Numbers in Carrier

Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: lhuk’i (1), nankoh (2), tak’ih (3), dink’ih (4), skwunlai (5), lhk’uttak’ih (6), lhtak’alt’i (7), lhk’utdink’ih (8), lhuk’i hooloh (9). These words are specific and do not follow a pattern of composition, serving as the building blocks for larger numbers.

Tens are formed by prefixing the word for ten (lanezyi) with the root of the multiplier digit, except for ten itself. For example, 20 is nat lanezyi, 30 is tat lanezyi, 40 is dit lanezyi, and so on. For 15, the number is lanezyi ’o’un skwunlai, combining 10 + 5. Similarly, 25 is nat lanezyi ’o’un skwunlai, and 35 is tat lanezyi ’o’un tak’ih.

Numbers like 42 are formed by combining 20 (nat lanezyi), 2 (nankoh), and 10 (lanezyi). For example, 42 is lhk’ut’lanezyi ’o’un nankoh, meaning 20 + 10 + 2. Larger numbers such as 78 are lhtak’alt’it lanezyi ’o’un lhk’uttak’ih, meaning 70 + 8. The pattern involves combining the tens with the units using ’o’un (plus).

The word for 100 is lhk’ut’lanezyi. Larger numbers are formed by combining hundreds with tens and units, e.g., 150 is lhk’ut’lanezyi ’o’un skwunlai, meaning 100 + 50. For 1000, the data is lacking, but the pattern suggests a similar compound structure.

Numbers above 100 are formed by combining the word for 100 with additional tens and units, following the vigesimal pattern. For example, 78 (lhtak’alt’it lanezyi ’o’un lhk’uttak’ih) is 70 + 8, and 95 would be constructed similarly, combining 80 (lhk’udit lanezyi) with 15 (lanezyi ’o’un skwunlai).

Carrier uses a vigesimal system, with 20 as a key multiplier, e.g., nat lanezyi (20) and lhk’ut’lanezyi (100).

The number for 9, lhuk’i hooloh, literally means 'one is gone,' reflecting a cultural perspective on counting.

Compound numbers like 47 are formed by combining 40 (dit lanezyi) with 7 (lhtak’alt’i), showing a clear pattern of addition with ’o’un.

Large numbers are built systematically, but the data only confirms accurate counting up to 100, indicating a complex structure for higher numbers.

The word for one (lhuk’i) is borrowed from older Athabaskan roots, and the word for 100, lhk’ut’lanezyi, combines the concept of 'hundred' with the vigesimal base.

The number 9, lhuk’i hooloh, literally means 'one is gone,' which is a unique way to express nine, unlike in many other languages.

Compared to English, which is decimal, Carrier’s vigesimal system is similar to that of the Mayan language, though the words and structure are entirely different.

Carrier’s number 15, lanezyi ’o’un skwunlai, combines the words for ten and five, illustrating a clear additive pattern similar to other vigesimal systems.

Historically, the use of vigesimal counting in Carrier may reflect ancient trade practices or cultural exchanges with neighboring groups who also used base-20 systems.

The language can form large numbers systematically, but the data only confirms accurate counting up to 100, suggesting an intricate system for higher numbers that remains to be fully documented.