Numbers in Araki
Numbers in Araki follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, unique among Oceanic languages. Spoken on the island of Araki in Vanuatu, it has only about 8 speakers as of 2012, making it nearly extinct. The counting system features a combination of unique words for units, tens, hundreds, and a clear pattern for compound numbers. The language's counting method reflects its cultural and historical context, emphasizing the importance of the number 20 and its multiples. Understanding the numbers in Araki reveals a fascinating glimpse into its linguistic structure and cultural heritage, especially given its limited speaker base and endangered status.
Number system
Araki's counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it counts in multiples of 20. Units from 1 to 9 are expressed with specific words preceded by 'mo'. For example, 1 is 'mo hese', 2 is 'mo dua', and 9 is 'mo haisua'. The number 10 is 'mo sagavulu', and 20 is 'mo gavul dua'. Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by stating the ten, then 'comana', then the unit: for example, 14 is 'mo sagavul comana mo v̈ari'. Tens like 30, 40, etc., are formed by 'mo gavul rolu', 'mo gavul v̈ari', respectively, where 'gavul' indicates a multiple of 20. Hundreds are formed by 'mo gavul sagavulu' plus the multiplier digit, e.g., 200 is 'mo gavul sagavulu dua'. Compound numbers like 42 are built by combining the tens and units: 'mo gavul v̈ari mo dua'. The system clearly emphasizes the importance of 20 as a foundational counting unit.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting units (1-9)
Numbers 1 through 9 are expressed with specific words preceded by 'mo': 1 is 'mo hese', 2 is 'mo dua', 3 is 'mo rolu', 4 is 'mo v̈ari', 5 is 'mo lim̈a', 6 is 'mo haion', 7 is 'mo haip̈iru', 8 is 'mo haualu', and 9 is 'mo haisua'.
Tens (10-90)
Tens are formed starting with 'mo', then 'gavul' (short for 'sagavul'), followed by the multiplier digit: 10 is 'mo sagavulu', 20 is 'mo gavul dua', 30 is 'mo gavul rolu', 40 is 'mo gavul v̈ari', and so on up to 90, 'mo gavul haisua'.
Numbers 11-19
Formed by stating the ten, then 'comana', then the unit: 14 is 'mo sagavul comana mo v̈ari', 19 is 'mo sagavul comana mo haisua'.
Compound numbers 21-99
Constructed by combining the tens and units without 'comana': for example, 42 is 'mo gavul v̈ari mo dua' (20+2), and 53 is 'mo gavul lim̈a mo rolu' (50+3).
Hundreds
Formed with 'mo gavul sagavulu' plus the digit: 100 is 'mo gavul sagavulu', 200 is 'mo gavul sagavulu dua', 300 is 'mo gavul sagavulu rolu', up to 900 'mo gavul sagavulu haisua'.
Thousands
Expressed as 'mo gavul sagavulu sagavulu', literally 'ten times one hundred', representing 1,000.
Unique features
The number 20 ('mo gavul dua') is a central element, forming the basis for all higher numbers, exemplified in 42 ('mo gavul v̈ari mo dua').
Unlike many Oceanic languages that are decimal or quaternary, Araki's vigesimal system emphasizes 20 as a foundational counting unit.
Compound numbers from 11 to 19 include a 'comana' connector, which is unique and not found in many related languages.
Large numbers like 1,000 are expressed as 'mo gavul sagavulu sagavulu', showing a recursive pattern that hints at potential for larger numerals.
The language appears to borrow the word 'sagavulu' for 10, indicating possible historical contact or internal development.
Cultural context
Araki is spoken on the small island of Araki in Vanuatu, with only about 8 speakers remaining as of 2012. The community's culture is deeply connected to traditional practices, fishing, and island life. Numbers play a vital role in rituals, trade, and storytelling, often emphasizing the significance of the number 20, which may symbolize completeness or abundance. Due to its endangered status, the language's numerical system is at risk of extinction, but it remains a crucial part of cultural identity. Certain numbers might be associated with specific taboos or blessings, although detailed cultural specifics are scarce due to the language's limited use today.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 14 is 'mo sagavul comana mo v̈ari', showing the use of 'comana' to connect ten and the unit.
Fact 2: Compared to English, which is decimal, Araki's vigesimal system is similar to that of the Mayan language, emphasizing 20 as a base.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming 11-19 by combining ten and units is consistent with other vigesimal systems worldwide.
Fact 4: Historically, the word 'sagavulu' for 10 might be related to ancestral counting practices, possibly linked to counting fingers and toes.
Fact 5: For large numbers like 1,000, Araki uses a recursive pattern, 'mo gavul sagavulu sagavulu', indicating a scalable system based on 20.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Araki?
1 is 'mo hese', 2 is 'mo dua', 3 is 'mo rolu', 4 is 'mo v̈ari', 5 is 'mo lim̈a', 6 is 'mo haion', 7 is 'mo haip̈iru', 8 is 'mo haualu', 9 is 'mo haisua', and 10 is 'mo sagavulu'.
What number base does Araki use?
Araki uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by 20 being 'mo gavul dua' and 40 as 'mo gavul v̈ari', with numbers like 11-19 formed using 'comana'.
How do you say 42 in Araki?
42 is 'mo gavul v̈ari mo dua', combining 20 ('mo gavul v̈ari') and 2 ('mo dua') without 'comana'.
How do you say 100 in Araki?
100 is 'mo gavul sagavulu', and larger hundreds are formed by adding the digit, e.g., 300 is 'mo gavul sagavulu rolu'.
How many people speak Araki?
Approximately 8 speakers as of 2012, spoken on the island of Araki in Vanuatu.
Is Araki related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian family, specifically the Oceanic branch, within the Northern Vanuatu subgroup.
What makes Araki counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with a central role for 20, and the use of 'comana' to form numbers 11-19, distinguishes it from many other Oceanic languages.
Sources
- Araki: A disappearing language of Vanuatu, Alexander François, Pacific Linguistics Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies. The Australian National University. Canberra, 2002