ŋḿ-kpɛ̌r/á-
kpôr,b ŕ ɛ̀ m̀ -bôl/à-
kpór m̀ -bʌ̀l/ɛ̀-
kpúr m̀ -bə̀l/ɛ̀-
kɔ̀r ɛ̍-gù/a̍ -
kɔ̀r e̍ -gù/a̍ -
í-kùl/ŋ́-
í-kòl/ŋ́-
kɔ̂r ŋ́-k ̂ l/á-
kɔ̂r ɛ́l-kɔ̇̂l/ŋ́-
kɔ̍nɔ̀ ɲ̀-sı̍ ŋ/à-
kɔ̍nɔ̀ ɲ̀-sı̍ ŋ/à-
kɔ̍nɔ̀ ɲ̀-sı̍ ŋ/à-
kɔ̀r,kɔ̀n, k l̀ (ɛ́-gúbákpà/á) kɔ́rɛ̂ ɔ́-rɛ̂ŋ/á-
kɔ̂r í-rɛ̂rɛ́ŋ/á-
kɔ́rɔ̀ í-rɛ̀ndɛ́ŋɛ́/á-
kɔ́nɔ́ ɛ́rɛˊaŋɛ̀/á-
kɔ́nɔ́ ń-rɛˊaŋɛ̍/á-
à-siɛ̂ è-kpà/àgaárə̀
à-sɛ̂ ɛ̀-kpà/bɛ̀gàrʌ̂
à-sɛ̂ ɛ̀-kpà/bə̀gàrà
à-sɛ̂ ɛ̍-rə̍kpà/a̍ gàrə̀
à-rɛ̂ ɛ̀-kpà/b -̀ gàrâ
à-rɛ̂ ì-kpà/àgànî
à-rɛ̂ ì-kpà/àgàân
a̍ -rɛ̀ ɛ̀-kpà/ɛ̀bgárɛ̀
ɲ̀-jân/à-
è-tíkpá/ǹ-
ɛ̀-kʌ̂m/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-kə̌m/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-kʌ̂m/ŋ̀-
ɛ́-té/à-
ì-lə̀ŋ/à-
ì-kȯ̌ m/à-
ɛ̀-kʌ̀m/à-
a̍ -rɛ̍ ɛ̀-kpà/ɛ̀b gárɛ̀~gaˊar ɛ̀ ɛ̀-kə̀m/à-
ɲã̂ ɛ̃ ǹ-tí,àkpùɣà è-βì/à-
ɲã̂ ɛ̃ ì-tí/ǹ-,ògbùɣà è-βì/à-
ɲaánə̀ ò-kpùɣə̍/à-
ɲànâ ɛ̀-kpùɣà/à-
ɲànà à-kpùɣà
ɲànà à-kpùɣà
ɲànɛ̂ à-kpùgà
ɲànî à-ɲɛ̌r
ɲànâ à-ɲɛ̌r
è-yìyì/à-
è-bìbì/à-
ɛ̀-bìbì/à-
ì-bìbì/à-
ɛ̀-b ̀ràmbì/à-
ì-b r̀ ̀mbì/à-
ì-b r̀ ̀mbì-à/
ɲánɛ̀ ɛ̀kpɔ̀ɣɔ̀/àm̀ -b r̀ /ɛ̀-
m̀ -bǔg/ò[β] m̀ -mǐ/à-
m̀ -bǔg/ò[β] m̀ -mǐ/à-
m̀ -buɔ̌g/ò-
m̀ -bɔ̌g/ɛ̀-
m̀ -bɔ̌g/ɛ̀-
m̀ -bǒg/ò-
m̀ -bǒg/ɔ̀-
m̀ -bǒg/ù-
m̀ -bǒg/ù-
m̀ -mĩ̀ɛ̌ ̃~mĩɛ̌ /à̃
m̀ -mɛ̌ /à̃
m̀ -mɛ̌ /à̃
m̀ -mɛɛ̃ ̌ /à̃
ŋˋɱ-ŋɱuɛ̌/à-
ù-ŋuɛ̌r/à-
ù-mɛ̌r/à-
82
These forms refer to the ‘lower leg (below the knee)’. These forms are used in the sense ‘kindle a light’. 84 These forms refer to ‘limb of the body (arm or leg)’. 85 The forms given in Nkum sub-group a-b are probably not immediately cognate with forms for ‘heart’ (q.v.) in the other languages. 86 The forms in angle brackets (Ekparabong, Nkim and Nkum) are nominalizations of the verb since the ‘imperative’ could not be cited. 87 The forms in sub-group m-u have no singular/plural alternation. 88 These forms refer to floor mats (for sleeping) and not to roofing mats. 89 The singular forms in minor sub-group t-u are used to mean ‘sixpence’. 90 see Talbot, in the shadow of the bush, p.466. 83
17
m̀ bəˋog/ɛ̀ɲ̀-ɲʌ̀ŋ/à-
Ekajuk yɛˊɛŋɛ́ yə́gkɛ́ kpílí ɛ̀-kpàdɛ̀/àŋm̀ -gbɛ̀/ɛ̀nɛˊɔŋɔ̀ ɛ̀lkpìn/ŋm̀ -
ɲánɛ̀ ɛ̀-kpɔ̀ɣɔ̀/àm̀ -b r̀ /ɛ̀m̀ -bɨˋug/ɛ̀ɲ̀-ɲə̀ŋ/à-
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss mortar92
PoS n
mosquito
n
mother93
n
mould94 mount mountain
v v n
mushroom
n
nail (body)95 name
n
navel96
n
near
adv .
neck97
n
è-mɛ̀l
net
n
night nose98
n n
obtain oil one99
v n nu m
ǹtúfú, òshɛ̀m bù-cù l(e)-lwɛ̂l /áyɛ́lí mwòr é-mê
open100
v
order101 owner
v n
bù-ɲén
paddle paddle pain, sickness102
n v n
fwó òyám
n
Mbe òkpàrò, òrwò ómánɛnk pɛ́ ɲíè
Ejagham ófôn
Ekparabong è-kòkó/bè-
Balep ɛ̀-kòkó/bɛ̀-
Bendeghe ɛ́-βúɣɛ́/ḿ-[b]
N Etung ɔ́-fɔ̂n/á-
S Etung ɔ́-tɔ́m/à-
Efutop è-fâɷ̀n/à-
Nde è-fôn/bè-
Nselle ɛ̀-fôn/bə̀-
Nta è-fôn/bò-
Abanyom ɛ̀-fôm/b -̀
Nkim ì-fôm/à-
Nkum ì-fôm/à-
Nnam ɛ̍-fo̍ m/a̍ -
Ekajuk ɛ̍-fu̍ m/a̍ -
ḿ-bə́m/ɔ́-
(ɲ̀-ɲàɲàm/bɔ̀-)
ḿ-b m ́ /ɔ́-[β]
m̀ -bu̍ /à-
m̀ -bu̍ /à-
m̀ -bó/à-
m̀ -bó/à-
m̀ -bó/à-
m̍ -bo̍ /a̍ -
m̍ -bu̍ /a̍ -
ɲ̀-ɲɛ̌n/à-
ḿ-b m ́ /á[β] ɲ̀-ɲɛ̌n/à-
m̀ -bu̍ /à-
ɲ̀-ɲɛ̌n/bà-
ḿ-b m ́ /ɔ́[β] ɲ̀-ɲɛ̌n/à-
m̀ -bú/à-
ɲ̀-ɲèn/à-
m̀ búmbúm/bàɲ̀-ɲɛ̌n/bà-
---
ɲ̍-ɲɛ̍ɛ̀/ba̍ ɲ-
ɲ̍-ɲɛ̂/ba̍ ɲ-
ɲ̍-ɲɛ̍ɛ̀/ba̍ ɲ-
ɲ́-ɲɛ̂n/bà-
ɲ́-ɲ ̂ n/á-
ɲ́-ɲɛ̌n
ɲ́ɲ ̂ n/báŋ-
mwɔ́ŋ kwɛ̀n bù-kùɛl/ bɛ̀ékpékpɛ, kɛ́ntáŋ è-kìkɛ̀l
móŋé gyʉ́t è-gwé/bì-
mɔ̌ŋ (kóm) ---
mǔŋ (kóm) bɛ̀-kòkól/ŋ-
mɔ̌ŋɛ̀ yü̂ d è-gúɛ/bì-~à-
mɔ́ŋɛ̀,yɛ̂m yü̂ d è-gúi/à-
mɔ́ŋɛ̀,ɲɛ̂m yu̇̂ d è-gúi/à-
mɷ̀ŋ yə́r è-gɷ̌n/à-
mɔ̀ŋ yʌ̂r è-gǒn/bè-
mɔ̀ŋ,tù yʌ̂r ɛ̀-gǒn/bə̀-
mɔ̀ŋ,tù yə̂r ŋ̀-kòŋkòn/à-
mɔ̀ŋ yûr ɛ̀-wɔ́ŋ/b -̀ ~à-
mɔ̀ŋî yu̇̂ r ì-gǒl/à-
mɔ̀ɔ̂ŋ yu̇̂ r ì-gǒl/ŋ̀-
ò-βə̀p
ò-bǔb/bà-
ɛ̀-bə̀bə́b/ḿ-bə̌b
ɔ̀-β ̌ b
ɔ̀-β ̌ b
ɔ̀-β ̌ b
è-wuɔ̀/à-
nɛ̍-wɔ̀/a̍ -
nɔ̍-wɔ̀/a̍ -
nɔ̍-wɔ̀/a̍ -
ɛ́-gɔ̂/á-
ì-gɔ̀/à-
ì-bɔ̀/à-
mə́ɔ̀ŋ wʌ́r ɛ̍wəˈɔŋ/a̍ ɛ́-búà/á-
ɲ́ɲ ̂ n/bábɲ̀ɲ ǹ mɛ́ɔ̀ŋ wə́r ɛ̍-wɛˈɔŋ/a̍ -
è-ŋàrè/à-
ɛ̀-ŋuàràŋ/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-ŋàrɛ̀/à-
ɛ̀-ŋàrɛ̀/à-
ɛ̀-ɲàrɛ̀/à-
m̍ -màɣà/a̍ -
ɛ̍-màɣà~m̍ -/a̍ -
ɛ̀-ŋɱuàrà/à-
ì-ŋuùŋuàr/à-
ì-mə̀màrà/à-
m̀ -bìŋ/ò-
ǹ-nə́ŋ/bà-[l]
m̀ -bìŋ/ò-[β]
m̀ -bìŋ/ò-[β]
m̀ -bìŋ/à-
m̀ -bèŋ/à-
m̀ -bèŋ~-bìŋ/à-
m̀ -bèŋ/à-
m̀ -bèŋ/à-
m̀ -bèŋ/à-
ńtʉ́ŋ/ó-
è-rûŋ/bè-
lè-rûŋ/ǹ-[d]
ń-tǘŋ/ó-
nɔ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/ǹ-
nɔ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/ǹ-
l -̀ tûŋ/ǹ-
ì-tâɷ̀ŋ/à-
ì-tȯ̂ ŋ/à-
kpédìkpédì
kpédèkpédè
kpíríkpírí
kpíríkpírí
ŋ̀-kə̀m tûŋ/à-..ábáβà
nɛ̀-tɔ̂ŋ/ǹ-
kpét, kpérékpér é è-mè/à-
m̀ -bìŋ/ò[β] ń-gǘŋ/ó-, é-tü̂ ŋ/ákpíríkpírí
ŋḿkpámaàrà/ám̀ -bìŋ/à-
m̍ -maàɣà/a̍ -
l(e)-lén/ ál(e)-lwób/ áfáráŋ
ɛ̀-ŋuàŋuàrì/mì~bɛ̀m̀ -pí/bò-
kpe̍ re̍ kpe̍ re̍
kpe̍ re̍ kpe̍ re̍
kpe̍ re̍ kpe̍ re̍
kpékpédé
kpédíkpédí
kpéd ḱ pédɛ́
ɛ̀-mɛ̀i/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀l/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀/à-~bì-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀n/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀l/b -̀ ~à-
ì-mɛ̀l/à-
ì-mɛ̀ l̃ /à-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀l/à-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀l/à-
ò-sǐm/à-
ó-sǐm/á-
ɛ̀-sɩ́m/à-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀n~mɛ̀ /̃ bə̀ɛ̀-sɩ́m/à-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀n/bɛ̀-
ò-rěm/bà-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀/à~bɛ̀ò-sǐm/à-
è-miɛ̀n/à-
ò-sěm/bà-
ɛ̀-mɛ̀/à~bìò-sǐm/à-
ò-sǐ/à-
ɔ̀-r ̌ m/à-
(í-yèrì/á-)
(í-yèrì/á-)
ɛ̀-rèm/à-
ɛ̀-rìm/à-
bò-rú ŋ̀-ŋuí/bò-
bò-rú ŋ̀-ŋuúl/bà-
à-tǘ m̀ -mî/ò-
à-tǘ m̀ -mî/ò-
à-ʧu̇ ́ ɲ̀-ɲî/ò-
