Numbers in Choapan Zapotec
Comaltepec Zapotec
Numbers in Choapan Zapotec follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, characteristic of many Mesoamerican languages. Spoken by approximately 12,000 people in north central Oaxaca and Veracruz, this language features unique counting patterns that differ from familiar decimal systems. Its irregularities in numbers 11 to 19, and the way larger numbers are constructed, make it particularly fascinating. The counting system reflects deep cultural traditions and historical influences. Understanding the numbers in Choapan Zapotec reveals not just numerical patterns but also insights into the community’s worldview and linguistic heritage.
Number system
Choapan Zapotec employs a vigesimal system, where numbers are primarily built around the words for ten (chi) and twenty (galo). Numbers 1-9 are unique words: tu (1), chopa (2), tzona (3), tapa (4), ga’yo’ (5), xopa (6), gadyi (7), xuna’ (8), ga (9). For example, 6 is xopa, and 7 is gadyi. Numbers 11-15 are irregular: 11 is chiptu (chi be tu, 10+1), 12 is chipchopa (chi be chopa, 10+2), 13 is chi’nnu, 14 is chi’da’, and 15 is chi’no’. Numbers 16-18 combine 15 with 1-3: 16 is chi’no’ be tu, 17 is chi’no’ be chopa, and 18 is chi’no’ be tzona. 19 is tu galo, which is 20 minus 1. Tens are formed by combining the words for ten and twenty: 20 is galo, 30 is galo be chi (20+10), 40 is chopa galo (2*20), and so forth. Compound numbers like 36 (galo be chi xopa, 20+10+6) and 78 (tzona galo tzona, 3*20+18) follow these patterns. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before gayua: 100 is tu gayua, 200 is chopa gayua, 300 is tzona gayua, etc.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Digits from 1 to 9 are unique words
Numbers 1 to 9 have specific words: tu (1), chopa (2), tzona (3), tapa (4), ga’yo’ (5), xopa (6), gadyi (7), xuna’ (8), ga (9). For example, 4 is tapa, and 9 is ga.
Numbers 11 to 15 are irregular and formed by contraction
Numbers like 11 (chiptu) are formed by combining chi (10) and tu (1). Similarly, 12 (chipchopa) combines chi and chopa (2). 13 (chi’nnu), 14 (chi’da’), and 15 (chi’no’) follow similar patterns, with 15 being chi’no’.
Numbers 16 to 18 are formed by adding 1-3 to 15
16 is chi’no’ be tu (15+1), 17 is chi’no’ be chopa (15+2), and 18 is chi’no’ be tzona (15+3). These show how the language combines base numbers with 15.
Number 19 is expressed as 'tu galo', meaning 20 minus 1
Tu galo (19) is constructed by subtracting 1 from 20 (galo). This pattern reflects a subtractive form for numbers just below twenty.
Tens are formed using 'galo' (20) and its multiples
20 is galo. 30 is galo be chi (20+10), 40 is chopa galo (2*20), 50 is chopa galo chi (2*20+10), 60 is tzona galo (3*20), 70 is tzona galo chi (3*20+10), 80 is tapa galo (4*20), and 90 is tapa galo chi (4*20+10). Compound numbers like 36 are galo be chi xopa (20+10+6).
Numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine are formed by combining 'galo' or other tens with 'be' and units
For example, 21 is galo be tu (20+1), 25 is galo be ga’yo’, 36 is galo be chi xopa (20+10+6), and 63 is tzona galo tzona (3*20+3*20). For numbers above 30, the 'be' is often omitted, e.g., 36 is galo be chi xopa.
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'gayua'
100 is tu gayua, 200 is chopa gayua, 300 is tzona gayua, etc. For example, 200 is chopa gayua, and 300 is tzona gayua, showing a straightforward multiplicative pattern.
Unique features
The irregular formation of numbers 11-15, such as chiptu (11) and chipchopa (12), which are contractions of base words.
Use of subtractive form for 19 (tu galo), which is uncommon in many vigesimal systems.
Numbers above 20 are built by combining multiples of 20 with smaller units, e.g., tzona galo (60) and tzona galo chi (70).
Large numbers like hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit before gayua, e.g., chopa gayua (200).
The language occasionally borrows the word 'galo' for twenty, reflecting cultural exchange or historical influence.
Cultural context
Choapan Zapotec is spoken by communities in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca and Veracruz, where traditional agriculture and craftwork are vital. Numbers appear in daily trade, rituals, and storytelling, often emphasizing community and ancestral ties. Certain numbers, like 13 (chi’nnu), may hold cultural significance, while others like 15 (chi’no’) are used in festivals. The use of subtractive forms and irregularities reflects a rich oral tradition. Despite modernization, traditional counting remains integral in ceremonies and local markets, preserving linguistic heritage. The community values the number 20 (galo) as a symbol of completeness, often associated with harvests and festivals.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 19 is tu galo, meaning 'one less than twenty,' showcasing a subtractive pattern unique among vigesimal systems.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages, Choapan Zapotec irregularly forms numbers 11-15 through contractions like chiptu and chipchopa, which are not transparent in their components.
Fact 3: The use of 'be' to connect tens and units is similar to other Mesoamerican languages but is omitted in compound numbers above 30, e.g., galo be chi vs. galo be chi xopa.
Fact 4: Historically, the word 'galo' for twenty might be borrowed or influenced by neighboring languages, indicating cultural exchanges.
Fact 5: For large numbers, the language extends the pattern of prefixing digits before 'gayua,' but counting beyond 999 remains undocumented, hinting at a potentially complex system.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Choapan Zapotec?
1 - tu, 2 - chopa, 3 - tzona, 4 - tapa, 5 - ga’yo’, 6 - xopa, 7 - gadyi, 8 - xuna’, 9 - ga, 10 - chi.
What number base does Choapan Zapotec use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like galo (20), galo be chi (30), and chopa galo (40). Numbers 11-15 are formed through contractions involving 10, and larger numbers combine multiples of 20 with units.
How do you say 42 in Choapan Zapotec?
42 is constructed as galo be chi xopa, meaning 20 + 10 + 6, following the pattern of combining tens with units using 'be' and additive components.
How do you say 100 in Choapan Zapotec?
100 is tu gayua, formed by placing the digit 'tu' before 'gayua,' indicating the hundreds. For 200, it is chopa gayua, and for 300, tzona gayua.
How many people speak Choapan Zapotec?
Approximately 12,000 speakers, primarily in north central Oaxaca and Veracruz.
Is Choapan Zapotec related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Oto-Manguean language family, specifically within the Zapotecan branch, sharing features with other Zapotec languages.
What makes Choapan Zapotec counting unique?
Its irregular numbers 11-15, the subtractive form for 19, and the use of contractions like chiptu and chipchopa make its counting system particularly distinctive among vigesimal languages.
Sources
- Gramática popular del zapoteco de Comaltepec, Choapam, Oaxaca, by Hilario Lyman Boulden (.pdf in Spanish)