Numbers in Copala Triqui
xna’ánj nu̱’
Numbers in Copala Triqui follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making their counting pattern unique among indigenous languages. Spoken around San Juan Copala, Oaxaca, by approximately 30,000 speakers, this language belongs to the Mixtecan branch of the Oto-Manguean family. Its counting system combines traditional words with Spanish loanwords for large numbers like 'syéntu' for hundred and 'mín' for thousand. The structure involves base-20 multiples and additive formations for numbers from eleven to nineteen, as well as complex compound numbers. Understanding the numbers in Copala Triqui reveals both linguistic richness and cultural history, making it a fascinating example of indigenous numeric systems.
Number system
Copala Triqui employs a vigesimal system where multiples of twenty are fundamental. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: hngòoj [1], wwìi [2], wàhnin [3], gàhan [4], ùhunj [5], wàtanj [6], txìj [7], tìnj [8], hìn [9]. Tens are formed by combining these with xxìyà for twenty: kò [20], kò txìh [30], wìj xxìyà [40], wwìj xxìyà txìh [50], etc. For example, 42 is 'gàhanj xxìyà kò gàhanj' (4*20 + 2), and 78 is 'wàhnin syéntu taá txìj xxìyà wàhnin' (3*20 + 18). Numbers from eleven to fifteen are built with 'txìh' (ten) plus units: xàn [11], xùwìj [12], xàhnìnj [13], xìgàhanj [14], xìnùnh [15]. Sixteen to nineteen are formed by adding to fifteen: xìnùnh yàn [16], xìnùnh wwìj [17], etc. Hundreds are expressed as 'hngò syéntu' [100], and thousands as 'hngò mín' [1,000], with larger numbers combining these elements via the verb 'taá' (being on top, in addition).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: hngòoj [1], wwìi [2], wàhnin [3], gàhan [4], ùhunj [5], wàtanj [6], txìj [7], tìnj [8], hìn [9]. For example, 1 is 'hngòoj', 4 is 'gàhan', and 9 is 'hìn'.
Tens and multiples of 20
Tens are formed using the word xxìyà for twenty. For example, 20 is 'kò', 30 is 'kò txìh' (20+10), 40 is 'wìj xxìyà' (2*20), 50 is 'wwìj xxìyà txìh' (2*20+10), and 80 is 'gàhanj xxìyà' (4*20).
Numbers 11-15
Numbers 11 to 15 are formed by combining 'txìh' (ten) with units: xàn [11], xùwìj [12], xàhnìnj [13], xìgàhanj [14], xìnùnh [15]. For example, 13 is 'xàhnìnj' (10+3).
Numbers 16-19
These are based on 15, adding 1 to 4: xìnùnh yàn [16], xìnùnh wwìj [17], xìnùnh wàhnìnj [18], xìnùnh gàhanj [19]. For example, 17 is 'xìnùnh wwìj' (15+2).
Compound numbers
Numbers like 24 are formed by placing the multiple of twenty first, then the unit: kò gàhanj [24] (20+4). For numbers not multiples of twenty, the previous multiple of twenty is followed by the units: kò xìnùnh yàn [36] (20+16). Larger numbers combine hundreds and thousands with 'taá' (being on top).
Hundreds and thousands
Hundreds are formed with the digit word plus 'syéntu' (Spanish loanword for hundred): hngò syéntu [100], wwìj syéntu [200], etc. Thousands are formed similarly: hngò mín [1,000], wwìj mín [2,000], and so on. Larger numbers are built by combining these with 'taá' for addition, e.g., 'wàhnin syéntu taá txìj mín' (300+700+1,000).
Unique features
The vigesimal system uses specific words for multiples of twenty, such as 'kò' for 20 and 'gàhanj xxìyà' for 80, illustrating a base-20 counting pattern.
Unlike many languages that use decimal systems, Copala Triqui combines additive and multiplicative structures, e.g., 78 as 'wàhnin syéntu taá txìj xxìyà wàhnin' (3*20 + 18).
Numbers 16-19 are formed by adding to 15, which is a unique pattern: 'xìnùnh' (15) plus units, e.g., 17 as 'xìnùnh wwìj'.
Large numbers like hundreds and thousands incorporate Spanish loanwords 'syéntu' and 'mín', reflecting cultural contact and linguistic adaptation.
The language’s system for very large numbers like one million 'hngò mìxún' shows an extension of the base system, with 'mìxún' borrowed from Spanish for million.
Cultural context
The Copala Triqui people live in the mountainous region of Oaxaca, Mexico, around San Juan Copala. Their culture emphasizes community, traditional crafts, and agriculture. Numbers are integral in daily life, from trading goods to rituals and storytelling. The use of Spanish loanwords like 'syéntu' and 'mín' reflects historical contact. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, but specific taboos or lucky numbers are not well documented. The counting system’s complexity demonstrates their rich linguistic heritage, blending indigenous structure with external influences, and is often used in traditional markets and ceremonies to preserve cultural identity.
Fun facts
The number 58 is 'wwìj xxìyà xìnùnh wàhnìnj', combining 2*20 + 18, illustrating the vigesimal system.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Copala Triqui’s use of base-20 makes counting larger numbers more compact, e.g., 80 as 'gàhanj xxìyà'.
The formation of 16 as 'xìnùnh yàn' (15+1) shows a unique additive pattern not common in many other languages.
The word for one million, 'hngò mìxún', reflects Spanish influence, showing historical contact and linguistic borrowing.
Despite its complexity, the system for large numbers like 1,000,000 is consistent, extending the vigesimal pattern seamlessly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Copala Triqui?
1 is 'hngòoj', 2 is 'wwìi', 3 is 'wàhnin', 4 is 'gàhan', 5 is 'ùhunj', 6 is 'wàtanj', 7 is 'txìj', 8 is 'tìnj', 9 is 'hìn', 10 is 'txìh'.
What number base does Copala Triqui use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'kò' for 20, 'kò txìh' for 30, and 'gàhanj xxìyà' for 80, which are multiples of 20. Numbers like 42 are built as 2*20 + 2, following the pattern.
How do you say 42 in Copala Triqui?
42 is 'gàhanj xxìyà kò gàhanj', meaning 2*20 + 2, where 'gàhanj xxìyà' is 40 and 'kò gàhanj' is 2.
How do you say 100 in Copala Triqui?
100 is 'hngò syéntu', where 'hngò' is one and 'syéntu' is hundred, forming a simple compound for hundreds.
How many people speak Copala Triqui?
Approximately 30,000 speakers live in Oaxaca, Mexico, around the town of San Juan Copala.
Is Copala Triqui related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Mixtecan branch of the Oto-Manguean language family and is closely related to other Triqui languages spoken in Oaxaca and Baja California.
What makes Copala Triqui counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, combining additive and multiplicative patterns, and the use of Spanish loanwords for large numbers like 'syéntu' and 'mín' make its counting system distinctive.
Sources
- Triqui Language and Culture (in Spanish)