Numbers in Babm
Numbers in Babm follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making it unique among constructed languages. Spoken by a small community of enthusiasts interested in international auxiliary languages, Babm uses a compact Latin-based syllabary for efficient writing. Its counting system combines positional notation for tens and hundreds, with specific symbols for units. This system allows for straightforward construction of large numbers like 87 (l̃k̃) or 376 (k̃ȯl̃k̃). The language's design emphasizes simplicity and international understanding, making the numbers in Babm both practical and intriguing for learners and linguists alike.
Number system
Babm uses a vigesimal system where units from 1 to 9 are represented by specific symbols: b̃ [1], d̃ [2], f̃ [3], g̃ [4], h̃ [5], j̃ [6], k̃ [7], l̃ [8], m̃ [9]. Tens are formed by combining the digit with ȧ: b̃ȧ [10], d̃ȧ [20], f̃ȧ [30], g̃ȧ [40], h̃ȧ [50], j̃ȧ [60], k̃ȧ [70], l̃ȧ [80], m̃ȧ [90]. For example, 76 is k̃ȧj̃, meaning 70 + 6, while 87 is l̃k̃, directly replacing digits: 8 and 7. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before ȯ: b̃ȯ [100], d̃ȯ [200], etc. Compound numbers like 42 (f̃ȧd̃) combine 30 (f̃ȧ) and 20 (d̃). Large numbers are built by combining scale words: 1,000 is b̃u̇, 1 million is b̃n̈, and 1 billion is b̃p̈, following a positional and scale notation pattern.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from Zero to Nine
Digits 1-9 are represented by specific symbols: b̃ [1], d̃ [2], f̃ [3], g̃ [4], h̃ [5], j̃ [6], k̃ [7], l̃ [8], m̃ [9]. Zero is not represented by a symbol. For example, 3 is f̃, 5 is h̃, and 9 is m̃.
Forming Tens
Tens are formed by combining the digit with ȧ: b̃ȧ [10], d̃ȧ [20], f̃ȧ [30], g̃ȧ [40], h̃ȧ [50], j̃ȧ [60], k̃ȧ [70], l̃ȧ [80], m̃ȧ [90]. For example, 76 is k̃ȧj̃ (70 + 6), and 87 is l̃k̃ (80 + 7).
Constructing Compound Numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by concatenating the tens and units without spaces, e.g., k̃j̃ [76] (70 + 6), l̃k̃ [87] (80 + 7). Alternatively, the symbols for digits can replace the numeric notation directly, as in k̃j̃ for 76.
Forming Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before ȯ: b̃ȯ [100], d̃ȯ [200], f̃ȯ [300], etc. For example, 376 is f̃ȯl̃k̃, meaning 300 + 70 + 6, or written as f̃ȯl̃k̃.
Large Numbers and Scales
Large numbers are built using scale words: u̇ for thousands (b̃u̇ [1,000], d̃u̇ [2,000]), n̈ for millions (b̃n̈ [1 million]), p̈ for billions, and q̈ for trillions. For example, 1,000 is b̃u̇, and 1 trillion is b̃q̈.
Unique features
Babm's counting system is vigesimal, with specific symbols for each digit and scale, making it highly compact. For instance, 87 is l̃k̃, directly replacing the tens and units.
Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Babm's use of base-20 allows for efficient representation of large numbers with fewer symbols, similar to traditional Mayan numerals.
A surprising pattern is that the number 76 (k̃ȧj̃) combines the tens (70) and units (6) without a separator, unlike English or many European languages.
Large numbers like 1 million (b̃n̈) and 1 billion (b̃p̈) follow a consistent scale notation, simplifying the expression of very large quantities.
Babm's use of Latin alphabet symbols borrowed from a constructed syllabary reflects an innovative blend of phonetic and numerical design, emphasizing international accessibility.
Cultural context
Babm was invented in 1962 by the Japanese philosopher Rikichi Okamoto as an international auxiliary language. Although it remains a constructed language with limited speakers, its design aims to facilitate global communication. The language's numerals are used in theoretical contexts, language experiments, and linguistic studies rather than daily life. Its compact notation is appreciated by enthusiasts for its simplicity and efficiency. The community interested in Babm values clarity and universality, with no specific taboo or lucky numbers associated with its numerals. The language embodies a vision of international understanding, where numbers serve as a bridge across cultures and languages.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 19 in Babm is b̃ȧm̃, combining the base symbol for 10 (b̃ȧ) and the unit for 9 (m̃), illustrating how compound numbers are built.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which uses a decimal system, Babm's vigesimal system allows for more compact representation of large numbers, similar to the Mayan system.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming tens and hundreds in Babm is highly regular, making it easier for learners to memorize and construct numbers systematically.
Fact 4: Rikichi Okamoto, the creator of Babm, aimed to develop a language that could be learned quickly and used internationally, with numbers playing a key role in its design.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Babm uses scale words like n̈ for millions and p̈ for billions, showing an efficient way to handle big data in a constructed language.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Babm?
1 is b̃, 2 is d̃, 3 is f̃, 4 is g̃, 5 is h̃, 6 is j̃, 7 is k̃, 8 is l̃, 9 is m̃, and 10 is b̃ȧ.
What number base does Babm use?
Babm uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by the formation of 20 (d̃ȧ), 40 (g̃ȧ), 60 (j̃ȧ), and the pattern of combining tens and units.
How do you say 42 in Babm?
42 is f̃ȧd̃, combining 30 (f̃ȧ) and 20 (d̃).
How do you say 100 in Babm?
100 is b̃ȯ, formed by the digit 1 (b̃) before ȯ for hundreds.
How many people speak Babm?
The exact number of speakers is unknown; Babm remains a constructed language with a small community of enthusiasts.
Is Babm related to other languages?
Babm is a constructed auxiliary language, not related to natural language families, but inspired by international communication goals.
What makes Babm counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the use of specific symbols for each digit and scale make Babm's counting system highly compact and systematic, exemplified by numbers like 87 (l̃k̃).
Sources
- Universal auxiliary language: Babmby Rikichi Okamoto (1962, pdf)