è-tə́ŋ à-tù m̀ -mâɷ̀n/ò-
è-no̍ ko̍ n m̀ -mɩ̂ n/à-
ɛ̀-no̍ ko̍ n m̀ -mɩ̂ n
è-no̍ kǒn m̀ -mɩ̂ n/à-
à-làg t̀ ú ŋm̀ -ŋmuôl/à-
à-tú ŋ̀-ŋuôl/à-
à-tú m̀ -môl/à-
a̍ -tɷ́ ŋm̍ -wu̍ l/a̍ -
kún bà-kú yíd
kún bà-kú jíd
kîn à-kǘ j d́
fɔ̌n à-kǘ dz d́
fɔ̌n à-kǘ zízî
biɛ̀n à-kuú ɛ̍-jı̍ ì
bɛ̀n à-kuu̍ ɛ̍-jî
bɛ̀n à-ku̍ ɲ̍-jı̍ ì
kɔ̍ à-kuu̍ j -́ ráŋ
bɛ̀l à-kú ɲ́-j -́ rə́ŋ
--à-kúr ɲ́-jə́-rə́ŋ
--à-kȯ ́ r á-jə́ŋ
a̍ -tu̍ ŋm̍ wo̍ l/a̍ bɛ̂l a̍ -kə̍ŋ á-j ŋ́
r b̀ ~d b̀ í
rə̀bə́g
d b̀ β~r β ̀ ɛ̂
y β ̀ î
ziíβə̀
jìβî
jìbì
rìβì
r b̀ î
r b̀ î
rə̀bɛ̂
ləˊŋŋɛ̀
ləˊŋŋɛ̀
bábí mìɱ-fɔ̀ní/bà-
bábáŋ ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɛ́/bà-
βáβɛ̀ ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɛ́/à-
βáβɛ̀ ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɛ́/à-
--ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɛ́/à-
--ɱ̀-fuɔ̀ná/à-
--ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɔ̍/àbà-
--ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɔ̍/àbà-
--ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɔ̍/àbə̀-
bábɛ̂ ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɛ́/bà-
bábà ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɔ́/bà-
ɲ̀-ʃɔ̀m/bàfǔŋ ---
ɲ̀-sɔ̀m/àβúɣɛ̀ ɔ̀-yâm
ɲ̀-sɔ̀m/àβúɣì ɛ̀-yɛ̂m/bì-
ɲ̀-sɔ̀m/àβúɣì ɔ̀-yâm~yám
ɲ̀-suɔ̀m/àfíì ò-yámə́/à-
ɲ̍-sɔɔ̀/a̍ fìî ɛ̀-ya̍ m/à-
ɲ̍-sɔ̀/a̍ fì ɛ̀-ya̍ /a̍ -
ɲ̍-sɔɔ̀/a̍ fiì ɔ̀-yaa̍ /à-
ɲ́-sɔ̂/áfì ɔ̀-yám/à-
bábɛ́ ɱ̀fɔ̀nɔ̀/bàɲ̀-sɔ̀/àfíèŋ ɛ̍-ya̍ m/a̍ -
bábɛ́ ɱ̀-fɔ̀nɔ̀/à-
ɲ̀-sɔ̀m/bɔ̀fǔg bɔ̀-sǎŋ
gbɛ̀ɛ̂ ɱ̀-fɔ̌n~fɔ̀ní/àbàɲ̀-ʃɔ̀m/àfèŋî ù-yám/à-
fwé, kwóblí
àtʉ́ m̀ -mî/òàkʉ́ yót, fə́t, bhát, mát, mə́t, jə́t, bhə́t, yə́t rə̀βé m̀ -fòné/àǹ-sòm/à-
ɲ́-ʧu̇ ́ ŋ~ɛ́-/á-
91
è-
1. The form given in Nkum sub-group f-h is ‘archaic’. 2. The compound construction currently used as the word for ‘moon’ in Nkum sub-group f-h below which means approximately ‘animal of the heavens’. ɲ̀-ɲàm ɔ́-sɔ̂ ɲ̀-ɲàm ɔ́-sɔ̂ ɲ̀-ɲàm ɔ́-sɔ̂ 92 N Etung also has the form ɛ́-βúɣɛ́~-βúɣé/ḿ-[b]. 93 1. In Efutop the word for ‘mother’ can only be used in possessive constructions and could not be cited in isolation. 2. There is another form in languages n-p which is only used in a construction with personal pronouns. n̍ -nâ/ba̍ nn̍ -nâ/ba̍ nn̍ -nâ/ba̍ n94 These forms are used especially in the sense ‘mould pots’. 95 These forms refer to fingernails, toenails, or the claws or talons of animals and birds. 96 The second form in N Etung means ‘protruding navel’. 97 of the two plural prefixes in Ebanyom, the first is appropriate for use with ‘humans’ and the second with ‘animals’. 98 There is no singular/plural alternation for this form in Nselle. 99 As this word shows concord by changing its initial consonant, it is not very useful for comparative wordlists. See Ejagham for the full range of possible forms 100 N Etung r ̂ βî~d β ̀ î~d β ̀ ɛ̂~d β ̀ ɛ̂. 101 ‘Order’ here does not mean ‘command’, but rather ‘place an order for something (most often palm wine) in advance’. 102 The forms in Ekparabong, Bendeghe, N Etung and Efutop mean ‘pain’ while the others (n-u) mean ‘sickness’.
18
ɲ̀-ʃɔ̀m/àfèêŋ ù-yám/à-
ɛ̀ɲɛˋaŋɛ̀/àm̀ biˋeŋ/àɛ̍-tʌ̍ŋ~ɛ̍t/n̍ kpédékpe̍ de̍
ɛ́-bâɷ̀/áɛ̀ɲɛˋaŋɛ̀/àm̀ -biˋɨŋ/àɛ̍l-tə̍ŋ~tʌ̍ŋ/n̍ kpídíkpı̍ dì
bɛ̂l a̍ -k ̍ ŋ
ɲ̀-ʃɔ̀/àfí ŋ̀ ɛ̍-ya̍ m/a̍ -
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss palm bud
PoS n
palm civet (Nandinia binotata) palm kernel103 palm tree
n
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong (ŋ̀-kɔ́ŋkɔ́m/bɔ̀-)
Balep (ɲ̀-ʃǒn/bà-)
Bendeghe m̀ -búm/à-[β]
N Etung ì-βúm,m̀ [b]/à-
S Etung ì-βúm,m̀ [b]/à-
Efutop m̀ -bɷ́m/à-
Nde m̀ -bo̍ m/à-
Nselle m̀ -bo̍ m/à-
Nta m̀ -boo̍ m/à-
Abanyom m̀ -bóm/à-
Nkim ì-b b́ óm/m̀ -
Nkum ì-b b́ ómɔ́/m̀ -
m̀ -pà/bɔ̀-
m̀ -pà/bɔ̀-
m̀ -bàɛ/ɔ̀-[β]
m̀ -bàɛ/ɔ̀[β]
m̀ -bàɛ/ɔ̀[β]
m̀ -bàn/a̍ -
m̀ -bàn/à-
m̀ -bàr/ɛ̀-
m̍ -bàn/a̍ -
m̀ -bàr/ɔ̀-
m̀ -bàr/à-
m̍ -bǎŋ~-bʌ̂ŋ
m̍ -bə̌ŋ
ḿ-bə̌ŋ
ḿ-bǎŋ
è-bı̍ ì/à-
ɛ̀-bî/à-
ò-bı̍ ì/à-
à-mə̌m
à-mə̌m
à-mə̌m
m̀ -bàŋ
ḿ-pǎŋ
ḿ-pǎŋ
m̀ -bǎŋ
m̀ -bǎŋ
m̀ -bǎŋ
ḿ-bə̌ŋ~-bʌ̂ŋ
n
m̀ mà, m̀ màŋ ò-bór
ò-βî/à-
bɔ̀-bɔ́/m̀ -
bɔ̀-bɔ́/m̀ -
ò-βî/à-
ò-βî/à-
ò-βî/à-
palm wine
n
mɔ̀m
àmə̀m
(bà-ròg/ǹ-[d])
(bà-ròg/ǹ-[d])
à- ̌ m
à-m ̌ m
pare, peel104 parrot
v
kpár
kpám
kɔ́i
kɔ́lɔ́g
kpâm
à-m ̌ m~ ̌ m kpâm
ò-yíì/à-, bə́nnə́/àɲ̀-sí/ò-
kpâm
kuɔ́nə́~kuə́nə̀
kɔ̍nɔ̀
kɔ̍nɔ̀
kɔ̍nɔ̀
n
bè-wè
è-gùt/à-
ŋ̀-kùràkâŋ/bò-
ŋ̀-kòròkâŋ/bà-
è-gùd/à-
è-gùd/à-
è-gùd/à-
ó-kpùkpuɔ̂/á-
ɛ̍-g r̀ o̍kôkò/á-
e̍ -gbə̀ro̍kǒ/ó-
part105 pass106 pay peer, stare107 peg108 penis109
n v v.i. v
èbɔ́ lwè gál kɛ́l
ǹkìrì céŋ gòm fè
ɛ̀-bǎd/bɛ̀kíŋ kǎi (kɛ́dí)
ɛ̀-bǎr/bɛ̀kə́ŋ kǎl fɛ̌
ɛ̀-βǎd/àʧîŋ gɔ̌m fɛ̀ɛ̂,fɛ̌d
ɛ̀-βǎd/àʧîŋ gɔ̌m fɛ̌,fɛ̌d
ɛ̀-βǎd/àʧîŋ gɔ̌m fɛ̌,fɛ̌d
è-záà/àsíŋ gàn fiɛ̂~fíɛ̀
ɛ̀-ja̍ à/àsîŋ gàn fɛ̀ɛ̂
ɛ̍gb r̀ o̍kɔ̂kǒ/a̍ ɛ̀-jâ/àsîŋ gàn fɛ̀
tə̀p ǹtə̀né
tə̌b ɲ̀-sěb/bò-
kóm,lə̌b ǹ-dɛ̌b/bɔ̀-[r]
kûm,t ̌ b ǹ-t ǹ ɛ́/ɔ̀-
kûm,t ̌ b,j ̌ m ǹ-t ǹ í/ɔ̀-
zə́mmə̀ ò-sì/à-
jɛ̀mɛ̂
person
n
ǹ-nè/à-
mì-nɛ̀/bà-
ǹ-nɛ̀/bà-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
kûm,tǐb ǹ-t ǹ ɛ́/ɔ̀~òǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-niɛ̀/à-
pestle pick up110
n v
mìɲ-jɔ̂g/bàkún
ɲ̀-jɔ̂g/bàkún
ɲ̀-ʧɔ̂g/àk ̂ n,tâm
ɲ̀-ʧɔ̂g/àk ̂ n,tâm
ɲ̀-ʧɔ̂g/àku̇̂ n
pig(bush)
n
ǹ-ʧôk/àjáp, βúp, yúŋ ŋ̀-gùmé/ò-
ŋ̀-kòyôg/bò-
ŋ̀-kòlóg/bò-
ŋ̀-gùmɛ́/ò-
ŋ̀-gùmɛ́/ò-
è-jì pl. ŋgwêm è-gòmé/bì-
ɱ̀-fóm/bò-, ɛ̀kpɛ́n/bɛ̀ɛ́-kɔ̀mî/bɛ́-
ɱ̀-fóm/bò-, ɛ̀kpɛ́n/bɛ̀ɛ́-kɔ̀mɔ̂ŋ/bɛ̀-
è-jǐ/ŋ̀-gûm ɛ̀-gɔ̀mɛ́/bì-
ŋm̀ gbàŋmgbàŋ/bà-
ŋm̀ gbàŋmgbàŋ/bà-
--pâŋ
--pâŋ/bà-
n
v n
111
mòm bɔ̀m èsè dzàŋ
pl.
