Re-Examining Previous Classification of Biseni and the Ijọ Language Cluster

Abstract

This paper re-examines previous classifications of Biseni and the Ijọ language cluster, under the Niger-Congo Language Family Tree, made by Jenewari (1989) and Williamson (1992), analyse their choice for the tree model against the wave diagram and dialect map atlas and settling on the model most appropriate for this study. Then we attempt an appraisal of the previous classifications, highlighting their pros and cons as well as areas of adequacy and shortcomings. We end the presentation by providing a new classification that introduces novel naming for the sub-nodes that conforms with present day reality of Ijọ world view and introduce additions that make up for lacunas observed in prior classifications.