Numbers in Corsican
corsu
Numbers in Corsican follow a decimal system rooted in the traditional Romance counting pattern, with unique formations for numbers up to twenty and compound structures for larger numbers. Spoken mainly in Corsica by about 250,000 people, Corsican's counting system features specific words for each number, with rules for combining tens, hundreds, and thousands. Its distinct features include the use of elision in compound numbers like 'quarantatrè' for 43 and the linking of hundreds and tens with 'è'. This makes the numbers in Corsican both fascinating and complex, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and linguistic history.
Number system
Corsican counting is primarily decimal, with specific words for numbers 1 through 10, such as unu [1], dui [2], trè [3], quattru [4], cinque [5], séi [6], sétte [7], óttu [8], nóve [9], and déce [10]. Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding the plural form of ten: òndeci [11], dòdeci [12], trèdeci [13], quattòrdeci [14], quindeci [15], sèdeci [16]. For 17 to 19, the unit follows the ten: dicessétte [17], dicióttu [18], dicennóve [19]. Tens are unique words: vinti [20], trènta [30], quaranta [40], cinquanta [50], sessanta [60], settanta [70], ottanta [80], novanta [90]. Compound numbers like 42 are formed by juxtaposition, with elision: quarantatrè [43], vintunu [21], trèntadui [32], and so on. Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'cèntu' (hundred): cèntu [100], duiecèntu [200], trecèntu [300], etc. Thousands are formed similarly: mille [1,000], duiemila [2,000], trèmila [3,000], etc. Larger numbers combine these elements with 'è' (and) for linking, e.g., mille è cèntu [1,100].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 10
Numbers 1 to 10 are unique words: unu [1], dui [2], trè [3], quattru [4], cinque [5], séi [6], sétte [7], óttu [8], nóve [9], déce [10].
Numbers 11 to 16
Formed by adding the plural of ten to the root digit: òndeci [11], dòdeci [12], trèdeci [13], quattòrdeci [14], quindeci [15], sèdeci [16].
Numbers 17 to 19
Constructed by placing the unit after ten: dicessétte [17], dicióttu [18], dicennóve [19].
Tens
Tens have specific words: vinti [20], trènta [30], quaranta [40], cinquanta [50], sessanta [60], settanta [70], ottanta [80], novanta [90]. Compound numbers are formed by juxtaposition, with elision if the unit starts with a vowel, e.g., vintunu [21], trèntadui [32], quarantatrè [43].
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by combining the multiplier with 'cèntu': cèntu [100], duiecèntu [200], trecèntu [300], up to nóvecèntu [900]. For numbers over 100, hundreds and tens are linked with 'è' (and): cèntu è unu [101], séicèntu è trèdeci [613], but this linking disappears in certain ranges like trecèntu quaranta [340].
Thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing the multiplier with 'mila': mille [1,000], duiemila [2,000], trèmila [3,000], quattrumila [4,000], etc. Larger numbers combine thousands, hundreds, tens, and units with 'è' for conjunction, e.g., un miliòne è duiecèntu trèntaquattrumila è cinquecèntu sessantasétte [1,234,567].
Unique features
Compound numbers like 43 are formed by juxtaposition with elision: quarantatrè [43], unlike in many languages where 'forty-three' is used.
Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding the plural of ten to the root digit, e.g., dòdeci [12], which is different from the pattern in English or French.
The use of 'è' (and) to link hundreds and tens (e.g., séicèntu è trèdeci [613]) is a distinctive feature, absent in many Romance languages.
Large numbers like one million and one billion are borrowed terms: un miliòne and una miliarda, showing influence from Italian and other Romance languages.
The formation of compound numbers involves elision of vowels, such as in 'quarantatrè' (43), which makes pronunciation smoother and reflects phonetic evolution.
Cultural context
Corsican is spoken mainly on the island of Corsica, a region with a rich cultural heritage blending French, Italian, and native traditions. The language reflects a proud identity, with numbers playing a vital role in daily life, trade, and traditional festivities. Certain numbers, like 13, are considered unlucky, while others like 7 may be seen as fortunate. Numbers are used in local markets, festivals, and storytelling, preserving the island's history and customs. The language's unique counting system exemplifies its resilience and cultural pride amid historical influences from France and Italy.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 17 is dicessétte, literally 'ten and seven,' showing a unique way of forming numbers beyond 10.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Corsican uses a decimal system with specific words for each multiple of ten, such as trènta for 30, not a base-20 or quinary system.
Fact 3: The compound number 'quarantatrè' (43) involves elision, where the vowel 'a' in 'quaranta' is dropped before 'trè,' making pronunciation smoother.
Fact 4: Historically, Corsican numbers reflect its maritime and trading history, with influence from Italian and French numerals.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Corsican borrows terms like 'miliòne' and 'miliarda,' similar to Italian and French, instead of creating entirely new words.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Corsican?
The numbers are unu [1], dui [2], trè [3], quattru [4], cinque [5], séi [6], sétte [7], óttu [8], nóve [9], déce [10].
What number base does Corsican use?
Corsican uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by words like vinti [20], trènta [30], and compound formations like quarantatrè [43], following the pattern of combining tens and units.
How do you say 42 in Corsican?
42 is quarantatrè, formed by combining 'quaranta' (40) and 'trè' (3), with elision of the vowel 'a' in 'quaranta' before 'trè'.
How do you say 100 in Corsican?
100 is cèntu. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the multiplier: duiecèntu [200], trecèntu [300], up to nóvecèntu [900].
How many people speak Corsican?
About 250,000 people speak Corsican, mainly on the island of Corsica.
Is Corsican related to other languages?
Yes, Corsican is part of the Romance language family, closely related to Italian and other Italo-Dalmatian languages.
What makes Corsican counting unique?
Its use of elision in compound numbers like 'quarantatrè' and the linking of hundreds and tens with 'è' are distinctive features not commonly found in other Romance languages.