bèkwɛ̀ló
112
place
n
è-jì/ bè-
plantain113
n
plate114
n
kùŋkwàm /èkárá
play Pound (£)115
v n
dùm
ʧàɣé
ɛ̀gbàŋmgbàŋ/à~ɛ́gbáŋmgbáŋ/á~ɛ́gbáŋmgbáŋ/áʧàɣɛ̂ pâŋ/à-
m̀ -
m̀ -bàrà/à-
Nnam ɛ̍bbo̍ m~m̍ /a̍ m̀ -bàr/ɛ̀-
Ekajuk ɛ̍l-bu̍ m/a̍ m̀ -bàrɛ̀/à-
ḿ-bǎŋ
m̀ -bǎŋ
m̀ -bɛˋaŋ
m̀ -bɛˋaŋ
ɔ̀-bî/m̀ -
ù-b ̂ r/m̀ -
ù-b ̂ r/m̀ -
ɛ̍-bo̍ ŋ/m̍ -
ɛ̍-bɔ̍ŋ/m̍ -
ǎm,à-m ̌ m~mǔm kɔ́lɛ̂
à-mìmí
à-mə̌m
à-mʌ̀m
à-mə̀m
kɔ̂l
kɔ́lɔ̀
kɔ́lɔ́
kɔ́lɔ́
ì-dígòr/à-
ì-gòr/à-
ɛ́-gôr/á-
ɛ́-gûr/á-
ɛ̀-ja̍ à/àsîŋ gàn fɛɛ̀
ɛ́-gôr~gǒrkókò/áɛ̀-jâ/àsêŋ gàl fɛ̀r
ì-jâr/àʃêŋ gàlî fɛ̀rî
ì-jâr/àʃêŋ gàâl fɛ̀ɛ̂r
ɛ̍-jɛˈaŋ/a̍ sə́ŋ gâl fʌ̂ŋ
ɛ̍-jɛˈaŋ/a̍ ʃə́ŋ gâl fə̂ŋ
jə̀mmɛ̀
jɛ̀mmɛ̀ ò-sì/à-
jùmî ɔ̀-rì/à-
j m ̀ î,kôm ù-rì/à-
jòâm,kôm ù-rì/a̍ -
jʌˊmmɛ̀ ɛ̀-rì/à-
jəˊmmɛ̀ ɛ̀-rì/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ǹ-nɛ̀/à-
ɲ̀-suɔ̂g/àsə́ŋ,tùn
ɲ̀-sɔ̂g/àtòn
ɲ̀-sɔ̂g/àtòn
ɲ̀-sɔ̂g/àtòn
ɲ̀-sɔ̂g/àtâb
ɲ̀-ʃɔ̂g/àtêr
ɲ̀-ʃɔ̂g/àtêr
n̍ -səˈɔg/a̍ táb
n̍ -ʃɛˈɔg/a̍ táb
ŋ̀-gùmì/ò-
ŋ̀-gùmə́/ò-
ŋ̀-gòmo̍ /ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-gòmo̍ /ɛ̀-
ŋ̀-gòmo̍ /ò-
ŋ̀-gòmə́/ɔ̀-
ŋ̀-gǒm/ù-
ŋ̀-gòmɔ́/ù-
è-jǐ/ŋ̀-gûm
è-hǐ/ŋ̀-gûm
ɱ̀-fûm/à-
ɱ̀-fôm/à-
ɱ̀-fô/à-
ɱ̀-fô/ò-
ɱ̀-fôm/à-
ì-dǐ/à-
ì-dǐ/à-
ŋ̀goˋomò/ɛ̀ɛ̀-jì/à-
ŋ̀guˋumù/ɛ̀ɛ̀-dì/à-
ɛ̀gɔ̀mɛ́/bìɛ̀ ŋ́ mgbáŋ/à -
ɛ̀-gɔ̀mɛ́/à-
é-guɔ̀mə̂/á-
ɛ̍-gɔ̀mɔ̍/ŋ̍-
ɛ̍-gɔ̀mɔ̍/ŋ̍-
ɛ̍-gɔ̍gɔ̀mɔ̍/ŋ̍-
ɛ́-jɔ̂gâ/ɲ̍-
ɛ̀ ŋ́ mgbáŋ/à-
ŋm̀ gbə̍ŋmgbə̀ŋ/à-
ŋm̀ gbàŋmgbàŋ/à-
ŋm̀ gbàŋmgbàŋ/à-
ŋm̀ gbʌ̀ŋmgbʌ̀ŋ/à-
ŋm̀ gbàŋmgbàŋ/à~ɛ́-kpéŋ/á-
í-jìjɔ̌g tâŋ/ɲ́í-kpéŋ/á
í-kpéŋɛ́/á-
ɛ́gb j́ ə́ɔ̀ɣɔ̍/á ŋm̀ gbɛˋaŋmg bɛˋaŋ/à-
ɛ́gbájɛ́ɔ̀ɣɔ̍/á ŋm̀ gbɛˋaŋmg bɛˋaŋ/à-
ʧàɣâ pɔ̂n~pâŋ
sə́ɣə̀ puɔ̂n~pâŋ~m̀ pâŋ
s ̀ɣâ m̀ -pâŋ
sə̀gà m̀ -pʌ̂ŋ
sə̀ɣà m̀ -pʌ̂ŋ~m̀ -pɔ̂n
sàgâ m̀ -pɔ̂n/à-~m̀ pâŋ/à-
ʃàgâ í-pâŋ/ḿ-
--m̍ -pɔ̍n/a̍ -
ʃɛˊaɣɛ̀ m̍ pɛˈaŋ/a̍ ~m̍ -pa̍ -
ghàɣɛ̂ pâŋ/à-
103
á-
ʃàgî í-pâŋ/ḿ-~ípɔ̂n
í-jìjɔ̀gɔ́/á-
a mass noun with no singular/plural alternations. These forms are used especially to refer to the paring (or ‘peeling’) of yams. 105 These forms refer to parts (e.g. parts of a yam) which result from cuts made lengthwise so that the ‘parts’ are long and ‘flat’ rather than cross-sections. 106 These forms exhibit the same root as that of ‘profit’ (q.v.) and are almost identical with ‘surpass’ (q.v.). 107 1. The first form listed in the languages of Nkum sub-group f-h mean ‘peep’ and the second mean ‘peer inside’. 2. The form given for Balep is ‘rare’. 3. the form in Ekparabong may well be cognate with the forms in the other languages. 108 These forms have the special meaning of ‘fix sticks in the ground’. 109 Nde and Nselle è-sì~ma̍ ǹsì/à-b ̀ra̍ ǹsì. 110 The second form in Bendeghe and N Etung is used with ‘big, heavy things’. 111 Probably the Giant Forest hog 112 Type of pig unknown 113 general name for both plantains and bananas. 114 1. The first form in Ebanyom means ‘pan’. 2. The form in Ekajuk means ‘big basin’. 115 The inflected forms are rarely used, especially in counting 104
19
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss powder116 print, spoor, track profit117
PoS n n
Mbe
n
ǹtsóŋ
pumpkin
n
m̀ bwɔ̀ní
v v
sàm swèd121
118
purge119 put down120 put up122
v
put(in)
v
rain rainy season rat123
Ejagham è-jàré/à-
Ekparabong m̀ -pùg bà-sǎ
Balep m̀ -pùg ɛ̀-kpàdàg/bɛ̀-
Bendeghe ɱ̀-f g̀ ɛ̀-jǎd/à-
N Etung ɱ̀-f g̀ ɛ̀-jàrɛ́/à-
S Etung ɱ̀-f g̀ ɛ̀-jàr]á\m
Efutop à-fìfiɛ̀ é-zǎ/á-
Nde à-fìfɔ̀g nɛ̀-jǎ/à-
Nselle ɛ̀-f f̀ ɔ̀g /ànɛ̀-jǎ/à-
Nta ɛ̀-fɔ̀fɔ̀g /ànə̀-jǎ~nà-/à-
Abanyom l -̀ fùg l' -́ jǎ/à-
Nkim ì-fùfùg /àì-jàri~jǎr/à-
Nkum ì-fòfòg /àì-jǎr/à-
Nnam à-f ̀fɔ̀ɣɔ̀ ɛ̍-ta̍ /a̍ -
Ekajuk à-f ̀fɔ̀ɣɔ̀ ɛ̀-kpàdɛ̀/à-
òrùré
ɲ̀-ʧîŋ
ɲ̀-sə̀ŋ
ɲ̀-ʧîŋ
ɲ̀-sîŋ
ɲ̀-sîŋ
ɲ̀-sîŋ
ɲ̀-sêŋ
ɲ́-ʃèlí~ʃěl
ɲ́-ʃèlɛ́
ɲ̍-sə̍ŋ
ɲ̍ʃə̍ŋ
lɛ́-kâmbɛ̀/ŋ́-
ŋ́-kâmbɛ̀
ɲ̀-ʧîŋ,(òrùrí.ŋ̀-kùní) ŋ́-kâmbɛ̀
ɲ̀-sîŋ
ɛ́-kâmbɛ̀/ŋ́-
nɛ̍-kâmbɛ̀/ŋ̍-
nə̍-kâmbɛ̀/ŋ̍-
nə̍-kâmbɛ̀/ŋ̍-
l -́ kámbɛ̀/ŋ́-
ŋ́-kâmbɛ̀
ŋ́-kâmbɛ̀
ŋ́-k m ́ bɛ̀
ŋ́-kámbɛ̂
sám sʉ́é
sám s ̀bí
rám rìbí
sâm ʃü̂ i
ɲ̀-ʧîŋ,(òrùrí) ɛ́kâmbɛ̀/á~ŋ́--ʃü̂ i~sü̂ i
sâm su̇̂ i
fə́ sə́nə̀
wùrû s ̍ nɛ̀
wùrù sə̍nɛ̀
wùrù sɛ̍nɛ̀
wùr,râm rúdî
tôb ru̇̂ d
tóbálà róddɔ̀
wə̂ŋ rʌ́ddɛ́
wɔ̇̂ŋ rə́dtɛ́
kùné
ʧórí
rígí
kùnɛ̂
kùnî
kɷ́nə̀
k ǹ ô
kònò
kònò
kònê
kònî
kònô
kónò
kúnù
kǎg
kə̀g
kàg
kàg
kàg
kàg
kàgî
kàâg
kə́àg
kɛ́àg
kǎk
(láŋ)
(láŋ)
kǎg
v n
wɔ́mô, wɔ́mú né èpɔ̀ŋ
kùnɛ̂~kùn î kǎg
nǎ ènàè
nǎ ɔ̀-bâkói
nǎ ɔ̀-bâkól
nǎ ɛ̀nàɛ
nǎ ɛ̀nàɛ
nǎ ɛ̀nàɛ
nà ǹ-nànà
nà ǹ-nànà
nà ǹ-nànà
nà ǹ-nànà
nà ń-nálɛ̀
nàâ ǹ-nàl
nàâ ǹ-nàlà
nâ ń-nálɛ̀
nâ ń-nálɛ̀
n
bèwór
m̀ bè
m̀ -pɛ̀b/bɔ̀-
m̀ -pɛ̀b/bɔ̀-
---
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɔ̀-[β]
m̀ -biɛ̀/ò-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɛ̀-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɛ̀-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɔ̀-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɔ̀-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ù-
m̀ -bɛ̀/ù-
---
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɛ̀-
receive recognize
v v
ywɔ́r tsɔ́ní
rèní rèní
ràmáŋ rèŋén
tàβ rìŋî
tàβɛ̂ rìŋî
taáβə̀ diíŋʌ̀
tàβâ rèŋê
tàbà rèŋè
tàβà rèŋè
tàbɛ̂ reŋê
tàbî rèŋî
tàrâ rèŋɛ̂
taˊarɛ̀ leˊeŋè
taˊarɛ̀ liˊiŋì
redness124
n
é-béá/bé-
é-bélé/bé-
é-βíí/á
é-βí/à-
é-βíá/á-
é-biíná/á-
m̍ -blnı̍ /a̍ -
m̍ -blnı̍ /a̍
m̍ -bı̍ nı̍ /à-
ḿ-bélá/á-
í-bébél/á-
ì-bêbêl/à-
ḿ-béle̍ /á-
ḿ-bílı̍ /á-
reject
v
remain repeat resemble return125 rice rinse river
v v v v.i. n v n
èpɛ̀n, èpén [be red] twɛ́n [refuse] rwàb
tàβé rìŋé [know] βé [be red]
m̀ -bɛ̀/ɔ̀[β] tàβɛ̂ rìŋî
roof126
n
root rope
n n
rotten, be rub127
v v
ʃɪé , ʃáró ʃɛ́n áráshì ɲúnî ɪ-̀ púòm/ bɛ̀ɪ-, mpuóm (P) àfàl [= ‘sky’] è-lì/ bèbù-lwɔ̀/ bèpwàl ʃɪ́
tén refuse, forbid ká, kə̌t βàβé fóŋé kʉ́ré érésì jaɣé à-yà
(kéb)
rɛ́n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tiɛ́n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ̂n
