Numbers in Burushaski
بروشسکی
Numbers in Burushaski follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making it distinct among world languages. Spoken by approximately 112,000 people in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Burushaski is a language isolate with no known genealogical ties. Its counting system is unique, combining base-20 multiples with compound formations for numbers eleven to nineteen and beyond. The language's structure reflects a rich cultural heritage, with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. Understanding the numbers in Burushaski offers insight into its complex numerical logic and cultural significance, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and language enthusiasts alike.
Number system
Burushaski uses a vigesimal system, where multiples of 20 form the basis for higher numbers. The numbers 1-9 are unique words: hik (1), altó (2), iskí (3), wálti (4), číndi (5), mishíndi (6), thalé (7), altámbi (8), huntí (9). The number 10 is tóorimi, and 20 is altar. Numbers like 30 are formed by combining 20 + 10 as altar-toorimi, and 40 is alto-altar (2*20). For example, 42 is formed as altar-iskí (20+3), and 78 as iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10+8). Compound numbers above twenty start with the tens word, then the unit, linked by a hyphen, e.g., altar-iski (23) for 20+3, and alto-altar-turma-hunti (59) for 40+19. Hundreds are formed with tha (100), and larger numbers up to 1,000 are constructed by combining these elements systematically.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: hik (1), altó (2), iskí (3), wálti (4), číndi (5), mishíndi (6), thalé (7), altámbi (8), huntí (9). For example, 4 is wálti, and 7 is thalé.
Forming numbers 11 to 19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by prefixing turma- to the unit word, e.g., turma-hik (11), turma-alto (12), turma-iski (13), turma-walti (14), turma-číndi (15), turma-mishíndi (16), turma-thale (17), turma-altámbi (18), turma-hunti (19).
Forming tens
Tens are based on multiples of 20: 20 is altar, 30 is altar-toorimi (20+10), 40 is alto-altar (2*20), 50 is alto-altar-toorimi (2*20+10), 60 is iski-altar (3*20), 70 is iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10), 80 is walti-altar (4*20), 90 is walti-altar-toorimi (4*20+10).
Constructing compound numbers below 100
Numbers like 23 are formed as altar-iski (20+3). For 78, the form is iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10). For 59, it is alto-altar-turma-hunti (40+19). The pattern is to start with the tens word, then the units, linked by a hyphen.
Forming hundreds and thousands
100 is tha. For example, 200 is altó tha (2*100). Numbers like 123 are constructed as altó tha (200) plus altar-iski (23), e.g., altó tha altar-iski. For 1,000, the word is sáas, and larger numbers are built by combining hundreds and tens systematically.
Building numbers above 100
Numbers like 178 are formed as iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10) plus tha (100), e.g., iski-altar-toorimi tha for 180, and 78 as iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10). The system is consistent, with the tens and units combined after the hundreds.
Unique features
The vigesimal system is explicitly built on multiples of 20, with 20 as a key base, unlike decimal systems in many languages. For example, 80 is walti-altar (4*20).
Compound numbers like 59 (alto-altar-turma-hunti) combine multiple layers of the base-20 system, reflecting complex linguistic structures.
Numbers 11-19 are formed with the prefix turma- plus the unit, a pattern not common in many other vigesimal languages.
Large numbers up to 1,000 are systematically built with the word sáas, but the detailed structure beyond 1,000 remains undocumented, making it a unique linguistic feature.
The word for 100, tha, is used in combination with other elements to form larger numbers, showing a clear hierarchical structure.
Cultural context
Burushaski is spoken predominantly in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, by the Burusho people, numbering around 112,000. Their culture is rich in traditions, with numbers playing a vital role in trade, rituals, and storytelling. The counting system reflects their historical emphasis on the number 20, seen in their daily life and ceremonies. While no specific taboo or lucky numbers are documented, the complexity of their counting system indicates a deep cultural connection to numerical concepts. Traditional crafts, music, and social events often incorporate numerical patterns, emphasizing their importance in cultural identity and community cohesion.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is mishíndi, illustrating the unique word for six in the system, which is used in compound formations.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Burushaski's use of base-20 resembles the counting systems of the ancient Mayans or some African languages.
Fact 3: The formation of 78 as iski-altar-toorimi (3*20+10+8) shows a highly systematic approach to larger numbers, combining multiple layers of the vigesimal base.
Fact 4: The word sáas for 1,000 indicates that Burushaski has a specific term for large numerals, but detailed formations beyond 1,000 are not documented.
Fact 5: The pattern of forming numbers like 42 (altar-iskí) demonstrates how the language combines tens and units seamlessly, reflecting a logical numerical structure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Burushaski?
The numbers are: 1 - hik, 2 - altó, 3 - iskí, 4 - wálti, 5 - číndi, 6 - mishíndi, 7 - thalé, 8 - altámbi, 9 - huntí, 10 - tóorimi.
What number base does Burushaski use?
Burushaski uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like altar for 20, altar-toorimi for 30, and 80 as walti-altar, which is 4*20.
How do you say 42 in Burushaski?
42 is formed as altar-iskí, meaning 20 plus 3, following the pattern of tens plus units.
How do you say 100 in Burushaski?
The word for 100 is tha, used alone or combined with other numbers, e.g., 123 as altó tha altar-iski.
How many people speak Burushaski?
Approximately 112,000 speakers live in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Is Burushaski related to other languages?
No, Burushaski is a language isolate with no known genealogical relationship to other language families.
What makes Burushaski counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with a clear base-20 structure, and the way compound numbers are systematically formed, sets it apart from many other languages.