Numbers in Bocce
Numbers in Bocce follow a mixed counting system rooted in a base-20 structure with specific words for units and multiples. Spoken by starcraft pilots, crews, and support personnel across various species, Bocce's counting is unique due to its pidgin origins and interplanetary influences. The language features distinct words for numbers 1 through 10, with compound forms for higher numbers. Its simplicity up to 10 contrasts with more complex formations beyond, making it a fascinating example of a constructed interstellar pidgin. Understanding the numbers in Bocce reveals insights into its cultural and practical use in trade and communication among diverse species in the Star Wars universe.
Number system
Bocce employs a vigesimal system, where the primary multiples are 10, 20, 50, 100, 1,000, and 10,000. Numbers 1-10 are unique words: wun [1], zwoo [2], treb [3], goor [4], fyiz [5], zix [6], zeve [7], kata [8], navax [9], atanox [10]. For example, 11 is atanoxwun, combining atanox (10) + wun (1). 12 is atanoxzwoo, combining atanox + zwoo (2). 13 is atanoxtreb, combining atanox + treb (3). 14 is atanoxgoor, combining atanox + goor (4). 15 is atanoxfyiz, combining atanox + fyiz (5). 16 is atanoxzix, combining atanox + zix (6). 17 is atanoxzeve, combining atanox + zeve (7). 18 is atanoxkata, combining atanox + kata (8). 19 is atanoxnavax, combining atanox + navax (9). 20 is gatanox, a multiplication of 20. Larger numbers like 50 are kimonex, 100 are pajono, 1,000 are apajono, and 10,000 are opajono. Compound numbers are formed by combining these words, with the prefix indicating multiples of 20 or 10, following the pattern of the vigesimal system. For example, 42 would be gatanoxzwoo (2×20 + 2), and 78 would be gatanoxzeve (3×20 + 18).
Number list (23)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 10
Numbers 1 to 10 are unique words: wun [1], zwoo [2], treb [3], goor [4], fyiz [5], zix [6], zeve [7], kata [8], navax [9], atanox [10]. These are mostly derived from standard pronunciations and are used as building blocks for larger numbers.
Forming numbers 11 to 19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by prefixing atanox (10) to the units: atanoxwun [11], atanoxzwoo [12], atanoxtreb [13], atanoxgoor [14], atanoxfyiz [15], atanoxzix [16], atanoxzeve [17], atanoxkata [18], atanoxnavax [19]. For example, 16 is atanoxzix, combining atanox (10) + zix (6).
Forming 20 and multiples of 20
20 is gatanox, a direct multiplication of 20. 50 is kimonex, which is a multiple of 50, and 100 is pajono, a hundred. Larger multiples are formed by combining these words, such as 40 (goorgatanox) or 80 (katagatanox).
Constructing compound numbers
Compound numbers are formed by combining the words for base units and multiples, often with a linking pattern. For example, 42 is gatanoxzwoo (2×20 + 2), and 78 is gatanoxzeve (3×20 + 18). The pattern indicates a vigesimal system where the prefix indicates the multiple of 20.
Large numbers
Numbers like 1,000 (apajono) and 10,000 (opajono) are used for large quantities. They are combined with smaller units to form larger numbers, such as 1,200 (apajono zwoo) or 15,000 (opajono kimonex).
Unique features
Bocce uses a vigesimal system with specific words for 10, 20, 50, 100, and beyond, unlike the decimal systems common in many languages.
The formation of numbers like 11-19 by prefixing atanox to units is similar to some ancient languages but unique in a pidgin context.
The number 20, gatanox, acts as a key multiplier, and compound numbers are built systematically, e.g., gatanoxzwoo for 42.
Large numbers like 1,000 (apajono) and 10,000 (opajono) are borrowed or constructed for interstellar trade, reflecting their importance in commerce.
The language incorporates borrowed words for large numbers, indicating cultural exchange and adaptation in interstellar trade.
Cultural context
Bocce is spoken by interstellar traders, pilots, and support crews across various species in the Star Wars universe. Its numbers are crucial for trade, navigation, and communication in multi-species contexts. The language’s structure reflects its pidgin origins, blending elements from multiple languages. Numbers like 7 (zeve) and 50 (kimonex) may hold cultural significance, possibly representing luck or status. Large numbers are used in trade agreements and starship logistics, while small numbers are common in daily exchanges. The language’s simplicity up to 10 contrasts with its complex compound formations, symbolizing the pragmatic yet adaptable nature of interstellar communication.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is atanoxzix, combining atanox (10) and zix (6), illustrating the vigesimal system.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages, Bocce’s number 20, gatanox, is a key base for constructing larger numbers, similar to how French uses 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
Fact 3: The formation of 11-19 by prefixing atanox is reminiscent of the Latin-based 'undecim' to 'undeviginti' pattern, but unique in a pidgin context.
Fact 4: The words for large numbers like apajono (1000) and opajono (10,000) suggest a cultural importance placed on vast quantities, possibly for trade or navigation.
Fact 5: The language’s handling of compound numbers demonstrates a clear vigesimal pattern, with the prefix indicating multiples of 20, making it highly systematic.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Bocce?
The numbers are wun [1], zwoo [2], treb [3], goor [4], fyiz [5], zix [6], zeve [7], kata [8], navax [9], atanox [10].
What number base does Bocce use?
Bocce employs a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like gatanox [20], kimonex [50], and compound formations such as atanoxzwoo [12].
How do you say 42 in Bocce?
42 is gatanoxzwoo, which combines gatanox (20) times 2 plus zwoo (2). It follows the pattern of multiplying 20 by a number and adding units.
How do you say 100 in Bocce?
100 is pajono, a dedicated word for the hundred. Larger numbers like 200 would be formed by combining pajono with other units.
How many people speak Bocce?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is used across various species in the Star Wars universe for interstellar trade and communication.
Is Bocce related to other languages?
Bocce is a constructed pidgin language within the Star Wars universe, blending elements from multiple languages and cultures, making it a unique interstellar lingua franca.
What makes Bocce counting unique?
Its vigesimal system with specific words for key multiples like 20 and 50, and the systematic formation of compound numbers, distinguishes it from many terrestrial languages.
Sources
- Wookiepeedia (Star Wars Wiki)