G. O. AGHAHOWA

This study examines a comparative analysis of the numeral systems of the Edo and Urhobo languages. The main aim was to identify the similarities and differences in their structure, formation, and cultural significance. Both languages belong to the Niger-Congo family and are spoken in southern Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive and comparative research design, drawing data from native speakers and existing linguistic materials. Findings from the analysis show that both Edo and Urhobo use a decimal (base-ten) numeral system and share similar patterns of additive and multiplicative formation. Numerals from eleven to nineteen are formed through addition, while twenty and its multiples are formed through multiplication. The two languages also share several phonological and lexical similarities, especially in the lower numerals (one to ten), suggesting a shared historical background or long-term language contact. However, there are notable differences in word usage and pronunciation. Edo uses the conjunction nye (“and”) when combining numbers, while Urhobo uses egbe’ (“of” or “plus”). Minor sound variations also occur due to differences in tone and vowel length. Beyond their structural features, the study reveals that numerals in both languages carry cultural meanings and are used in naming, trade, and traditional counting systems. Overall, the study concludes that while Edo and Urhobo numeral systems share many linguistic features due to their historical and cultural connections, each language maintains its own distinct identity. The research contributes to the understanding of numeral formation in Nigerian languages and highlights the close relationship between language, culture, and cognition in human societies.