Numbers in Awa Pit
Cuaiquer or Kwaiker
Numbers in Awa Pit follow a mixed base system combining decimal and vigesimal features, characteristic of many indigenous South American languages. Spoken by approximately 13,000 people in Ecuador and Colombia, this language belongs to the Awan family within the Barbacoan group. Its counting system is particularly unique because it combines base-10 and base-20 elements, with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. The language's structure reflects cultural and historical influences, making the numbers in Awa Pit both practical and culturally significant. Understanding these numbers offers insight into their worldview and linguistic richness, especially how they form compound numbers like paz kutña [23] or maza wak [16].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units from zero to nine
Digits 1-9 are expressed with specific words: maza [1], paz [2], kutña [3], ampara [4], chish [5], wak [6], pikamta [7], ita [8], toil [9]. Zero is chalkuil. For example, 1 is maza, 5 is chish, and 9 is toil.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining the digit with chalkuil [0], e.g., paz chalkuil [20], kutña chalkuil [30], ampara chalkuil [40], up to toil chalkuil [90]. For example, 42 is formed as paz kutña [2 3], combining 2 (paz) and 3 (kutña).
Compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by repeating the word for 1 (maza) or 2 (paz) followed by the units, e.g., maza maza [11], maza paz [12], maza kutña [13], up to maza toil [19]. For numbers like 16, it’s maza wak (1 6).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by multiplying the digit by pik: [100], paz pik [200], kutña pik [300], etc. For example, 300 is kutña pik, and 800 is ita pik. 150 is formed as paz pik ampara chalkuil (2 4 0).
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, starting with the digit followed by im: [1,000], paz im [2,000], kutña im [3,000], etc. For example, 1,500 is paz im ampara chalkuil (2 4 0), and 3,700 is kutña im pikamta chalkuil (7 0).
Unique features
The number 16 is maza wak (1 6), combining 1 and 6 directly, showing a simple additive pattern for 6-9.
Unlike many languages, Awa Pit uses a vigesimal influence primarily in forming numbers like 20 paz chalkuil and 30 kutña chalkuil, but keeps a decimal structure for units and hundreds.
The formation of 10 as pazchish (2×5) reflects a multiplication pattern, not just a simple addition, which is uncommon in many languages.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed with the word im, showing a clear base-10 multiplication pattern, similar to many other languages but with unique words.
The word for one, maza, is also used in compound numbers like 11 (maza maza), indicating a cultural emphasis on the number one.
Cultural context
The Awa-Kwaiker people inhabit regions of Ecuador and Colombia, primarily in Carchi, Sucumbios, Nariño, and Putumayo. Their culture is rich in traditions, with numbers playing a vital role in rituals, trade, and daily life. Numbers like maza (1) and paz (2) are often associated with spiritual or cultural significance, while larger numbers are used in counting livestock, land, or trade goods. The language reflects a worldview that emphasizes relationships and multiplicative concepts, seen in the way large numbers are constructed. There are no known taboo or lucky numbers, but the use of specific words like maza and paz indicates their importance in social and ceremonial contexts.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 (maza wak) directly combines 1 and 6, illustrating a simple additive pattern for the numbers 6 through 9.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages that use a base-10 system exclusively, Awa Pit incorporates vigesimal elements in forming numbers like 20 paz chalkuil and 30 kutña chalkuil.
Fact 3: The word paz for 2 is also used in compound numbers like paz kutña [23], showing how the language constructs numbers systematically.
Fact 4: The word im for 1,000 is shared across many large numbers, reflecting a consistent base-10 multiplication pattern.
Fact 5: The language’s structure allows for very large numbers, such as millions, which are formed by adding kɨm: [million, 106], showing its capacity for expressing large quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Awa Pit?
1 - maza, 2 - paz, 3 - kutña, 4 - ampara, 5 - chish, 6 - wak, 7 - pikamta, 8 - ita, 9 - toil, 10 - pazchish.
What number base does Awa Pit use?
Awa Pit primarily uses a decimal system with vigesimal influences. Evidence includes the formation of 20 paz chalkuil (2×10) and 30 kutña chalkuil (3×10), as well as the pattern for forming 10 as pazchish, which involves multiplication.
How do you say 42 in Awa Pit?
42 is paz kutña, combining 2 (paz) and 3 (kutña) with the tens first, following the pattern of tens + units.
How do you say 100 in Awa Pit?
100 is pik:, and larger hundreds are formed by multiplying the digit by pik, e.g., paz pik [200], kutña pik [300].
How many people speak Awa Pit?
Approximately 13,000 speakers, primarily in Ecuador's Carchi and Sucumbios provinces, and Colombia's Nariño and Putumayo departments.
Is Awa Pit related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Awan language family within the Barbacoan group, sharing features with other Awan languages.
What makes Awa Pit counting unique?
Its combination of decimal and vigesimal elements, especially in forming numbers like 20 paz chalkuil and 30 kutña chalkuil, and the multiplication pattern in 10 pazchish, make it distinctive.
Sources
- AwaPit Pɨnkɨh Kammu Gramática Pedagógica (pdf), Ministerio de educación, Ecuador, 2009