tɛ́n
tɛ́n
ʧá lóní bédí búg é-rísì/béjàdí bà-yà
ʃá tòróg guédáŋ búg ɛ́-rísì/bɛ́jàgár bà-yà
ʧâ, k ̂ d βàβɛ̂ fɔ́ŋɛ̀ kǘrì é-rêsì jàɣɛ̂ à-yà
k ̂ d βàβɛ̂ fɔ́ŋɛ̀ kǘrì ɛ́-rêsì~éjàɣɛ̂ à-yà
k ̂ d βàβɛ̂ fɔ́ŋà ku̇ ́ rì é-résì~ájàɣɛ̂ à-yà
fiɛ́n baáβə̀ fuɔ́ŋə̀ kɷ́rà é-rîsì faáɣə̀ à-yà
sa̍ à bànâ fɔ̍ŋɔ̀ ku̍ rù à-ra̍ sì fa̍ ɣà à-yà
sâ bànà fɔ̍ŋɔ̀ kɷ́rù à-ra̍ sì fa̍ ɣà à-yà
sa̍ à bànà fɔ̍ŋɔ̀ ku̍ rù à-ra̍ sì fɔ̍ɣɔ̀ à-yà
sâ bàlɛ̂ fɔ́ŋâ kúrî á-rásî fárɛ̂ à-yà
ʃâ jòrî fɔ̂ŋ ku̇̂ r á-râʃì fâr à-yà
ʃágà jòrɔ̂ fɔ́ŋɔ̀ kȯ ́ rɔ̀ á-râʃì fárà à-yà
sá baˊalɛ̀ fəˊɔŋɔ́ kə́rɛ́ á-rásì faˊarɛ́ à-yà
ʃá baˊalɛ̀ fɛˊɔŋɔ́ k ŋ́ ɛ́ á-ráʃî faˊarɛ́ à-yà
è-βwì/à-
è-búɲ̀-jù/bè-
lɛ̀-bòlè/m̀ -
è-βùɛ/à-~bì-
è-βùi/à-
è-bùn/à-
nɛ̀-b ǹ ò/m̀ -
nə̀-b ǹ ò/m̀ -
nò-bònò/m̀ -
l -̀ bòlè/m̀ -
ì-bòl/á-
ì-bòlɔ̀/à-
mìn-dǔg/bà-[r] mìn-dígí/bà-[l]
ǹ-dǔg/bà-[r] ǹ-nígí/bà-[l]
bì-yìŋì/àǹ-dígí/à-[r]
ǹ-duɔ̌g/àǹ-líɣá/à-
ǹ-dɔ̌g/à-[r] ǹ-nı̍ gı̍ /à-
ǹ-dǔg/à-[r] ǹ-ne̍ ge̍ /à-
ǹ-dǒg/à-[r] ǹ-nı̍ ɣı̍ /à-
ǹ-dǔg/à-[r] ǹ-n ǵ í/à-[l]
fɔ̌l sàmí
fɔ̌l tàmáŋ~tàbáŋ
βɔ̀ɛ̂ jɔ̀mɛ̂
βɔ̀ɛ̂ jɔ̀mâ,tàmâ
buɔ̀n taámà
bɔ̀n tàmâ
bɔ̀n tàmà
bɔ̀n tàmà
bɔ̀lɛ̂,bɔ̀l tàmɛ̂
ǹ-dǔg/à-[r] ǹn ǵ ~nə́g/à[l] bɔ̀lî tàmî
ǹ-dȯ̌ g/à-[r] ǹ-nə́gɛ́/à-[l]
éʧáe (n.) jéghé, kók,
ì-y ŋ̀ ì/àǹ-dígí~d g̀ í~d ́gí/ à-[r] βɔ̀ɛ̂ jɔ̀mɛ̂
ɛ̀bbòlò/m̀ ǹ-lɔ̀g/àn̍ -lə̍ɣɛ̍/a̍ -
ɛ̀l-bùlù/m̀ -
ìrʉ̀k ǹ-dék /à-
è-βùi/à~bèɛ̀-y ̀ŋà/àǹ-d ǵ /à-[r]
bɔ̀ɔ̂l tàmâ
bɔ̂l taˊamɛ̀
bɔ̂l taˊamɛ̀
116
refers to the ‘powder made by insects’. These forms exhibit the same root as that of ‘pass’ (q.v.). 118 Efutop ‘pumpkin fruit’ è-də́mámbiɛ̀, ‘pumpkin leaf’ è-ɲuɔ̌mbiɛ̀/à-. 119 1. These forms are used in the sense ‘discharge bowels’. 2. The second member of the construction in Nkum means ‘intestines’ 120 These forms are used particularly in the sense ‘put down from head’. 121 ‘put into’ 122 These forms are used in the sense of ‘put on top of’. 123 The forms in N Etung and Abanyom are ‘archaic’. 124 Nkim also has the variant ì-bêbêl/à-. 125 These forms are used in the sense ‘come home’. 126 The form in Efutop is usually the first member of the construction è-bùn á ń-zù/à-bùn ó ó-zù (‘covering of the house’) with the same meaning. 117
20
ǹ-lɔ̀g/àn̍ -lə̍ɣɛ̍/a̍ -
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss
PoS
Mbe
Ejagham nyʉ̀k, ʧómè βéné àkâŋ
Ekparabong
Balep
Bendeghe
N Etung
S Etung
Efutop
Nde
Nselle
Nta
Abanyom
Nkim
Nkum
Nnam
Ekajuk
run salt
v n
scorpion scrape
n v
scratch see seed
v v n
gbál kɛ̀-myáŋ /kèkáŋkámó gbòr, fwɔ́r yyá kɛ́l ìpòm/ bɛ̀-
gb d̀ í mìŋ-káŋ
mùrí ŋ̀-káŋ
táɣɛ̀ à-kâŋ
táɣɛ̀ à-kâŋ
βɛ́nâ à-kâŋ
biɛ́ à-kə̂ŋ
bɛ̂ à-kʌ̂ŋ
bɛ̂ à-kʌ̂ŋ
bɛ̂ à-kʌ̂ŋ
bɛ́nâ à-kâŋ
tòbî à-kâŋ
tòbɔ̂ à-kâŋ
bɛ́ a̍ -kəˈaŋ
bɛ́ a̍ -kɛˈaŋ
ènyàŋkìŋ fét, wúɣé
ǹ-náŋ/bɔ̀(kɔ́m, fɛ́d)
ń-nântâ/bá(kɔ́m, fɛ́r)
--kpâm
--kpâm
ì-nǎ/ǹkpâm
ǹ-nə́ŋ/àkpám
n̍ -nàŋtâ/a̍ kpâm
n̍ -nʌ̀ŋ/a̍ kpâ
ɛ̍-nʌ̀ŋ/bə̍kpâ
ń-nâŋtâ/ákpâm
ǹ-nâŋ/ùkpâm
ǹ-nâŋ/ùkpâm
n̍ -nɛˈaŋ/ɛ̍kpám
n̍ -nɛˈaŋ/a̍ kpám
wóŋé yén m̀ mə̀ɣè
wɔ́n (rɔ̌) m̀ -mùní/m̀ bùní ʧɔ́ --
wɔ́n (rɔ̌) m̀ -mǔŋ/m̀ -bǔŋ
wɔ́ŋɛ̀ yɛ̂n m̀ -m ̀ɣɛ̀/à-
wɔ́ŋɛ̀ yɛ̂n m̀ -m ̀ɣɛ̀/à-
u̍ ɔ́ŋà, kpǔd yɛ̂n m̀ -m ̀ɣà/à-
wuɔ́ŋə̀ ɲə́ŋ m̀ -muɔ̀g/à-
wɔ̍ŋɔ̀ yɛ̍ɛ̀ m̀ -mɔ̀g/à-
wɔ̍ŋɔ̀ yɛ̂ m̀ -mɔ̀g/à-
wɔ̍ŋɔ̀ yɛ̍ɛ̀ m̀ -mòg/à-
wɔ̍ŋâ yɛ̂n m̀ -mùg/à-
wɔ̂ŋ yêd m̀ -mɷ̀g/à-
wɔ́ŋɔ̀ ɲɛ̂ ñ m̀ -mɔ̀gɔ̀/à-
wɛˊɔŋɔ́ ɲ ń ~ɲɛ́n m̀ -mɔ̀g/à-
wɛˊɔŋɔ́ ɲ ń m̀ -mɔ̀g/à-
sell128 set fire to seven129 sew130 shake131 shame
v v.t nu m v v.t. n
kòré jə̌m
gùrɛ̂ j ̌ m...
gùrɛ̂~gùrî j ̌ m...
gùrî j ̌ m...
gúrə̀ zə̀m~zə́mmə̀ í-zá
gòrô jɛ̀mɛ̂ à-sɩ̂ mma̍
gòrò jə̀mmɛ̀ à-sɩ̍ m̀ ma̍
gòrò jɛ̀mmɛ̀ à-sɩ̍ m̀ ma̍
gòrɛ̂ jùm à-r ́m̀má
gòrî j ̌ m... à-r ́mínî
gòrɔ̂ jȯ̌ m... ì-rímínî
gəˊoŋò jʌ̂m ɛ̀-s m ̀ mâ
gɨˊuŋù jə̂m ɛ̀b-ʃ m ̀ â
j ̌ m ɲɩŋ̀ í ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
jə̌m ɲ ŋ̀ ń ǹ-dɔ̂n
j ̌ m ɲìŋî ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
j ̌ m ɲ ŋ̀ î ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
dz ̌ m ɲɛ̀ŋɛ̂ ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
zə̀m ɲiɛ́ŋə̀ ɲ̀-suɔ̂n
jʌ̀m ɲɛ̀ŋɛ̂ ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
jə̀m ɲɛ̀ŋɛ̀ ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
jə̀m ɲɛ̀ŋɛ̀ ɲ̀-sɔ̂n
jùm ɲɛ̀ŋɛ̂ ǹ-dɔ̂n
(kôr) nɛ̀ŋî~ɲɛ̀ŋî ǹ-dɔ̂n
j'o̍ âm nɛ̀ŋɛ̂ ǹ-dɔ̂n/à-[r]
jêm ɲɛˊɛŋɛ̀ n̍ -dɔ̍n
v v v n v.tr.
kéní sái,ʧóbí bád ɛ̀-pɛ̀pɛ́g/bɛ̀ɲɔ̌ŋ
kénáŋ rál bár ɛ̀-pɛ̀g/bɛ̀tə́m
kìrî βáŋɛ̀ yâ ɛ̀-fâŋ/àrɔ́mɛ̀~dɔ́mɛ̀,ŋɔ̌ŋ
kìrî βáŋɛ̀ yâ ɛ̀-fâŋ/àrɔ́mɛ̀, ɲɔ̌ŋ
baáŋə̀ sán yá è-fə̂ŋ/àtə́m
bàŋâ b ̍ ŋà yâ ɛ̀-fʌ̂ŋ/bɛ̀tɛ̍mmɛ̀
bàŋà bə̍ŋà yâ ɛ̀-fə̂ŋ/bə̀gbôn,tə̍mmɛ̀
bàŋà bə̍ŋà yâ ɛ̀-fə̂ŋ/bə̀tɛ̍mmɛ̀
bàŋâ báŋɛ̂ yâ ɛ̀-bɛ̀g/àgbôl
bàgî bâŋ yâ ì-bɛ̀g/àʃ ̂ m
bàâg báŋ yâ ì-bɛ̀g/àʃə̂m
show134 shut135 side
v v.tr. n
tɔ́ŋí bám ŋ̀-kàŋkàŋ/bɔ̀-
tɔ́ŋɛ́ bám ŋ̀-kàŋkàŋ/bà-
tɔ́ŋɛ̀ βâm ɛ̀-gbàŋɛ̀/à-
kìrî βáŋɛ̀ yâ ɛ̀-fâŋ/àrɔ́mɛ̀~dɔ́ mɛ̀,ɲɔ̌ŋ tɔ́ŋɛ̀ βâm ɛ̀-gbàŋɛ̀/à-
jʌ̂m ɲɛˊɛŋɛ̀ n̍ -dɔ̍n/a̍ [r] bɛˊaŋɛ̀ bɛˊaŋɛ̍ yá ɛ̍-bʌ̍g/ágból
share132 sharpen133 shine shoulder shove
tɔ́ŋɛ̀ βâm ɛ̀-gbàŋɛ̀/à-
túŋə̀ (gbáà) ŋm̀ -gbàŋə̀/à-
tɨŋɔ̀ bâm,(gba̍ ŋà) ŋm̀ -gbàŋà/à-
tɔ̍ŋɔ̀ bâ ŋm̀ -gbàŋà/à-
tɔ̍ŋɔ̀ --ŋm̀ -gbàŋà/à-
tɔ́ŋɛ̂,têb bâm ŋm̀ -gbàŋà/à-
tɔ̂ŋ,têb bâm ì-gbàŋ~ŋm̀ /à-
têb bâm ì-gbàŋà/ŋm̀ -
tɛ́ɔ̀ŋ,tíb bám ŋm̀ gbɛˋaŋɛ̀/à-
silk-cotton tree 136 , Ceiba pentandra sing sink sit137 skin138
n
bɔ̀-k m ́ /bà-
bɔ̀-kə́m/ŋ̀-
ɔ̀-k ́m/à-
ɔ̀-k ́m/à-
ɔ̀-k ́m/à-
ò-kə́m/à-
ɛ̀-kʌ̍m/à-
ɛ̀-kə̍m/à-
ɔ̀-kʌ̍m/à-
ɔ̀-kúm/ŋ̀-
ù-k m ́ /à-
ù-kȯ ́ m/à-
tə́ɔ̀ŋ,téb bám ŋm̀ gbɛˋaŋɛ̀/à ɛ̍-kʌ̍m/a̍ -
v v.i. v n
kɔ́n tɛ̌d k m ̀ í ŋ̀-kòb
kɔ́n tɛ̌r b ǹ ə́ŋ ŋ̀-kòb
kɔ̂n tɛ̌d kùmɛ̂ ŋ̀-gù/ò-
kɔ̂n tɛ̌d kùmɛ̂ ŋ̀-gù/ò-
kɔ̂n tɛ̌d kùmâ,jɔ̀ɛ̂ ŋ̀-gù/ò-
kuɔ́n tiɛ̀r zuɔ̀n ŋ̀-gùgù/à-
(tòm) tɛ̀r jɔ̀l ŋ̀-gò/à-
kɔ̂n --b ̂ m ŋ̀-gòbjì/à-
(tòôm) --b m ́ ɛ̀ ŋ̀-gòbjì/à-
(yém) tɛ̂r jíá ŋ̀-gò/à-
(yím) tɛ̂r jí ŋ̀-gù/à-
n v v.i. n v.t.
