Numbers in Central Tarahumara
Rarámuri
Numbers in Central Tarahumara follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, unique among many indigenous languages. Spoken by approximately 55,000 Tarahumara people in Southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico, this language showcases a fascinating counting structure that combines native words with Spanish influences. The counting system features specific words for numbers 1 through 9, multiples of ten, and compound forms up to 100. Its pattern of forming numbers reveals a mix of vigesimal and decimal elements, making it both complex and intriguing. Understanding the numbers in Central Tarahumara offers insight into their culture, history, and linguistic richness.
Number system
Counting in Central Tarahumara is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a base. Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: bilé [1], okuá [2], bikiyá [3], nawó [4], malí [5], usani [6], kicháo [7], osánawó [8], kímakoi [9]. Tens are formed by placing the multiplier before 'makoi' (meaning ten): makoi [10], osámakoi [20], baisá makoi [30], nawosa makoi [40], malisa makoi [50], usansa makoi [60], kicháosa makoi [70], osánawosa makoi [80], kimakoisa makoi [90]. Compound numbers are built by stating the ten first, then 'miná' (plus), then the units: for example, 11 is 'makoi miná bilé' (10 plus 1), 26 is 'osámakoi miná usani' (20 plus 6), and 78 is 'kicháosa makoi miná osánawó' (70 plus 8). Hundreds are expressed as 'bilé siento' (100), and thousands as 'bilé mil' (1,000).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: bilé [1], okuá [2], bikiyá [3], nawó [4], malí [5], usani [6], kicháo [7], osánawó [8], kímakoi [9]. These are specific, individual words with no composition from other numbers.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'makoi' (meaning ten). For example, 10 is 'makoi', 20 is 'osámakoi' (second ten), 30 is 'baisá makoi' (third ten), 40 is 'nawosa makoi', 50 is 'malisa makoi', 60 is 'usansa makoi', 70 is 'kicháosa makoi', 80 is 'osánawosa makoi', and 90 is 'kimakoisa makoi'.
Constructing compound numbers
Compound numbers combine tens and units with 'miná' (plus). For example, 11 is 'makoi miná bilé' (10 plus 1), 26 is 'osámakoi miná usani' (20 plus 6), and 78 is 'kicháosa makoi miná osánawó' (70 plus 8). The ten comes first, then 'miná', then the units.
Hundreds and thousands
One hundred is 'bilé siento', derived from Spanish 'ciento'. One thousand is 'bilé mil', from Spanish 'mil'. These are used for large numbers, but detailed patterns beyond 100 are not fully documented.
Unique features
The number 9, 'kímakoi', is expressed as 'ten minus one', reflecting a subtractive pattern similar to some other languages but unique in its specific form.
Unlike many languages that use a base-10 system, Central Tarahumara employs a vigesimal system, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' (80) but with native words.
The formation of numbers like 20 ('osámakoi') and 30 ('baisá makoi') shows a pattern of multiplying the base ten, which is characteristic of vigesimal systems.
Large numbers like 100 and 1,000 incorporate Spanish loanwords ('siento' and 'mil'), reflecting cultural contact and historical influence.
The language combines native and borrowed elements, with the native system emphasizing a vigesimal pattern, while larger numbers borrow from Spanish.
Cultural context
The Tarahumara people inhabit the rugged mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, known for their endurance running and rich oral traditions. Numbers are integral in daily life, from trading goods to traditional ceremonies. The use of Spanish loanwords like 'siento' for 100 and 'mil' for 1,000 reflects historical contact with Spanish colonizers. Numbers also hold cultural significance; for example, certain numbers are considered lucky or taboo, though specific details are scarce. Their counting system reveals a deep connection to their environment and history, blending native vigesimal patterns with Spanish influences, illustrating a unique cultural synthesis.
Fun facts
The number 9, 'kímakoi', is 'ten minus one', a subtractive pattern not common in many languages.
While many languages are decimal, Central Tarahumara's vigesimal system is similar to French but uses entirely native words for numbers up to 90.
The pattern of forming numbers like 26 ('osámakoi miná usani') shows a clear base-20 multiplication combined with addition, making it a true vigesimal system.
The word for 100, 'bilé siento', is borrowed from Spanish, highlighting historical contact and language borrowing.
Despite limited data beyond 100, the pattern suggests that larger numbers might continue to combine native vigesimal and Spanish elements.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Central Tarahumara?
1 - bilé, 2 - okuá, 3 - bikiyá, 4 - nawó, 5 - malí, 6 - usani, 7 - kicháo, 8 - osánawó, 9 - kímakoi, 10 - makoi.
What number base does Central Tarahumara use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'osámakoi' for 20 and 'baisá makoi' for 30, which are formed by multiplying and adding within a 20-based structure.
How do you say 42 in Central Tarahumara?
42 is 'nawosa makoi miná bikiyá' (40 plus 2). First, 40 is 'nawosa makoi', then add 'bikiyá' (3) with 'miná' (plus), but since 42 is 40 plus 2, it would be 'nawosa makoi miná okuá'.
How do you say 100 in Central Tarahumara?
100 is 'bilé siento', combining native 'bilé' (one) with Spanish 'siento' (hundred).
How many people speak Central Tarahumara?
Approximately 55,000 people speak Central Tarahumara, primarily in Southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico.
Is Central Tarahumara related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family, which includes languages like Nahuatl and Hopi.
What makes Central Tarahumara counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, combining native words with Spanish borrowings, and the subtractive form for 9 ('kímakoi') make its counting system distinctive.
Sources
- Tarahumara Dictionary (in Spanish)