Numbers in Arbëresh
Arbërisht
Numbers in Arbëresh follow a mixed counting system that combines elements of vigesimal (base-20) and decimal (base-10) systems. Spoken by the Arbëreshë communities in Southern Italy and Sicily, this language has approximately 100,000 speakers. Its unique counting pattern features specific words for numbers 1 through 20, with higher numbers often borrowed from Italian or Sicilian. The system exhibits a combination of additive and agglutinative features, especially in forming numbers between 21 and 99. Understanding the numbers in Arbëresh offers insight into their rich cultural history and linguistic heritage.
Number system
The Arbëresh counting system is primarily vigesimal, evidenced by the word for twenty, njëzetnti, meaning 'one score.' Numbers 1-9 are unique words: një (1), di (2), tre (3), kartë (4), pesë (5), gjashtë (6), shtatë (7), tetë (8), nëntë (9). Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the digit with mbë + dhjetë, such as njëmbëdhjetë (11), dimbëdhetë (12), and trimbëdhjetë (13). Tens are formed by the digit followed by 'dhjetë' (10), e.g., pesëdhjetë (50). The number 20 is njëzetnti, derived from 'një' (one) + 'zet' (score). Numbers above 20 are often expressed in Italian or Sicilian, but the base pattern shows a vigesimal influence, especially in the formation of 20 and 40 (karta + dhjetë for 40). For example, 42 would combine 'dy' (2) with 'zet' (score) and the units, following the vigesimal pattern, but specific words for numbers above 20 are borrowed from other languages.
Number list (21)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-9
Digits from one to nine are specific words: një (1), di (2), tre (3), kartë (4), pesë (5), gjashtë (6), shtatë (7), tetë (8), nëntë (9).
Numbers 11-19
Formed by combining the digit with mbë + dhjetë, e.g., njëmbëdhjetë (11), dimbëdhetë (12), trimbëdhjetë (13). No space separates the digit and the suffix.
Tens
Tens are formed by the digit followed by 'dhjetë', e.g., pesëdhjetë (50). The word për twenty, njëzetnti, is derived from 'një' (one) + 'zet' (score).
Numbers above twenty
Numbers like 21-29 are often expressed in Italian or Sicilian, but the vigesimal pattern influences the structure. For example, 42 would be constructed by combining 'dy' (2) with 'zet' (score) and units, although specific words are borrowed.
Hundreds
The word for 100 is qind. Larger numbers are formed by multiplying qind with other numbers, e.g., 200 is 'dy qind' (two hundred).
Unique features
The word for twenty, njëzetnti, is derived from 'një' (one) + 'zet' (score), reflecting an old vigesimal system.
Numbers 11-19 are formed by agglutinating the digit with mbë + dhjetë, e.g., njëmbëdhjetë (11), dimbëdhetë (12).
For numbers above twenty, many are borrowed from Italian or Sicilian, unlike the native words for 1-20.
The system combines vigesimal and decimal elements, with the word qind for 100, showing a decimal influence.
The use of specific words for 1-9 and a unique pattern for 11-19 makes Arbëresh counting distinctive among Balkan languages.
Cultural context
The Arbëreshë people reside mainly in Southern Italy and Sicily, maintaining a vibrant cultural identity rooted in Albanian heritage. Their numbers appear in traditional trade, religious ceremonies, and daily life, often intertwined with local customs. The use of native numbers for 1-20 reflects their historical continuity, while borrowed terms for higher numbers indicate cultural exchange with Italian and Sicilian neighbors. Certain numbers, like 13, may carry cultural significance, but specific taboos are not well documented. Their counting system exemplifies a blend of indigenous tradition and external influence, illustrating their resilience and cultural richness.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The word for twenty, njëzetnti, literally means 'one score,' a vestige of an old vigesimal counting system.
Fact 2: Unlike many Balkan languages that use decimal systems, Arbëresh incorporates vigesimal elements, similar to French 'quatre-vingt'.
Fact 3: The formation of numbers 11-19 by agglutination (njëmbëdhjetë, dimbëdhetë) is a unique morphological feature among Albanian dialects.
Fact 4: The word qind for 100 is borrowed from Latin 'centum,' showing historical linguistic influence.
Fact 5: For numbers above 20, many terms are borrowed from Italian or Sicilian, such as 'quaranta' for 40, but the native pattern remains evident in 1-20.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Arbëresh?
1 - një, 2 - di, 3 - tre, 4 - kartë, 5 - pesë, 6 - gjashtë, 7 - shtatë, 8 - tetë, 9 - nëntë, 10 - dhjetë.
What number base does Arbëresh use?
It primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by the word për twenty, njëzetnti, and the formation of numbers like 11-19. The pattern of combining digits with mbë + dhjetë also supports this.
How do you say 42 in Arbëresh?
While specific native words are limited, based on the pattern, 42 would be formed by combining 'dy' (2) with 'zet' (score) and the units, likely as 'dyzetë e dy' or borrowed Italian structure, but the native pattern suggests a vigesimal approach.
How do you say 100 in Arbëresh?
The word for 100 is 'qind'. Larger numbers are formed by multiplying qind with other numbers, e.g., 200 is 'dy qind'.
How many people speak Arbëresh?
Approximately 100,000 speakers, mainly in Southern Italy and Sicily.
Is Arbëresh related to other languages?
Yes, it is a dialect of Albanian, specifically derived from the Tosk dialect, and belongs to the Indo-European language family.
What makes Arbëresh counting unique?
Its combination of vigesimal and decimal elements, especially the word for twenty, and the agglutination pattern for numbers 11-19, make it distinctive among Albanian dialects.