ABSTRACT
In this study we present linguistic diversity using comparative approach with the view to determine the level of diversity (difference) and similarities between the varieties of Edo language, the data from this work was collect from competent speakers of the two languages as well as from secondary sources like books, manuscript, the library. The basic objective of the work is to account for their level of difference to find out if one of the varieties has diverged from Edo language by comparative our study is been guide by comparative linguistics using lexicostatistical technical as our framework.
This work was able to account for the level of mutual intelligibility among both varieties. This work is divided into five chapters. The purpose of this study is determine the degree of relatedness and mutual intelligibility amongst Oza variety and Oredo variety of Edo language, to determine the level of similarities and differences in the lexical items.
In carrying this study the number 1-200 of the S.I.L west African comparative wordlist was used. This contains the basic vocabularies like numeral, body parts and other grammatical elements. This data (wordlist) was given to a competent native speakers who in turn pronounced them in their local varieties which was transcribed by the researcher.
In conclusion it can be attested that, the degree of similarities in this varieties outweighs that the differences in the varieties, and that these differences have lesser effects on the mutual intelligibility across the varieties although it shows that, the varieties have started diverging.
