Numbers in Barsoomian
Numbers in Barsoomian follow a decimal system with unique compound formations. Spoken by all Martians in Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional universe, the language includes a telepathic component. The counting system is based on specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and larger numbers, with clear patterns for forming compound numbers like 'teeay' for 11 or 'tortee' for 40. Despite its fictional origin, the language's number system reflects a logical structure that combines base-10 elements with unique prefixes and suffixes. This makes the numbers in Barsoomian both intriguing and consistent, offering insight into the Martian culture and language design.
Number system
The counting system in Barsoomian is primarily decimal, with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. The digits 1, 4, 7, and 8 are 'ay', 'tor', 'ov', and 'bar' respectively. Tens are formed by suffixing 'tee' to the unit word, except for 10 itself: 'tee'. For example, 11 is 'teeay' (10 + 1), 14 is 'torteer' (40 + 4), 17 is 'teevor' (10 + 7), and 18 is 'teebar' (10 + 8). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the word for hundred 'tan' with the digit: 100 is 'tan', 400 is 'tortan', 700 is 'ovtan', and 800 is 'bartan'. Compound numbers combine these elements without spaces: 42 is 'torteetee' (40 + 2, with 2 not attested but inferred), 78 is 'teevorov' (70 + 8), and 87 is 'teevorbar' (70 + 8). Thousands are formed by prefixing 'tan' with the multiplier: 1,000 is 'teetan', 1,100 is 'teeaytan', and 1,400 is 'teetortan'. Larger numbers like ten thousand are 'mak', and one million is 'dur'.
Number list (14)
Counting rules
Counting units
The digits 1, 4, 7, and 8 are 'ay', 'tor', 'ov', and 'bar'. For example, 1 is 'ay', 4 is 'tor', 7 is 'ov', and 8 is 'bar'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by suffixing 'tee' to the unit word, except for 10 itself: 'tee'. For example, 11 is 'teeay' (10 + 1), 14 is 'torteer' (40 + 4), 17 is 'teevor' (10 + 7), and 18 is 'teebar' (10 + 8).
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tan' with the digit: 100 is 'tan', 400 is 'tortan', 700 is 'ovtan', and 800 is 'bartan'. For example, 400 is 'tortan', 700 is 'ovtan', and 800 is 'bartan'.
Building compound numbers
Compound numbers combine tens and units without spaces: 42 is 'torteetee' (40 + 2), 78 is 'teevorov' (70 + 8), 87 is 'teevorbar' (70 + 8). For example, 44 would be 'torteetor' (40 + 4), and 87 is 'teevorbar'.
Forming thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing 'tan' with the multiplier: 1,000 is 'teetan', 1,100 is 'teeaytan', 1,400 is 'teetortan'. For example, 1,000 is 'teetan', 1,400 is 'teetortan'.
Unique features
Numbers like 11 ('teeay') and 14 ('torteer') are formed by combining the word for ten with units, showing a clear pattern similar to some natural languages but with unique prefixes.
Unlike many languages, the hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tan' directly to the digit, e.g., 'tortan' for 400, which is a straightforward and logical pattern.
The language uses no space between tens and units in compound numbers, e.g., 'teevorbar' for 87, which is distinctive among decimal systems.
Large numbers like 10,000 ('mak') and 1,000,000 ('dur') are completely separate words, indicating a different morphological process for very large quantities.
The word for one thousand, 'teetan', is formed by prefixing 'tee' (10) with 'tan' (hundred), reflecting a layered structure that combines smaller units into larger ones.
Cultural context
The Martian civilization in Edgar Rice Burroughs' universe is highly advanced, with a culture that values precise measurement and telepathic communication. Numbers in Barsoomian are used in trade, navigation, and rituals, often inscribed in their architecture and artifacts. The use of specific words for large numbers like 'mak' (ten thousand) and 'dur' (one million) suggests a society capable of conceptualizing vast quantities. Certain numbers may be considered auspicious or taboo, though this is not explicitly documented. The language's numerical system reflects their scientific and cultural sophistication, blending simplicity with complexity in a way that emphasizes clarity and efficiency.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 11 is 'teeay', formed by combining 'tee' (10) and 'ay' (1), illustrating the additive pattern for numbers just above ten.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 40 is 'forty', in Barsoomian 40 is 'tortee', showing a consistent suffix '-tee' for multiples of ten.
Fact 3: The formation of 400 ('tortan') and 800 ('bartan') demonstrates a regular pattern of prefixing 'tan' with the digit, similar to how some natural languages form hundreds.
Fact 4: The word 'mak' for ten thousand suggests a cultural significance, possibly used in large-scale descriptions or measurements.
Fact 5: The language's system for large numbers like 'mak' and 'dur' indicates an ability to conceptualize and articulate extremely large quantities, reflecting advanced mathematical understanding.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Barsoomian?
1 is 'ay', 2 is 'aryo' (not attested but inferred), 3 is 'el', 4 is 'tor', 5 is 'elay' (hypothetical), 6 is 'el tor' (hypothetical), 7 is 'ov', 8 is 'bar', 9 is 'el ov' (hypothetical), 10 is 'tee'.
What number base does Barsoomian use?
Barsoomian uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by words like 'tee' for 10, 'tortee' for 40, and 'teetan' for 1,000, showing consistent use of powers of ten.
How do you say 42 in Barsoomian?
42 is formed as 'torteetee' (40 + 2). 'Tort' (40) plus 'tee' (10) plus 'ay' (1) for 11, but since 42 is 40 + 2, it would be 'torteetee' (40 + 2).
How do you say 100 in Barsoomian?
100 is 'tan'. The hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tan' with the digit: 400 is 'tortan', 700 is 'ovtan', and 800 is 'bartan'.
How many people speak Barsoomian?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is spoken by all Martians in Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional universe.
Is Barsoomian related to other languages?
Barsoomian is a constructed language created for fiction, with no real-world linguistic relatives, but it was designed by Paul Frommer based on limited vocabulary from Burroughs' novels.
What makes Barsoomian counting unique?
Its use of suffix '-tee' for tens, direct prefixing 'tan' for hundreds, and the formation of large numbers like 'mak' and 'dur' make it distinctive among decimal systems.
Sources
- Barsoomian
- An Interview with Paul Frommer, by Fredrik Ekman, Fiat Lingua (March 2012)
- John Carter, Walt Disney official site