mìɲ-sǒb/bàlái sɔ̀rí à-kpáɲáŋ wúní
ǹ-dǒb/bà-[r] lál rɔ̀lɔ́g à-k ̀rì wúnáŋ
ɲ̀-sǘŋ/àyâɛ sɔ́βɛ̀ à-kpáɲáŋ yǘnì
ɲ̀-sǘŋ/àyâɛ sɔ́βɛ̀ à-kpáɲáŋ yǘnì
ɲ̀-su̇ ́ ŋ/àyâɛ sɔ́βɛ̂,sìrî à-kpáɲáŋ yúnà
ɲ̀-zú/òlán suɔ́βà ŋ̀-kìr~ò-~àɲiɛ́nə̀
(yî) tɛ̀r jɔ̀n ŋ̀-gù/a̍ kpâŋgù ɲ̀-jo̍ /ànân sɔ̍bɔ̀,sìrì à-k ̀rì yu̍ nù
(yı̍ ì) tɛ̀r jɔ̀ ŋ̀-gù/à-
slave sleep slip smallpox smell
(yɩ́m) tɛ̀r jɔ̀n ŋ̀-gù/a̍ kpâŋgù ɲ̀-jo̍ /ànân sɔ̍βɔ̀,sìrî à-k ̀rì yu̍ nù
ɲ̀-ju̍ /ànân sɔ̍βɔ̀,sìrì à-k ̀rì yu̍ nù
ɲ̀-jǒ/àlâl rɔ́bɛ̂ à-k ̀rì ɲúnâ
ɲ̀-jǒ/àlâl rɔ̂b à-k ̀r yûŋ
ɲ̀-jǒ/àlâl rɔ́bɔ̀ à-k ̀rɛ̀ yɷ́ŋɔ̀
ɲ̀-jò/àlál rəˊɔŋɔ́ à-k ̀rɛ̀ w ń ɔ́
ɲ̀-jù/àlál rɛˊɔŋɔ́ à-k ̀rɛ̀ wɩ́nɛ́
ʃîe dzwòm -táne + puál
mbwóm, bú-bòm /bɛ́-
gùré féɣé, réɣé ǹnégisá
okə́m
127
The second form in S Etung is ‘archaic’. These forms are to be compared with ‘buy’. 129 Sub-groups a-b and f-h have constructions involving ‘four and three’. 130 1. Nkim j ̀mî means ‘stab’. 2. this verb generally also has the meaning of ‘pierce’ or ‘jab’. 131 The form in Efutop means ‘bend sideways’. 132 These forms are to be compared with ‘divide’. 133 The first form in Ekparabong means ‘sharpen a blade or a knife’ and the second means ‘sharpen a point’. 134 The first forms in Nnam and Ekajuk mean ‘tell’. 135 1. The divergent forms in Efutop and Nde above are cognates of forms glossed as ‘lock’ (q.v.). 2. The first form in Nde is ‘archaic’. 136 This is the ‘cotton tree’ (Ceiba pentandra) Efik ukim, ukum. 137 The form in Ebanyom also means ‘be present, on the spot’. 128
138
These forms are more usually used in constructions in the following languages; ŋ̀-kòb bè-kè ŋ̀-kòb bè-kì ŋ̀-gòb jìŋ/à-gòb jìŋ ŋ̀-gùb jìŋ/à-gùb jìŋ 21
bɛˊaŋɛ̀ bɛˊaŋɛ̍ yá ɛ̍-bə̍g/a̍ gbúl
ɛ̍-kə̍m/a̍ -
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss smoke smooth139
PoS n v
snail snake soup speak spear
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong è-lîlî sàmí
Balep bà-ɲîn kɔ́gɔ́r
Bendeghe á-tǘg kôg, ʧɔ́mɛ̀
S Etung à-ʧü̂ g kɔ̂g,ʧɔ́mà
Efutop é-tìtìɣə́/águɔ̍ɣə̀
Nde a̍ -tìtı̍ g gbɔ̍ɣɔ̀
Nselle e̍ -t t̀ ı̍ g/a̍ gbɔ̍gɔ̀
Nta a̍ -tìtı̍ ɣı̍ gbɔ̍gɔ̀
Abanyom à-tûg gbɔ́gɛ̂
Nkim à-tu̇ ́ tu̇̂ g rɔ̂b
Nkum à-tȯ ́ tȯ̂ g rɔ́bɔ̀
Nnam a̍ -t ̍ tɔ̍g gbəˊɔgɔ́
Ekajuk a̍ -t ̍ tɔ̍g gbɛˊɔɣɔ́
ŋ̀-kɔ́/ɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ̂/ɔ̀ɔ̀-sɛ̌b/àʧɔ̌d ɛ́-rɔ̂b/bí-
N Etung á-ǘg kɔ̂g,gɔ̌g,ʧ ɔ́mɛ̀ ŋ̀-kɔ́/ɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ̂/ɔ̀ì-sú/ɲ̀ʧɔ̌d ɛ́-rɔ̂b/bí-
n n n v n
ŋ̀-kɔ́/bɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ́/bɔ̀bè-sǒ/mìɲʧɔ̌d ɛ́-dɔ̂b/bɛ́-
ŋ̀-kɔ̀/bɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ́/bɔ̀bɛ̀-rǒ/ǹ-[d] ʃɔ̌d ɛ́-dɔ̂b/bɛ́-
ŋ̀-kɔ́/ɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ̂/ɔ̀ì-sú/ɲ̀ʧɔ̌d ɛ́-rɔ̂b/á-
ŋ̀-kuɔ́/òɲ́-ɲuɔ̂/óé-kìkiɛ̌/ádə́g è-kɷ̌ŋ/à-
ŋ̀-kɔɔ̍/ɛ̀ɲ̍-ɲɔ̀ɔ̂/ɛ̍bɛ-sǒ/ɲ̀râg nɛ̀-kɔ̌ŋ/ŋ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ̍/ɛ̀ɲ̍-ɲɔ̀ɔ̂/ɛ̍b -̀ sǒ/ɲ̀râg nə̍-kɔ̌ŋ/ŋ̍-
ŋ̀-kɔɔ̍/ɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ̀ɔ̂/ɔ̀à-sǒ râg nɔ̀-kɔ̌ŋ/ŋ̀-
ŋ̀-kɔ́r/ɔ̀ɲ̀-ɲɔ̂/ɔ̀b -̀ rǒr/ǹ-[d] bôŋ l -́ kɔ̌ŋ/ŋ́-
ŋ̀-kɔ́r/ùɲ̀-ɲɔ̂/ùù-rɛ̀n/àbôŋ í-kɔ̌ŋ/á-
ŋ̀-kɔ́r/ùɲ̀-ɲɔ́/ù ù-rɛ̀nɛ̀/àbôŋ í-kɔ̌ŋ/ŋ́-
ŋ̍-kɛˈɔŋ/ɛ̍ɲ̍-ɲɔ̍/ɛ̍á-bɩ́nɛ̀ bɨˊuŋ ɛ̀l-kɛˋɔŋ/ŋ̀-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/à-
mì-n ́m/bà-[l]
ǹ-n m ́ /bà-lə́m
ǹ-d m ́ /à-[r]
ǹ-d m ́ /à-[r]
bɛ̀-nʌ̍m/ǹ-
ǹ-nɩ̍ m/à-
à-dı̍ ndɩ̍ m
ǹ-n m ́ /à-[l]
ì-kɔ̀ŋ á ɲ m ̀ /àǹ-n m ́ /ù-[l]
í-kɔ̀ŋɔ̍ ɲ́jə̀m ǹ-nə́m/ù-[l]
v.i. v v v.i. v v
púm ɲúdú kám,kə̌b lámí j b́ bùdí
pə́m kúdúm kám,kə̌b lámáŋ jə́b bùrúg,kpégéd
f ̂ m k b́ ɛ̀ kâm yímì jü̂ β ̌ ŋ,kpígì
ǹ-d m ́ /à[r] f ̂ m k b́ ɛ̀ kâm yímì jü̂ β ̌ ŋ,sìgî
è-kɷ̀ŋ á zə̀m/à(ǹ-ziɛ̂/à-)
ŋ̍-kəˈɔŋ/ɛ̍ɲ̍-ɲɔ̍/ɛ̍á-b ́nɛ̀ bəˊoŋ ɛ̀kkəˋɔŋ/ŋ̀ɛ̀-kəˋɔŋ ɲ̀jʌ̀m/àn̍ -lə̍m/a̍ -
spine140
n
ɛ̀-kɔ̀ŋ/bɛ̀-
spirit141
n
spit,spray squat142 squeeze143 stand steal stir
f ̂ m kábà kâm yímâ jü̂ β ̌ ŋ,s ̌ g,ʧ β ̀ î
fɷ́m kə́mə̀ kám yiímə̀ yú kpiíɣə̀
fûm ku̍ ù ka̍ mà yı̍ mì yû kpe̍ ɣè,bùrû
fâɷ̀m kû ka̍ mà ye̍ mè yû kpe̍ ɣè,bùrù
fɔ̂m ku̍ ù ka̍ mà yı̍ mì yû kpe̍ ɣè,bùrù
f ̂ m kúmâ kâm yémâ yû bùrî
f ̂ m kə̂m kâm yêm yû búr ̂ ~b'rî
f ̂ m kȯ ́ mɔ̀ kámà yémɛ̀ yû b r̀ ɔ̂
fʌ́m kə́mɛ́ kaˊamɛ́ yeˊemé wú buˊurù
stop(1)
v
gɔ̌
gɔ̌
dɛ̀ɛ̂
dɛ̀ɛ̂
dɛ̀ɛ̂
guɔ̂
gɔ̀ɔ̂
gɔ̀
gɔɔ̀
dɛ̀,lɔ̀
kȯ ̀ mmɔ́
rʌ́ɣɛ́
stop(2)144 suck surpass145 swallow sway146 sweat
v v v v v.i. n
sóbí yáb kíŋ mɛ̌i fág bɛ̀-sɔ́ŋsɔ̀ŋ
róbé gáb kə́ŋ mɛ̀lɛ́g fág lɛ̀-yóbè
kímì yâb ʧíŋì mɛ̌~mɛ̀ɛ̂ fâg ɲ̀-yúβɛ́
kímì yâb ʧíŋì mɛ̌ fâg ɲ̀-yúbí
kímì yâb ʧíŋì mɛ̌ fâg ɲ̀-yúβí
yúrə̀ yáb (gà) miɛ́nʌ̀ fə́ɣɣà è-yuúβə́
yòrô yâb (gà) mɛ̀nɛ̂ fa̍ gà nɛ̀-yo̍ bò
yòrò,kə̍bɛ̀ yâb (gà) mɛ̀nɛ̀ fe̍ ggà nò-yo̍ bò
yòrò yâb (gà) mɛ̀nɛ̀ fʌ̍ggà nò-yo̍ bò/ɲ̀-
yòr,kémê yâb sâŋ.(gà) mɛ̀lɛ̂ fágâ l -̀ yóbé
k ̌ m ŋɔ̂~k ̌ mmɔ̂ yòrî,kêm yâb ʃêŋ mɛ̀lî fàgî ì-j j́ ól
kémɛ̀ yâb ʃêŋ mɛ̀lɛ̂ fàâg ì-j j́ ólɔ́
kímí yáb ʃə́ŋ mɛ́lɛ̀ fɛˊakɛ́ ŋ̍-wuˈuru̍
sweep swim tail take away147 take148 tap wine tear up tears ten termite testicle149
v v n v
pág wɔ́g mìŋ-kí/bàlɔ̌b
pág wɔ́g ɲ̀-kél/bàlɔ́b
fâg yɔ̂g bì-kî/àyìgî
fâg yɔ̂g ì-kî/ŋ̀yìgî
fâg wɔ̂g ì-kî/ŋ̀yìgî
yuə̀n yuɔ́g ɲ̀-sîn/òyíɣà
fɛɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yɔ̂g nè-sîn~sı̍ ìn/ɲ̀yìɣî
fɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yɔ̂g nɛ̀-sɩ̂ n/ɲ̀yìgì
