Borchardt, Nadine
The Numeral System of Ikaan, a Benue-Congo Language of Nigeria

A comprehensive description, based on data collected in Ikakumo. There are two major domains of investigation. First, the formation patterns of Ikaan numerals are investigated, detailing how, in the base "20" system of Ikaan, addition, multiplication and subtraction form higher numerals and which rules underlie these formation processes. Second, the diversity of the morphosyntax of Ikaan numerals is explored, determining the various parts of speech involved in Ikaan numerals and the way in which numerals interact with other constituents in a phrase. Additionally, Borchard aims to provide a holistic documentation of Ikaan numerals, describing their use in the speech community as well as their accompanying counting gestures. The structure of ordinals and distributives is also covered. On a typological level, the study shows which aspects of the Ikaan numeral system are typical and which are special, even violating some proposed universals on numerals. XII,132 Seiten mit 10 Abb. und 23 Tab., broschiert (Asien- und Afrika-Studien der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Band 37/Harrassowitz Verlag 2011)