Reconstruction:Proto-Nguni/íli-

This Proto-Nguni entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Nguni

Etymology

From Proto-Bantu *dɪ́-, plus augment. Originally the pronominal and verbal concord, it displaced the older Bantu noun prefix *ì-. The tone was lowered by analogy with other noun prefixes.

Prefix

*íli-

1. Class 5 noun prefix.

Descendants

• Northern Ndebele: ili-, i-
• Phuthi: li-
• Swazi: li-
• Xhosa: ili-, i-
• Zulu: ili-, i-