fɛɛ̍ŋɛ̀ yɔ̂g nì-sîn/ɲ̀yìɣì
féŋê,wólê ɲɔ̂g l -̀ kêl/ŋ̀yègê
fôl ɲɔ̂g ŋ̀-kɛ̂l/àyègî
fôl ɲɔ̂g ì-kêl/ŋ̀yègɛ̂
kémé yáb sə́ŋ mɛ́lɛ̀ fɛˊagɛ́ ŋˈɱwoˈoro̍ fɛˊɛŋɛ́ ɲəˊɔg ɛ̍s-se̍ l/a̍ yégè
v n v n n n n
kɔ́ (fái) jág bà-b d́ àg ɔ́-fɔ́ ŋ̀-kɛ̀kɛ̀/bɔ̀b
kɔ́ (fál) yáb bà-m ŕ àŋ jóbá ɛ̀-gbá/bɛ̀ɔ-p ̌ n
kɔ́ kɛ̌m ʧáɣɛ̀ ɔ̀-β b́ βɛ̀ bɔ́-fɔ́ ŋ̀-kiɛ́ɛ́/ɔ̀(ǹ-dǎɛ/ɔ̀-[r])
kɔ́, kɔ̂ kiɛ̌m ʧáɣɛ̀ à-β β ́ ì ɔ́-fɔ́ ŋ̀-kiɛ́/ɔ̀(ǹ-dǎ/ɔ̀-[r])
kuɔ́ siɛ̀m sáɣà é-miíβə̀/áwúβə́ ŋ̀-kùkuɔ̀/àɱ̀-fə̌n/à-
kɔ̍, kɔ̍ɔ̀ sɛ̀m sáɣà a̍ -mìβî wo̍ bo̍ ŋ̀-kìkɔ̀/àɱ̀-gʌ̂n/à-
kɔ̍, kɔ̂ sɛ̀ sáɣà a̍ -mìβ ̂ wo̍ bo̍ ŋ̍-kɔ̀kɔ̀/a̍ ɱ̀-fə̌n/à-
kɔ̍, kɔ̍ɔ̀ sɛ̀ sáɣà m̍ ìβı̍ wo̍ bo̍ ŋ̀-kɔ̀kɔ̀/àɱ̀-fʌ̂n/à-
kɔ́ kɛ̀m jâg á-bîbî wóbá ŋ̀-kɛ̀kɛ̀/à---
kɔ̍, kɔ̂ ʃɛ̀mî jâg á-bìbí í-gôl ŋ̀-k k̀ ɛ̀/àɱ́-f ̌ n/á-
kɔ̍, kɔ̂ ʃɛ̀ɛ̂m jâg á-bìbí í-gôl ŋ̀-k k̀ ɛ̀/áɱ́-fə̌n/á-
kɔ́ sɛ̂m jɛˊagɛ́ á-bɔ̍ˊŋŋɔ̍ ɛ́-wóbò ŋ̀-k k̀ ɔ̌/àɱ̀-fʌ̀n/à-
kɔ́ ʃɛ̂m jɛˊag á-bɔ̍ˊŋŋɔ̍ ɛ́b-wúbù ŋ̀-k k̀ ɔ̌/àɛ̀l-fə̀n/ɱ̀-
theft150 thigh151
n n
ɛ̀-j b́ /bɛ̀ɛ̀-tàtáb/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-j b́ /bɛ̀ɛ̀nàmànámág/bɛ̀-
è-jü̂ /bìɔ̀-tâ/à-
kɔ́ kɛ̌m~kiɛ̌m ʧáɣɛ̀ ɔ̀-β β ́ ì ɔ́-fɔ́ ŋ̀-kiɛ́/ɔ̀(ǹ-dǎɛ/ɔ̀[r]) è-jü̂ /bìɔ̀-tâ/à-
ɛ̀-ju̇̂ ɔ̀-tâ/à-
à-zû ò-tâ/à-
ɛ̀-jû/àɛ̀-nɛ̀mɛ̍/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-jû/àɛ̀-nə̀mɛ̀/bə̀-
ò-jû/àɛ̀-nɛ̀mɛ̍/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-jû/b ̀ɛ̀-n ̀mí/à-
ù-jû/àù-tâ/à-
ù-jû/àù-tá/à-
ɛ̍-ju̍ /a̍ ɛ̀nəˋmmɛ̀/ à-
ɛ̍-jɷ́/a̍ ɛ̍-yɔ̍/a̍ -
139
ɲ̍-
1. These forms are used especially referring to smoothing plaster. 2. The form in Ekajuk means to ‘whet a knife’. The second member of the constructions above is the form meaning ‘back’ (q.v.). 141 1. These forms were elicited with the gloss ‘fairy’. 2. There is no singular/plural alternation possible in the form given in Nta. 3. the form in Efutop is the same as the one given for the gloss ‘witch~wizard’ (q.v.). 142 These forms are to be compared with ‘arch’, with ‘bow’ (v.), and with ‘duck’ (v.). 143 1. The second form in Ekparabong means ‘squeeze someone’s hand’. 2. The first form in Balep refers to ‘squeezing leaves’, and the second to ‘squeezing cloth’. 144 These forms refer specifically to the rain. 145 These forms exhibit almost identical roots with ‘pass’ (q.v.) and ‘profit’ (q.v.). 146 These forms are used in the sense of ‘turn, swing, shake from side to side’ except the form in Ekparabong which means ‘turn sideways’. 147 These forms are used in the sense ‘remove’. 148 1. In languages Nde, Nselle, Nta, Nkim, and Nkum the first form is a complete utterance meaning ‘take it from me.’ and the second form is another complete utterance meaning ‘take it from over there.’ 2. The second form in S Etung means ‘get it’. 149 There is only a descriptive compound in Ebanyom, the meaning of which is ‘seed of the scrotum’. 150 The forms in languages S Etung and Efutop have no singular/plural alternation. 151 These forms refer to the ˈupper leg (above the knee)’. 140
22
ɛ̀-kɛˋɔŋ ɲ̀jə̀m/àn̍ -n ̍ m/ɛ̍b[l] fə́m k m ́ ɛ́ kaˊamɛ́ yiˊimí ɷ́ b ŕ ɛ̀~bɔ̍ˊŋ ŋɔ̀ rə́ɣɛ́
fɛˊɛŋɛ́ ɲɛˊɔg ɛ̍l-ʃı̍ l/ɲ̍y ɣ́ ɛ̀
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss thing
PoS n
thorn three threeleafed yam, Dioscorea dumetoru m throat152
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong ɲ̀-kúm/ŋ̀-góm
Balep ɲ̀-jóm/ŋ̀-góm
Bendeghe è-jûm/è-yîm
S Etung ɲ̀-dzûm/m̀ bîm ɛ̀jɔ̀ŋɛ̀/à-
Efutop ɲ̀-zûm/à-ɲîm
Nde è-jôm/ɲ̀-sɔ̍n
Nselle ɛ̀-jô/ɲ̀-sɔ̍n
Nta è-jô/m̀ -bê
Abanyom ɛ̀-jôm/ɲ̀-sɔ́l
Nkim ì-jôm/à-
Nkum ì-jôm/à-
ɛ̀jɔ̀ŋɛ̀/à-
N Etung è-jûm/èyîm~ìɛ̀jɔ̀ŋɛ̀/à-
n
ɲ̀-sɛ́n/bà-
ǹ-dɛ́n/bà-[r]
ɲ̀-sə́ŋ/à-
ɛ̍-j ̍ jɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ -jɔ̀ŋɔ̍
ɛ̍-jɔ̍jɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ -
ɛ̀-jɔ̀ŋà/à-
ì-jɔ̀ŋjɔ́ŋ/à-
ì-jɔ̀jɔ̀/à-
bɛ́-rá ɛ̀-r m ́ /bɛ̀-
ɛ́-sá ɛ̀-r m ́ /bì-
ɛ́-sá ɛ̀-r m ́ /bì-
ɛ́-sá ɛ̀-r m ́
á-saá è-d ́mə́/à-
ɛ̍-jɔ̀ŋɔ̍~jı̍ jɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ bɛ̍-saa̍ ɛ̀-rɩ̍ mɛ̍/bɛ̀-
n n
bɛ́-rá ɛ̀-r m ́
b ̍ -sa̍ ɛ̀-r ̍ mɛ̍/bə̀-
bə̍-saa̍ ɛ̀-r ̍ mɛ̍/bɛ̀-
bɛ́-rá ɛ̀-r m ́ í/b ̀-
í-rá ì-r m ́ /à-
í-rá ì-rə́m/à-
n
mìŋ-kúŋ/bà-
ŋ̀-kúŋ/bà-
ǹ-tɷ̌ŋ/ò-
ǹ-tɷ̌ŋ/ò-
ǹ-tɷ̌ŋ/ò-
ɲ̀-kâɷ̀ŋ/ò-
ɲ̀-kɔ̂ŋ/à-
ɲ̀-kɔ̂ŋ/à-
ɲ̀-kɔ̂ŋ/à-
ì-báŋkǒd/à-
n
ɲ̀-sân/bɔ̀-
ǹ-dân/bà-[r]
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-sân/à-
ɲ̀-kûŋ/à-,ǹtǒŋ/àǹ-dân/à-[r]
thunder tie153 toad
v n
bɔ́bí ɛ́guɛ́ráŋguɛ́/bɛ́-
bɔ́bɔ́g ɛ́guédáŋgué/bɛ́-
βɔ́mɛ̀ ɛ́-kpájírí/á-
βɔ́mɛ̀ ɛ́kpájírí/á-
βɔ́mà ɛ́-kpáɲjírá/-
kə̀n é-liěliɛ̌/á-
bɔ̍ɔ̀ ɛ̀-jɩǹ âŋkàn/à-
bɔ̂ ɛ̍-jìnâŋkʌ̀n/a̍ -
bɔ̍ɔ̀ o̍ -nônǒ/a̍ -
today154 tomorrow
n n
ɛ́-lɛ́i ŋ̀-kuɔ̌
ɛ́-lɛ́l ŋ̀-kuɔ̌
ɛ́-yɛ́ ɔ́-jɔ̂~ó-jôfú
é-yé ɔ́-jɔ̂
é-liɛ́n ó-wuɔ̂
ɛ̍-nɛɛ̍ ɛ̍-wʌ̍ǹna̍
ɛ̍-nɛ̍,ɛ̍-nɛ̍ jı̍ ɛ̍-wə̍ǹna̍
tongue
n
è-lébì/bè-
lè-légèb/ǹ-[l]
ɛ̀-r b́ βɛ̀/bì-
ɛ́-yɛ́~é-yé ɔ́-jɔ̂~ójɔ̂fú ɛ̀-r β ́ ɛ̀/bì
é-liíβə̀/á-
nɛ̍-nìbî/n̍ -
tooth
n
è-líŋ/m̀ -m ŋ́
lɛ̀-mə́ŋ/m̀ -
è-yîŋ/à-m ̂ ŋ
è-mə̂n/à-
tortoise tree trunk(bod y)155 tuck156
n n n
ŋ̀-kuí/bòè-réré/mìn-[d] è-kùkǔ/bè-
ŋ̀-kúl/bòbò-ré/ǹ-déré ɛ̀-kùkù/bɛ̀-
ŋ̀-kǘi/òé-tí/àè-kǜ/bì-
è-yîŋ/àm ̂ ŋ ŋ̀-kǘi/òé-tí/àè-kǜ/à-
ɛ̀-r β ́ ì/à~bɛ̀è-yîŋ/à-m ̂ ŋ ŋ̀-ku̇ ́ i/ɔ̀é-tí/àɛ́-ku̇ ́ kù/á-
v
sɔ̌g
rɔ̌g
sɔ̌g
sɔ̌g
turn over
v.t.
