Numbers in Aloápam Zapotec
Zapoteco de Aloápam
Numbers in Aloápam Zapotec follow a mixed vigesimal and decimal system, reflecting its historical evolution from a primarily vigesimal counting tradition. Spoken by about 3,400 people around San Miguel and San Isidro Aloápam in Oaxaca, Mexico, this language features unique number formations and cultural significance. Its counting system combines traditional vigesimal patterns with emerging decimal influences, making it a fascinating example of linguistic change. Learning the numbers in Aloápam Zapotec provides insight into the community’s rich cultural heritage and their adaptation to modern influences. This language’s counting system is especially notable for its use of specific words for each number and the way compound numbers are constructed, blending old and new methods.
Number system
Aloápam Zapotec primarily uses a vigesimal system, where the number twenty (galhia) acts as a key multiplier. Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: ttubi [1], chupa [2], tsunna [3], ttapa [4], gayu [5], xxupa [6], gasi [7], xxunu [8], jaa [9]. Numbers 10 to 19 are also unique: tsii [10], sinia [11], tsi’inu [12], tsi’intsagüi [13], sitá [14], tsinu [15], sixupa [16], tsini [17], sixunu [18], chennia [19]. For example, 6 is xxupa, formed directly as a specific word, not a combination. The word for twenty, galhia, is used as a base for forming numbers 21–29 by adding -erua suffix: ttuerua [21], chuperua [22], etc. Tens like thirty (rerua) and forty (chua) are used with two forms: vigesimal (adding -erua to 11–19) or decimal (regular compound). For example, 32 is sinierua (vigesimal) or medi gayua yu’u tsi’inu (decimal). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit (e.g., chupa for 200) before gayua (hundred). Compound numbers like 42 are formed by combining the ten word with yu’u plus the unit: medi gayua yu’u ttapa [54]. The system shows a clear pattern of combining base words with suffixes and conjunctions, blending vigesimal roots with decimal influences.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Digits from 1 to 9
Numbers 1–9 are unique words: ttubi [1], chupa [2], tsunna [3], ttapa [4], gayu [5], xxupa [6], gasi [7], xxunu [8], jaa [9]. For example, 4 is ttapa, and 7 is gasi. These words are specific and do not follow a pattern of combination.
Numbers from 10 to 19
Numbers 10–19 are unique words: tsii [10], sinia [11], tsi’inu [12], tsi’intsagüi [13], sitá [14], tsinu [15], sixupa [16], tsini [17], sixunu [18], chennia [19]. For example, 11 is sinia, and 13 is tsi’intsagüi. Some are contractions of 10 plus units, like sixunu [18], from tsii [10] + xxunu [8].
Numbers 20–29
Twenty is galhia. Numbers 21–29 are formed by adding -erua to the digit root: ttuerua [21], chuperua [22], tsunerua [23], ttaperua [24], gayuerua [25], xxuperua [26], gasierua [27], xxunuerua [28], jaerua [29]. For example, 27 is gasierua, combining 7 (gasi) with the suffix.
Tens 30–39
Thirty is rerua. Numbers 31–39 have two forms: vigesimal, formed by adding -erua to 11–19 (e.g., sinierua [31], tsi’inuerua [32]) or decimal, formed by combining the base ten with units (e.g., medi gayua yu’u tsi’inu [32]).
Tens 40–69 and 80–89
Forty is chua, and eighty is ta. Numbers like 42 are medi gayua yu’u ttapa [54], combining ten + yu’u + unit. Seventies and nineties are formed by adding 11–19 words to the previous ten: gayuna yu’u sinia [71], ta yu’u sixunu [98], showing the mixture of vigesimal and decimal patterns.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit word before gayua (hundred). For example, 200 is chupa gayua, 300 is tsunna gayua. The word gayua is contracted from gayu (five) times twenty, reflecting vigesimal origins.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed by combining the ten word, yu’u (and/plus), and the unit: medi gayua yu’u ttapa [54]. For 78, it’s gayuna yu’u tsini [78], combining 60 (gayuna) with 18 (tsini). When the units are 1, the short form ttu replaces ttubi, e.g., medi gayua yu’u ttu [51].
Unique features
The use of both vigesimal and decimal forms, with some numbers like 70 (gayuna yu’u tsii) blending systems.
The formation of 60 (gayuna) as a contraction of 3×20, showing vigesimal roots embedded in the language.
The short form for 1 in compound numbers: ttu instead of ttubi, as in medi gayua yu’u ttu [51].
The dual form for tens like thirty (rerua) and forty (chua), which can follow vigesimal or decimal patterns.
The word gayua for hundred, derived from gayu (five), indicating a vigesimal origin for large numbers.
Cultural context
The Aloápam Zapotec community, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vibrant indigenous group with deep cultural traditions. Their language, including the unique counting system, plays a vital role in daily life, trade, and rituals. Numbers are used in traditional markets, ceremonies, and storytelling, often reflecting respect for ancestors and nature. The community values the preservation of their language, and certain numbers may hold cultural significance, such as lucky or taboo numbers, though specific details are scarce. As the language evolves, the blending of vigesimal and decimal systems mirrors their adaptation to modern influences while maintaining cultural identity. The counting system exemplifies their historical resilience and linguistic richness.
Fun facts
The number 16 is xxupa, which is a specific word, not a combination, showing the language’s unique vocabulary.
Compared to Spanish, which is decimal, Aloápam Zapotec retains a vigesimal base, similar to some other Mesoamerican languages like Nahuatl.
The formation of 60 as gayuna (from gayu, five) times twenty demonstrates an embedded vigesimal pattern within the language’s structure.
Historically, the vigesimal system reflects ancient Mesoamerican counting traditions that predate Spanish influence.
Large numbers like 100 are formed by placing the digit before gayua, e.g., ttu gayua for 100, showing a systematic approach to large numerals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Aloápam Zapotec?
1 - ttubi, 2 - chupa, 3 - tsunna, 4 - ttapa, 5 - gayu, 6 - xxupa, 7 - gasi, 8 - xxunu, 9 - jaa, 10 - tsii.
What number base does Aloápam Zapotec use?
It primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by the word for twenty (galhia) and the formation of numbers like 60 (gayuna) as 3×20, and 100 (ttu gayua) as a multiple of five times twenty.
How do you say 42 in Aloápam Zapotec?
42 is medi gayua yu’u ttapa, combining 30 (rerua) as 1×20 + 10, with 4 (ttapa) added via yu’u.
How do you say 100 in Aloápam Zapotec?
100 is ttu gayua, formed by the short form of one (ttu) before gayua (hundred), reflecting the vigesimal origin.
How many people speak Aloápam Zapotec?
Approximately 3,400 speakers, primarily in the regions around San Miguel and San Isidro Aloápam in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Is Aloápam Zapotec related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Zapotecan branch of the Oto-Manguean language family, sharing features with other Zapotec languages.
What makes Aloápam Zapotec counting unique?
Its blend of vigesimal and decimal systems, with specific words for each number and the use of suffixes like -erua, makes its counting system distinctive among Mesoamerican languages.
Sources
- I read numbers (.pdf in Spanish)