The numeral system of Ikaan, a Benue-Congo language of Nigeria

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Ikaan, an endangered Benue-Congo language in Nigeria, features a rich numeral system at risk of disappearing as speakers shift to Yoruba. Nadine Borchard’s study offers a comprehensive description of this numeral system based on data from Ikakumo, where Ikaan is spoken. The investigation focuses on two main areas: the formation patterns of Ikaan numerals and the diversity of their morphosyntax. It details how Ikaan's base ‘20’ system utilizes addition, multiplication, and subtraction to create higher numerals, along with the underlying rules governing these processes. The study also examines the various parts of speech involved in Ikaan numerals and their interactions with other constituents in phrases. Borchard aims to holistically document Ikaan numerals, including their usage within the speech community and associated counting gestures, while also addressing the structure of ordinals and distributives. On a typological level, the research highlights both typical and unique aspects of the Ikaan numeral system, some of which challenge proposed universals. This work not only sheds light on an underexplored language system but also provides an integrated analysis across various domains of numeral systems.