kpédí
kpégéd
kpígì
twenty157 twist two hundred158 two understand
n v nu m n n
ɛ̀-r m ́ /bɛ̀-~ɛ̀kə̌b ɛ́-gɔ̀d/bɛ́-
ɛ̀-r m ́ kə̌b ɛ́-gɔ̀d/bɛ́-
bɛ́-fál mǎĩ
undress untie uproot160 urinate urine
v v v v n
jóg,nɔ́d wàdí j ̌ b pábí m̀ -pábì/bà-
vagina
n
(m̀ -bòd/bò-)
159
Nnam ɛ̍-jo̍ m/ɲ̍sɔ̍l ɛ̀jəˋɔŋɔ̀/àɛ́r-râ~ɛ́-râ ɛ̍-lʌ̍mɛ̍/n̍ [l]
Ekajuk ɛ̍-ju̍ m/ɲ̍ʃɔ̍l ɛ̀-jɛˋɔŋɔ̀/à-
ì-ráŋkǒd/à-
ŋ̍-kʌ̍ŋ/a̍ -
ŋ̍-kʌ̍ŋ/a̍ -
ǹ-dân/à-[r]
ǹ-dân/à-[r]
n̍ -da̍ n/a̍ -[r]
bɔ́mâ ɛ́-kpájôlâ/á-
bɔ̂m í-kpájòlí/á-
bɔ́mɔ̀ í-kpájòlɔ́/á-
ɛ̍-nɛɛ̍,ɛ̍-nɛ̍ jı̍ ɛ̍-wə̍nə̀
ɛ́-lɛ́l ɛ́-gɔ̂
í-lɛ́la̍ ú-gɔ́
í-lɛ́lá ú-bɔ́ná
n̍ -da̍ n/a̍ [r] bɔ́bɔ́ ɛ́kp j́ ʌ̍mɛ̍/á lɛ̂l b ń à
ne̍ -nìbî/n̍ -
nı̍ -nìβı̍ /n̍ -
l -́ rêbê/ń-[d]
í-lèbɛ́/á-
nɛ̀-mʌ̂n/à-
nè-mɩ̂ n/à-
nʌ̀-mʌ̂n/à-
l -̀ m ̂ n~ɛ̀-/à-
í-rěb~rèbí/á(ì-lôl/à-)
--è-tí/ǹè-kùkù/à-
--è-te̍ /ǹɛ̀-kùkù/à-
--ɛ̀-te̍ /ǹɛ̀-kùkù/à-
--è-te̍ /ǹè-kùkù/à-
ŋ̀-kúl/ɔ̀ɔ̀-té/ǹɛ̀-kùkù/à-
sɔ̌g
kə̀g
kàg
kàg
kàg
màdɛ̂
ŋ̀-kȯ ́ l/ù ì-té/àí-kpó gòbjì/ámàdâ
kpígì
kpígì
kpiíɣə̀
kpègê
kpègè
kpèɣè
kpédê
ŋ̀-ku̇ ́ l/ùì-té~ù-/àí-kpó ŋ́gòbjì/ámànî, kpêd
ɛ̀-sǎm/ɲ̀ʧ ̌ b ɛ́-gɔ̀d/bí-
ɛ̀-sǎm/ɲ̀ʧ ̌ b ɛ́-gɔ̀d/bí-
ɛ̀-sǎm/ɲ̀ʧ ̌ b ɛ́-gɔ̀d/á-
mè-tə̂n/àbaáɣə̀ é-guɔ̌r
nɛ̀-tʌ̂n/àba̍ ɣà ɛ̍-gɔ̀r
nə̀-tə̂n/àba̍ ɣà ɛ̍-gɔ̀r
nə̀-tə̂n/àba̍ ɣà ɛ̍-gɔ̀r
l -̀ t ̂ l/àbágɛ̂ ɛ́-gɔ̂r/á-
bɛ́-fál màɛ́ ̃
ɛ́-βâɛ ---
ɛ́-βâɛ ---
ɛ́-βâɛ ---
á-βân gbiɛ́rə̀
bı̍ -bâ gbɛ̀rɛ̂
b ̍ -bâ gbɛ̀rɛ̀
bə̍-bâ gbɛ̀rɛ̀
lɔ́d gàrág (mǔ) fábág bà-fábàg~fə́bàg (m̀ -bòd/bò-)
jûg f ŋ̀ ɛ̂ yə̌b f ǵ ɛ̀ à-f ́gɛ̀
jûg f ŋ̀ ɛ̂ yə̌b f ǵ ɛ̀ à-f ́gɛ̀
jûg f ŋ̀ î y ̌ b f ǵ ì à-f ́ɣì
zuɔ́g kpə́rrə̀ yə̀b,(mə́rə̀) fuúβə̀ à-fuúβə̀
jɔ̂g fɔ̀ŋŋɔ̂ yʌ̀b,(mɛ̀nnɛ̂) fu̍ ɣù à-fu̍ ɣù
jɔ̂g fɔ̀ŋŋɔ̀ yə̀b,(mɛ̀nnɛ̀) fu̍ gù à-fu̍ ɣù
ǹ-tǘd/ò-
ǹ-tǘd/ò-
ɲ̀-ʧu̇ ́ d/ɔ̀-
è-têm/à-
ǹ-tʌ̍r/à-
ǹ-tə̍r/à-
153
23
bɔ́bɔ́ ɛ́kpájə̍mɛ̍/á lɛ́lâ b ń â
ɛ́l-lígí/ń`n~ ɛ̍mmə̍n/a̍ --ɛ̍-te̍ /n̍ ɛ̀-kùkù/à-
ŋ̍-kɔ̍l/ɛ̍ɛ̍-tı̍ /n̍ ɛ̀-kúkɷ̀/à-
kpə́dɛ̀
kpə́tɛ̀
kpédɛ̀
kpeˊedé
í-t ̂ l/àj r̀ î ---
í-tə̂l/àj r̀ ɛ̂ ---
ɛ́t-tʌ̂l/ábɛˊagɛ́ ɛ̀-gɔ̀r
kpiˊidí~kp iˊití ɛ́l-tə̂l/ábɛˊaɣɛ́ ---
b -́ bâl gbɛ̀râ
í-bâl yôg
í-bâl yôg
ɛ́b-bál gbɛ́rɛ̀
ɛ́b-bál gbɛ́rɛ̀
jûg fɔ̀ŋŋɔ̀ yʌ̀b,(mɛ̀nnɛ̀) fu̍ ɣù à-fu̍ ɣù
yègê,kpôd fùŋî (m l̀ î) fúgî à-fúgî
yègî f ŋ̀ î y b̀ î f ̂ r à-fîr
y g̀ ɛ̂ fȯ ̀ ŋɔ̂ yȯ ̀ ȯ̂ b f ŕ ɔ̀ à-fə́rɔ̀
yégè,kpód fʌˊŋŋɛ̀ (mə́llɛ̀) fɔˊŋŋɔ́ á-fɔˊŋŋɔ̍
y ɣ́ ɛ̀,kpúd fəˊŋŋɛ̀ (m ĺ lɛ̀) fɔˊŋŋɔ́ á-fɔˊŋŋɔ̍
ǹ-tə̍r/à-
(ɛ̀-kɔ̀b/b -̀ )
(ì-kɔ̀b/à-)
(ì-kɔ̀b/à-)
n̍ -tʌ̍r/ɛ̍-
n̍ -tə̍r/ɛ̍~ɛ̍b-
1. The plural form in languages Nde and Nselle is uaually à-tòŋa̍ ŋ̍-kɔ̀ŋ. 2. another form with the same meaning in Nkim is ŋm̀ -kpàrìkǒd. 1. These forms are used in the sense of ‘tie on a garment’. 2. compare ‘cloth’. 154 The second entries in languages Nselle and Nta are demonstrative constructions. 155 1. These forms refer to the part of the body exclusive of the limbs. 2. The second member of the construction in minor sub-group r-s means ‘skin’ or ‘body’. 156 The second form in Nkim means ‘press in on one side’. 157 1. The plural forms are used for multiples of twenty. 2. Balep does not have any singular/plural alternation for such multiples. 158 1. where singular/plural alternations are given above, the plural forms are used for multiples of two hundred. 2. The forms in languages Bendeghe and N Etung are said to be ‘archaic’. 159 The form in Ekajuk is ‘dialectal’. 160 The first form in Nde, Nselle and Nta refers especially to uprooting ‘small sticks’ (‘stalks’). 152
ɛ́b-râ ɛ̍-lə̍mɛ̍/ɛ̍b-
(ì-lôl/à-)
ŋ́-
ɛ́b-líkí/ńɛ̍l-mə̍n/a̍ -
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss vein
PoS n
village god village(1)
village(2)
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong mìŋ-k ̌ b/bà-
Balep ɲ̀-kə̌b/bà-
Bendeghe bì-jə̌b/à-
N Etung ì-jə̌b/à~ɲ̀ɱ̀-fâm
S Etung ì-j ̌ b/à-~ɲ̀-
Efutop ɲ̀-zə̌b/à-
Nde ɲ̀-jʌ̂b/à-
Nselle ɲ̀-jə̌b/à-
Nta ɲ̀-jʌ̂b/à-
Abanyom ɲ̀-j ̌ b/à-
Nkim ɲ̀-j ̌ b/à-
Nkum ɲ̀-jə̌b/à-
Nnam ɲ̀-jʌ̀b/à-
Ekajuk ɲ̀-jə̀b/à-
n
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
---
ɱ̀-fâm
---
---
---
n
m̀ -pámb/bɔ̀-
m̀ -pámb/bà-
ɛ̀-teˊɛg/ǹ-
ɛ̀-tɛ́g/ǹ-
è-lâ/à-
ɛ̀-j β ̀ ɛ̍/bɛ̀,ɛ̀sı̍ sɔ̍g/à-
nɩ-̀ sì/ɲ̀-
ɛ̀-jɛ̀βɛ̍/bɛ̀,nìsì/ɲ̀-
ɛ̀-j b̀ á/b -̀ ,ɛ́kpágbɛ̂/à-
ɱ̀-fâm,ì-ʃí íb'u̍ g
ì-b'o̍ gɔ̀,ì-ʃí í-bȯ ̀ gɔ̀
ɛ̀-jʌ̀bɛ̀/ɛ̀b,ɱ̍-fa̍ m
ɛ̀-jə̀bɛ̀/à,ɱ̍-fa̍ m/a̍ -
---
ɛ̀-tɛ́g/ǹ~ɛ̀teˊɛg/ǹ---
n
m̀ -pám/bɔ̀-
m̀ -pám/bà-
ɱ̀-fâm/ɔ̀-
ɱ̀-fâm/à-
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâ
ɱ̀-fâ
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̀-fâm
ɱ̍-fa̍ m
ɱ̍-fa̍ m
voice162
n
è-lěm/bà-
lɛ̀-lěm/bà-
è-yǔm/bì-
è-yǔm/ɲ̀-
è-yǔm/ɲ̀-
è-lǔm/à-
(ǹ-tɔ̌ŋ/à-)
(ǹ-tɔ̌ŋ/à-)
(ǹ-tɔ̌ŋ/à-)
l -̀ lǒm/à-
ì-lǒm/à-
ì-lǒm/à-
kɔ̌
kɔ̌
kǚ
kǚ
ku̇̌
kə́nnà
kù
kù
kù
kùlî
kùû
kùû
n n
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/bà(mìɲ-sín/bà-)
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/bà(ǹ-də́n/bà-[r])
ɛ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀~ù-/àɛ̀-bôn/bɛ̀-
ɛ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àɛ̀-bôn/bə̀-
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àè-bôn/bò-
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àɛ̀-bôn/b -̀
ù-pù/àì-bôn/à-
ù-pù/àì-bôn/à-
ɲ m ̀ í kɛ̌n bɛ̀-rá
gùmúŋ kɛ̌n bɛ̀-rá
ù-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àè-βûn/à~m̀ [b] ɲ m ̀ î jɛ̌n bì-tá, ɛ̀-nɔ̀g
