eyini

Etymology
From, nị̀/ is used synonymously with , (compare with ). Used historically among NWY and CY dialects. The opposition between the demonstrative pronouns 'this' and 'that' is expressed by (or ) and,  respectively. In some SEY spoken varieties, however, it is and. While most CY dialects have maintained it, NWY experience an intralingual borrowing where was replaced by   in academic settings as well as in Standard Yoruba education. Eyini can be seen in older standard Yoruba literature. In some NWY spoken varieties and  are still used side by side, but with  gaining ground over.

Pronoun

 * 1)  that thing/person

Usage notes

 * Usually preceded by the "to-be" verb in Ekiti forms,