HISTORICOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE IN THE TIVOID LANGUAGES PHYLUM by ALYEBO, NELSON ORKAAN PG/Ph.D/08/49237 Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA DECEMBER, 2015 HISTORICOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE IN THE TIVOID LANGUAGES PHYLUM by ALYEBO, NELSON ORKAAN REG. NO: PG/Ph.D/08/49237 A Ph.D Thesis submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Ph. D Degree in Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. DECEMBER, 2015 APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been read and approved as meeting the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigeria Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. By ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo External Examiner Supervisor --------------------------------- --------------------------- Prof. R. I. Okorji Internal Examiner Head of Department -------------------------------- Prof. Pat. Okpoko Dean, Faculty of Arts CERTIFICATION PAGE This is to certify that Alyebo, Nelson Orkaan PG/Ph.D/08/49237, a postgraduate student in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka has satisfactorily completed the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Linguistics. This research work is original and has not been submitted in part or full for any degree of this or any other University. ---------------------------------- ------------------------------- Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo Alyebo, Nelson Orkaan (Supervisor) PG/Ph.D/08/49237 DEDICATION To the loving memory of my late grandmother, Mama Ukuma Agbakor; who first showed me the way to school. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am forever indebted to the Almighty and gracious God for His loving-kindness and tender mercies all through my life. The completion of this work is a fruit of God’s ever abiding grace in my life. He has made the vision come true at His own appointed time (Hab. 2:3). I lack the right words to appreciate my erudite supervisor Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo; from whom I tapped lavishly his wealth of knowledge, and who also admitted me into his family as one of their own. It is only God that can adequately reward you for your mentorship and love throughout my study period. Sir, I still remember clearly how you used to urge me to hasten my work with these popular word of advice that, “being a student is not a profession”. From the innermost part of my heart I acknowledge and appreciate the indispensable contributions of my beloved wife, who is also a mother to me and a co-labourer in the Lord’s vine yard, Mrs Awashima Nelson Alyebo. Her consistent love, support and care for me and the flock of God in our care has provided not only the needed atmosphere, but also the cushion to cope with the rigours of this research work. I must appreciate my children: Masters Aondodoo, Terkuma and Msooter Orkaan for coping with my absence while this study program lasted. My daughter (spiritual) Comfort Tsegha, who has been selfless in support and prayers in the course of my study, I say thank you. God will surely meet you at all your points of need. I am grateful to Prof. R. I. Okorji, the Head of Department and Prof. C.N. Okebalama (the immediate-past Head of Department), for the prompt and considerable attention they always give to us (their students) in all matters. I also acknowledge the worthy contributions and support of the members of the Departmental Postgraduate Board namely; Dr. Evelyn Mbah, Dr. Chris U. Agbedo, Dr. Modesta I. Ileone, Dr. B. M. Mbah, Prof. I. U. Nwadike, Dr. E. S. Ikeokwu, Prof. B. N. Anasiudu and Dr. S. Babarinde. Also in the department, I appreciate Dr. and Mrs. C. Okeke, Mr. D.Waya, Mr. Ahamefula, Eze Ebube, Benita and Mr. Eze (the departmental secretary) for relating with me as members of one family. My boundless gratitude goes to the management of the Benue State University; Makurdi for granting me the opportunity and support to undertake this program. It is well deserved to mention in particular the outstanding leadership provided by the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Charity A. Angya. In the same measure, my debt of gratitude abounds for the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Msugh Kembe for effectively stepping into the large shoes left behind by Professor Charity A. Angya. My immediate past Head of Department - Professor Leticia Mbaiver Nyitse, has also been so relentless in supporting this worthy course. She deserves my gratitude, prayers and best wishes. I am profoundly grateful to my present Head of Department, Professor R. A. Shittu for his understanding and cooperation. I will forever be grateful to my senior colleagues, whom I also tapped from their fountain of knowledge during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These include Professor T. P. Akosu, Professor Godwin Yina, Professor Lucy Vajime, Professor J. B. Ashiko, Dr. David