ó-t r̀ ə̀/áè-bâɷ̀n/à-
v.i. v n
ɲímə̀~ɲɩm ́ ə̀ ziɛ̀n è-tá/ǹ-
ɲɩm ̀ î jɛ̀n bɛ̀-ta̍ /ǹ-
ɲɩm ̀ ì jɛ̀n b -̀ ta̍ /ǹ-
ɲɩm ̀ ì jɛ̀n bə̀-ta̍ /ǹ-
ɲ ̂ mî jɛ̀n b -̀ tá/ǹ-
ɲ m ̀ î jɛ̀nî í-tá/ń-
ɲə̀mɛ̂ jɛ̀ɛ̂n ì-tá/ǹ-
ɲə́mɛ̀ jɛ̂n ɛ̍t-ta̍ /n̍ -
ɲə́mɛ̀ jɛ̂n ɛ̍b-ta̍ /n̍ -
water weed whistle whitewash wife wind wing
n v v n n n n
màmài~m̀ -mài kǒd férí (ǹ-tò) mìŋ-kái/bàm̀ -pɛ́b ɛ̀-pàbì/bɛ̀-
m̀ -màl kǒr fébáŋ (ǹ-tò) ŋ̀-kál/bàm̀ -pɛ́b ɛ̀kpòŋmkpòŋ/bɛ̀-
à-yíb kǔd fíbì ɔ̀-fɛ́m ŋ̀-káɛ/àɱ̀-fɛ̂b ɛ̀-fàβɛ̀/à-
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àè-βûn/bì~m̀ -[b] ɲ m ̀ ɛ̂ jɛ̌n ì-tá/ǹ-, ɛ̀nɔ̀g à-yə́b kǔd fíbì ɔ̀-fɛ́m/àŋ̀-káɛ/àɱ̀-fɛ̂b ɛ̀-fàβɛ̀/à-
ɛ̀blùm~ɛ̀l-/àkəˊllɛ̀~kə́l ɛ̀ ɛ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àɛ̍-bu̍ n/a̍ -
wake walk163 war
ɔ̀-tɛ̀rɛ̀/àè-βûn/bì-~m̀ [b] ɲ m ̀ ɛ̂ jɛ̌n bì-tá
(ǹtəˋɔŋ/à-) kʌˊllɛ̀~kʌ́l ɛ̀ ɛ̀t-tɛ̀rɛ̀/ǹɛ̍-bo̍ n/a̍ -
vomit
v
vulture waist
à-y ́b kǔd gìβî ɔ̀-fɛ́m ŋ̀-káɛ/àɱ̀-fɛ̂b ɛ̀-fàβɛ̀/à-
à-lə́b (yə́ββə̀) --(ò-kpân/à-) ŋ̀-kán/àɱ̀-fiɛ̂b é-kpɷ́ŋ/á-
à-nʌ̍b kòr, (yàb) fèê ɛ̀-fɛ̀m/bɛ̀ŋ̀-kaa̍ /-~àbàɱ̀-fiɛ̂b ɛ̀kpɔ̀ŋmkpɔ̀ŋ/à-
à-lə̍b kòr, (yàb) fè ɛ̀-fɛ̍m/bɛ̀ŋ̀-ka̍ /àɱ̀-fiɛ̂b ɛ̀kpɔ̀ŋmkpɔ̀ŋ/à-
à-nʌ̍b kòrò, (yàb) feèr ɔ̀-fɛ̍m/àŋ̀-kaa̍ /àɱ̀-fɛ̂b ɛ̀kpɔ̀ŋmkpɔ̀ŋ/à-
à-l b́ kòr fòl ɔ̀-fɛ́m/àŋ̀-kál/àɱ̀-fɛ̂b ɛ̀kpɔ̀ŋmkpòŋ/à-
à-lə́b kòôr fòlɔ̂ ú-fɛ́m/áŋ̀-kál/à(ì-f ̀fɛ̀) ìkpògkpòg/à-
wipe164 witch~wiz ard witchcraft with
v n
sèrí, bóg mìɲ-ʧɛ́/bà-
nǔg, bóg ɲ̀-ʃɛ́/bà-
fɔ̂n ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
fɔ̂n ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
fɔ̂n ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
fɷ́n,nɷ́g ɲ̀-ziɛ̂/à-
sɛ̀nɛ̂ ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
sə̀nnɛ̀ ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
sɛ̀nnɛ̀ ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
fôl,r ǹ ,dùg ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
à-l b́ kòrî fòlî ù-fɛ́m ŋ̀-kál/à(ì-f ̀fɛ̀) ìkpòŋmkpòŋ/ àfôl ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
fôl ɲ̀-jɛ̂/à-
a̍ -lʌ̍b (wɔ̂b) fôl ɛ̍-fɛ̍m/a̍ ŋ̍-ka̍ l/a̍ ɱ̍-fɛ̍b ɛ̀kpəˋoŋmk pəˋoŋ/àfól,rəˊnnɛ̀ ɲ̍-jɛ̍/a̍ -
a̍ -lə̍b (wɔ̂b) fúlù ɛ̍-fɛ̍m/a̍ ŋ̍-ka̍ l/a̍ ɱ̍-fɛ̍b ɛ̀kɨˋuŋmkpɨ ˋuŋ/àfuˊutɷ́ ɲ̍-jɛ̍/a̍ -
bɔ̀-ʧɛ́ yì
bɔ̀-ʧɛ́ lɛ̀
ɔ̀-jɛ̂ nà
ɔ̀-jɛ̂ nà
ɔ̀-jɛ̂ nà
ò-ziɛ̂ mà
ɛ̀-jɛ̂ kà
ɛ̀-jɛ̂ kà
ɔ̀-jɛ̂ nà
ɔ̀-jɛ̂ nà
ù-jɛ̂ nɛ̀
ù-jɛ̂ nɛ̀
ɛ̍-jɛ̍ bɔ̍nà~nà
ɛ̍-jɛ̍ bɔ̍la̍ ~a̍
woman
n pre p n
mìŋ-kánì/bà-
ŋ̀-kánàŋ/bà-
nɛ̀ŋ-kɛ́/ànà-
nɛ̀ŋ-kɛ́/ànà-
niɛ̀ŋ-kán/àβà-
màŋ-kaa̍ /àbà-
mə̀ŋ-ka̍ /àbʌ̀-
mʌ̀ŋ-kaa̍ /àbà-
nɛ̀ŋ-kál/àbà-
nɛ̀ŋ-kál/àbà-
work165
n
è-róm/bè-
lɛ̀-róm/ń-[d]
è-tûm/ǹ-
nɛ̀ŋkɛ́/ànàè-tûm/ǹ-
è-tûm/ǹ-
è-tûm/à-
nɛ̀-tôm/ǹ-
nò-tô/ǹ-
nò-tô/ǹ-
l -̀ tôm/ǹ-
(í-fáŋ/ɱ́-)
nɛ̀ŋkál/ànɛ̀b(í-fáŋá/ɱ́-)
ŋ̍l ̍ ka̍ l/a̍ b ̍ ɛ̍t-to̍ m/n̍ -
nɛ̍ŋka̍ l/a̍ nʌ̍bɛ̍l-tu̍ m/n̍ -
worm
n
ɔ́-sɔ́nàg/bá-
ń-dɔ̀ŋɔ̂n/bá-[r]
ɲ́-sɔ̀ŋɛ̂/ɔ́-
ɛ́-sɔ̀ŋɛ̂/ɲ́-
ɛ́-sɔ̀ŋɛ̀/ɲ́-
ɲ́-suɔ́ŋə̀/á-
ɲ̍-sɔ̀ŋɔ̂/a̍ -
ɲ̍-sɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ -
ɲ̍-sɔ̀ŋɔ̍/a̍ -
ń-dɔ̂ŋɛ̂/á-[r]
ń-dɔ̀ŋí/á-[r]
v.t. v n n
sɔ̌m séŋ è-lò/bèɛ̀-wárì
rɔ̌m rɛ́ŋ ɛ̀-lò/bɛ̀ɛ̀-gáràm/bɛ̀-
jɔ̌m sɛ̂ŋ è-yù/bìɛ̀-yáβɛ̀
jɔ̌m sɛ̂ŋ è-yù/bì ɛ̀-yáβɛ̀
jɔ̌m sɛ̂ŋ è-yù/àɛ̀-yáβɛ̀/à-
zuɔ̀m miɛ́mə̀ è-lù/àè-yaáβə̀/à-
jɔ̀m yɛ̍nɛ̀ è-nò/bèè-ya̍ βà/à-
jɔ̀ yɛ̍nɛ̀ ɛ̀-nò/bə̀ɛ̀-ya̍ bà/à-
jɔ̀ yɛ̍nɛ̀ è-nò/bòɛ̀-ya̍ βà/bə̀-
jɔ̀m yɛ́lɛ̂ ɛ̀-lò/b ̀ɛ̀-yábɛ̂/à-
jɔ̀mî ɲɔ̂n (ì-yɛ̂l) ì-yâb/à-
ńdəˊɔŋɔ̍/á[r] jɔ̂m yɛˊɛlɛ́ ɛ̀-lò/ɛ̀bɛ́yaˊabɛ̍/á-
ńrɛˊɔŋɔ̍/á-
worship write yam166 yawn
ńdɔ̀ŋdɔ́ŋɔ́/á[r] jɔ̀ɔ̂m ɲɔ̂n (ì-yɛ̂l) ì-yábà/à-
161
butwóŋ (hard work, overwork ), léʃání /í- (work)
è-tûm/ǹ-
jɔ̂m yɛˊɛlɛ́,ɲɔ́n ɛ̀-lù/ɛ̀bɛ́yaˊabɛ̍/á-
161 in general, these forms mean ‘community’ or ‘town’ or ‘settlement’. The form in Efutop is specifically restricted to ‘farm plantation’, that is, the living quarters in the fields rather than in the town, but the idea of ‘community’ is otherwise dominant even to the extent of the forms in Nkim and Nkum including not only the meaning of ‘town’ but also ‘the whole world’. 162 1. The forms Nta nò-nǒ/à- and Nnam ɛ̀l-lòm/à- mean ‘word’. 2. The form in Ekajuk means both ‘voice’ and ‘word’. 163 These forms are identical with the roots in ‘journey’ (q.v.) 164 These forms are to be compared with ‘brush’ (v.) and with ‘erase’. 165 ì-tôm/ǹ- in Nkim and Nkum means ‘farm’(q.v.) 166 The forms in minor sub-group r-s have no singular/plural alternation.
24
Roger Blench Ekoid overview Circulation Draft Gloss yawn year167 yellow168
PoS v n n
yesterday
n
167 168
Mbe
Ejagham
Ekparabong wárí ɛ̀-yá/ɲ̀bɔ̀-kɔ̀g
Balep gárám ɲ̀-yá/bàbɔ̀-kɔ̀g
Bendeghe yáβɛ̀ ɛ̀-yâ/ɲ̀ɔ̀-gɔ̀gɔ́gɔ̂g
N Etung yáβɛ̀ ɛ̀-yâ/ɲ̀ɔ̀-gɔ̀gɔ́gɔ̂g
S Etung yáβɛ̀ ɛ̀-yâ/ɲ̀ɔ̀-gɔ̀gɔ́gɔ̂g
Efutop yaáβə̀ ǹ-lâ/àò-guɔ̀ɣóguɔ̀g
Nde ya̍ βà ɲ̀-ɲâ nɛ̍-gɔ̀gnɛ̍gɔ̀g
Nselle ya̍ bà ɲ̀-ɲâ/ànə̍-gɔ̀gnə̍gɔ̀g
Nta ya̍ bà ɲ̀-ɲâ/ànɔ̍-gɔ̀gnɔ̍gɔ̀g
Abanyom yábɛ̂ l -̀ yâ/ɲ̀-ɲâ l -́ gɔ̂g/ɲ́-
Nkim yâb ì-rá/ǹ-dá ù-gɔ̀ŋúgɔ̀ŋ
Nkum yábà ì-rá/ǹ-dá ì-gɔ̀ŋígɔ̀ŋ
ɛ́-yôŋkòi
ɛ́-jɔ̂n
ɛ́-ɲànɛ́
ɛ́-ɲànɛ́
ɛ́-ɲànɛ́
é-ɲǎ
ɛ̍-ɲǎ
ɛ̍-ɲǎ
ɛ̍-ɲǎ
ɛ́-ɲânɛ́
í-ɲàní~-ɲǎn
í-ɲàná
The form in Nde has no singular/plural alternation. These forms refer to ‘yellow pigment’ or ‘ochre’ as well as to ‘yellowness’.
25
Nnam yaˊabɛ́ ɛ̍y-ya̍ /ɲ̍ɛ́ggəˊɔgɛ́gəˋ ɔg ɲaˊanɛ̀
Ekajuk yaˊabɛ́ ɛ̍l-ya̍ /ɲ̍ɛ́l-gɛ́ɔ̀/ŋ̀ɲaˊɛŋɛ̍
