Numbers in Antillean Creole of Martinique
kréyòl, patwa
Numbers in Antillean Creole of Martinique follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is inherited from Celtic influences via French. Spoken by about 400,000 people in Martinique, this creole language features unique counting patterns that differ from standard French. Its numbers include special words for 1 to 16, and use a combination of base-20 and decimal systems for higher numbers. For example, 20 is 'ven', and 60 is 'swasant', formed by multiplying 3 by 20. The language's counting system is both complex and fascinating, blending inherited vigesimal patterns with French influence, making it a distinctive feature of the language. Understanding these rules reveals the rich cultural history embedded in everyday speech.
Number system
Counting in Antillean Creole of Martinique combines a base-20 system with decimal elements. Numbers 1-16 are unique words, such as yonn [1], dé [2], twa [3], kat [4], senk [5], sis [6], sèt [7], uit [8], nèf [9], dis [10], wonz [11], douz [12], trèz [13], katòz [14], tjenz [15], and sèz [16]. From 17 to 19, the numbers are formed by adding to ten: disèt [17], dizuit [18], diznèf [19]. The tens are dis [10], ven [20], trant [30], karant [40], senkant [50], swasant [60], which is 3×20, and beyond. Numbers from 60 to 99 use the vigesimal system: swasanndis [60+10], swasanndiznèf [60+10+9], katrèven [4×20], and katrèvendis [4×20+10]. Compound numbers combine tens and units with 'é' (and), e.g., karannsenk [46] (40+6), and venndé [22] (20+2). Hundreds are formed by attaching the unit to 'san' (hundred): san [100], twasan [300], sensan [500], etc. For 101 and above, a dash links the unit: san-en [101], twasan-en [301]. Large numbers like one million ('milyon') and one billion ('milya') are borrowed terms, with 'an' replacing the indefinite article.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 0-16 are unique words
Numbers from zero to sixteen have specific words: zéwo [0], yonn [1], dé [2], twa [3], kat [4], senk [5], sis [6], sèt [7], uit [8], nèf [9], dis [10], wonz [11], douz [12], trèz [13], katòz [14], tjenz [15], and sèz [16].
Numbers 17-19 are formed by adding to ten
Seventeen to nineteen are regular combinations: disèt [10+7], dizuit [10+8], diznèf [10+9].
Tens are specific words from ten to sixty
Dis [10], ven [20], trant [30], karant [40], senkant [50], swasant [60].
Numbers from 60 to 99 use vigesimal system
Numbers like swasanndis [60+10], swasanndiznèf [60+10+9], katrèven [4×20], and katrèvendis [4×20+10] show the base-20 pattern.
Combining tens and units
Tens and units are combined with no hyphen, e.g., karannsis [46], but when the unit is one, 'é' (and) is inserted: venndé [22], tranntwa [33].
Numbers ending with one use 'é' and have special forms
For example, 41 is 'karantéen' (40+1), 31 is 'tranntwa', and 21 is 'venndé'.
Hundreds are formed by attaching the unit to 'san'
One hundred is 'san', two hundred 'désan', three hundred 'twasan', etc. For numbers like 101, a dash links the unit: 'san-en'.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system inherited from Celtic influences, seen in words like swasant [60] and katrèven [80].
Numbers 17-19 are formed by adding to ten, similar to French but with unique words like disèt and dizuit.
Compound numbers like 46 are formed by combining tens and units without hyphens, e.g., karannsenk.
Large numbers such as one million ('milyon') and one billion ('milya') are borrowed terms, with 'an' replacing the indefinite article.
Hundreds are formed by attaching the unit to 'san', with special forms like san-en for 101, reflecting a mix of additive and multiplicative patterns.
Cultural context
Spoken primarily in Martinique, Antillean Creole is a vital part of daily life, culture, and identity for around 400,000 speakers. It is used in informal settings, music, storytelling, and local trade. The vigesimal system reflects historical Celtic influences, and certain numbers like 7 (sèt) and 13 (trèz) hold cultural significance. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the language's unique counting system showcases the island's rich cultural tapestry and historical interactions with European and indigenous influences.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'swasant' for 60 directly reflects the base-20 system, meaning 3×20.
Fact 2: Unlike French, which is decimal, Antillean Creole uses vigesimal patterns, similar to Breton or Welsh.
Fact 3: The compound 'karannsenk' (46) combines 40 and 6 without a hyphen, showing a different approach from French 'quarante-six'.
Fact 4: The word 'milyon' for one million is borrowed from French, but with a Creole pronunciation and spelling.
Fact 5: For large numbers like one billion, the term 'milya' is used, showing adaptation of European numerals into local vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Antillean Creole of Martinique?
1 - yonn, 2 - dé, 3 - twa, 4 - kat, 5 - senk, 6 - sis, 7 - sèt, 8 - uit, 9 - nèf, 10 - dis.
What number base does Antillean Creole of Martinique use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like swasant [60], katrèven [80], and the formation of numbers like swasanndis [60+10].
How do you say 42 in Antillean Creole of Martinique?
42 is 'karannsenk' (40 + 2). It combines 'karant' (40) and 'senk' (5), but note that for 46, it's 'karannsenk' (40+6).
How do you say 100 in Antillean Creole of Martinique?
100 is 'san'. Numbers like 101 are 'san-en', attaching the unit with a dash.
How many people speak Antillean Creole of Martinique?
Approximately 400,000 speakers live in Martinique, where it is the primary language of daily communication.
Is Antillean Creole of Martinique related to other languages?
Yes, it is a French-lexified creole closely related to other Antillean Creoles like those in Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
What makes Antillean Creole of Martinique counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, especially the use of words like swasant [60], and the formation of compound numbers like karannsenk, make its counting system distinctive.