Numbers in Arhuaco
Ikʉ
Numbers in Arhuaco follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous South American languages. Spoken by approximately 8,000 Arhuaco people in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this language features unique counting patterns. The system combines specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, often forming compound words. The counting method reflects their cultural and linguistic heritage, making the numbers in Arhuaco both fascinating and complex. Understanding these patterns provides insight into their worldview and daily life, where numbers are integral to rituals, trade, and storytelling.
Number system
Arhuaco uses a vigesimal system, where the primary counting units are based on 20. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: in’gwi [1], mowga [2], máykʉnʉ [3], ma’keywa [4], asewa [5], chin̈wa [6], koga [7], abewa [8], ikawa [9]. Tens are formed by combining the unit with uga (meaning ten): uga [10], mowga uga [20], máykʉnʉ uga [30], ma’keywa uga [40], etc. For example, 38 is formed as máykʉnʉ uga abewa kʉttow, combining 30 (máykʉnʉ uga) with 8 (abewa) plus the suffix kʉttow for units. Numbers between 11 and 19 omit the ten, e.g., in’gwi uga mowga kʉttow for 12. Hundreds are formed with syentu, e.g., syentu [100], mowga syentu [200], and compound numbers like syentu mowga uga [120]. Thousands are formed with mil, e.g., mil [1,000], mowga mil [2,000]. The pattern repeats with consistent rules for compound formation, emphasizing the vigesimal structure.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: in’gwi [1], mowga [2], máykʉnʉ [3], ma’keywa [4], asewa [5], chin̈wa [6], koga [7], abewa [8], ikawa [9]. For example, 4 is ma’keywa, and 7 is koga.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by combining the unit number with uga (meaning ten). For example, 10 is uga, 20 is mowga uga, 30 is máykʉnʉ uga, 50 is asewa uga, and 90 is ikawa uga. For example, 38 is máykʉnʉ uga abewa kʉttow, combining 30 and 8.
Compound numbers between 11 and 19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by omitting the ten and combining the unit with kʉttow, e.g., in’gwi uga mowga kʉttow (12) and ikawa kʉttow (19).
Numbers 21-29 and beyond
Numbers like 21 are formed by combining the ten with the unit, e.g., mowga uga (20), then 21 is mowga uga in’gwi kʉttow, 22 is mowga uga mowga kʉttow, etc. For example, 75 is koga uga asewa kʉttow, combining 70 and 5.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed with the word syentu, e.g., syentu [100], mowga syentu [200], and compound numbers like syentu mowga uga [120]. For example, 350 is máykʉnʉ syentu ma’keywa uga (300 + 50).
Thousands
Thousands are formed with mil, e.g., mil [1,000], mowga mil [2,000], and compound forms like mowga syentu mil [2,100]. For example, 4,500 is asewa syentu mil, combining 4000 + 500.
Unique features
The vigesimal system is explicitly reflected in compound numbers like máykʉnʉ uga abewa kʉttow for 38, showing how units and tens combine.
Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Arhuaco’s counting relies heavily on 20, evident in words like mowga uga for 20 and koga uga for 70.
A surprising pattern is that numbers 11-19 omit the ten word, e.g., in’gwi uga mowga kʉttow (12), which differs from the pattern for 20+.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed straightforwardly with the loanword 'mil,' showing influence from Spanish, and are combined with smaller units for complex numbers.
The use of loanwords 'syentu' for hundred and 'mil' for thousand indicates cultural contact and borrowing from Spanish, integrated into the native structure.
Cultural context
The Arhuaco people inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, a region rich in indigenous traditions and spiritual practices. Their language, including the counting system, reflects their connection to nature and the cosmos. Numbers are essential in rituals, storytelling, and trade, often associated with sacred concepts and ancestral knowledge. The use of vigesimal counting may relate to their traditional calendar and agricultural cycles. While specific taboo or lucky numbers are not documented, their language’s structure emphasizes community and continuity. Counting plays a vital role in ceremonies, land division, and social organization, maintaining their cultural identity amid external influences.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 38 in Arhuaco is máykʉnʉ uga abewa kʉttow, illustrating the vigesimal pattern of combining 30 and 8.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal, Arhuaco’s use of 20 as a base makes its counting system more similar to other indigenous languages like Maya or Quechua.
Fact 3: The formation of 100 as syentu and 1,000 as mil shows a clear borrowing from Spanish, yet integrated seamlessly into native grammar.
Fact 4: The word for 1,000, 'mil,' is a direct loan from Spanish, reflecting historical contact and trade influences.
Fact 5: The language can form numbers up to 9,999, but detailed rules beyond 1,000 are not documented, indicating potential complexity or cultural significance in larger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Arhuaco?
1 - in’gwi, 2 - mowga, 3 - máykʉnʉ, 4 - ma’keywa, 5 - asewa, 6 - chin̈wa, 7 - koga, 8 - abewa, 9 - ikawa, 10 - uga.
What number base does Arhuaco use?
Arhuaco uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as evidenced by words like mowga uga for 20 and koga uga for 70, showing multiplication of units by 20.
How do you say 42 in Arhuaco?
42 is formed as ma’keywa uga abewa kʉttow, combining 40 (ma’keywa uga) with 2 (mowga) plus the suffix kʉttow.
How do you say 100 in Arhuaco?
100 is syentu, and larger numbers like 120 are syentu mowga uga, combining 100 with 20.
How many people speak Arhuaco?
Approximately 8,000 speakers live in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Is Arhuaco related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Chibchan language family, which includes several indigenous languages of Central and South America.
What makes Arhuaco counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, combining specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, and the integration of Spanish loanwords like 'syentu' and 'mil' make it distinctive.
Sources
- Arhuaco dictionary, pdf in Spanish