S. Orjime, Mr Isaac S. Yongo, Mr Za-Ayem Agye and Dr. C. Anyogo. I would also like to say thank you to some of my senior colleagues who supported and encouraged me at various stages of this work, namely: Dr. Moses Tsenongo, Dr. S. Bagu, Dr. Mrs Maria Ajima, Dr. Mrs. Mary Adejoh. Now to my friends and colleagues: Dr. Chris Ukande, Dr. Mrs. Camel Igba-Luga, Dr. T. H. Gajir, Mrs. Sarah T. Shittu, and Atese Gbatoon, I say thank you for always being there for me. In my academic career, the model I desire to emulate is Professor David I. Ker to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. Special gratitude is reserved for the entire Alyebo family and most particularly my father Mr. Justine T. Alyebo, my mother Mrs. Grace M. Alyebo and my siblings (from first to the last): Hon. Godwin Alyebo, Mr. Felix Alyebo, Basil Alyebo, Peter T. Alyebo, Terhemba I. Alyebo, Mmenga Alyebo and Miss. Hembafan Alyebo. Your encouragement and love have been a source of strength to me. Once again, thank you. My unreserved appreciation goes to HRH Chief Hilary I. Ikima and his entire family for accepting me into the family as one of their own. Worthy of mention is his wife, who is also my colleague, sister and friend Dr Mrs Mary N. Ikima for her immeasurable contributions towards the actualisation of this work. My spiritual father and mother, Rev. Engr. H. D. Akinsulie, and Rev. Mrs. F. F. Akinsulie have been my pillar of support and encouragement. You have taught me to acknowledge God and commit all my ways to Him and, truly, it has paid off. My gratitude is equally deserved by the Pastoral Board members of Christ Faith Redemption Ministries (a.k.a. Christ Faith Bible Church), Middle Belt region, namely: Pastor Mark Ogbaje, Pastor Mrs. Hannah Ogbaje, Pastor Nathan Dwem, Deaconess Nguvan Mgbanyi, Bro. Dan Nyikwagh and Bro. Paul Onuche. I cherish the support and prayers for me from brethren of CFBC family, particularly, Makurdi, Yaikyo, Ikpayongo and all the rural churches. The completion of this work is a testimony of answer to your prayers. My friends who deserve to be specially mentioned include: Hon Stephen B. Tyochir, Hon. Moses Iorhen Shirsha, George O. Ayia Esq, Dr David Mgbanyi, Mr Aka Joe Asue (my able research assistant in Cameroun), Chief Ngusha Thompson Gading (my host in Cameroun), Mr Alexis Onome (Camera man) and very importantly, Dr Samuel Ngishe, whom we collaborated and together made it to the Swem hills. I heartily appreciate my Personal Assistants Mr. Emmanuel I. Alagh, who has always been available to handle my other numerous engagements throughout my study period; and Miss Doosuur Ikima for drafting the first wordlist that was later harmonised with the Swadesh wordlist and her prayer back-up for me. Special recognition is due for Mr. Newton Abya (my ICT consultant) and all others who have contributed directly or indirectly in making this work a dream come true. I will be guilty of ingratitude if I fail to appreciate bosom friend Mr. Anum, Joseph Yimaior, Mr. Samuel Tyochir Tsatom (my childhood friend), Pastor Ajawo, Taye Taiwo, Charles Orhemba, Albert Imbus (translator in Oliti), Francis Itumuga (translator in Utank), Rev. Viashima Sevkohol and Mercy Iorliam for their invaluable support in numerous ways. I fervently pray that God will reward all of you as you desire in your hearts, for your love and support to me, in Jesus name. Alyebo, Nelson Orkaan. TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page i Approval Page ii Certification Page iii Dedication iv Acknowledgements v List of Figures xiv List of Tables xv Abstract xvi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background to the study 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem 6 1.3 Objectives of the Study 7 1.4 Research Questions 8 1.5 Significance of the Study 8 1.6 Scope of the study 9 1.7 Limitations of the study 10 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE 12 2.1 Theoretical Studies (review) 12 2.1.1 Neogrammarian Hypothesis. 14 2.1.2 Structural Model of Language Development 17 2.1.3 Transformational Generative Model 19 2.1.4 Mass Comparison Method 24 2.1.5 An Overview of Methods for Comparing and Analysing Languages 26 2.1.5.1 Linguistic Maps and Atlases 26 2.1.5.2 The Blair Method 27 2.1.6 Lexicostatistical Theory 28 2.1.7 Glottochronology 30 2.1.8 Summary of Theoretical Studies 31 2.2 Empirical Studies 34 2.3 Theoretical Framework 42 2.4 Summary of Literature Review 43 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 45 3.1 Preamble 45 3.2 Research Design 45 3.3 Team and Timing 46 3.4 Area of Study 47 3.5 Target Population 48 3.6 Method of Data Collection 49 3.6.1 Instruments of data collection 49 3.6.2 Validation of Instruments 50 3.6.3 Sampling Techniques 50 3.6.4 Field Work 51 3.6.5 Library Sources 51 3.6.6 Internet Sources 51 3.6.7 Collation 52 3.7 Method of Data Presentation 52 3.8 Method of Data Analysis 52 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ON CONVERGENCE 54 4.1 Preamble 54 4.2.