Numbers in Dogrib
Tłı̨chǫ
Numbers in Dogrib follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 1,700 Tłı̨chǫ people in the Canadian Northwest Territories, Dogrib's counting system is unique and complex. It combines base-20 with additive patterns for numbers like 16–19 and uses specific words for multiples of ten and hundreds. The language's counting system reflects its cultural and historical context, emphasizing the importance of large numbers in trade and social organization. Exploring the numbers in Dogrib reveals a fascinating linguistic structure that differs from familiar decimal systems, making it an intriguing subject for linguists and language learners alike.
Number system
Dogrib uses a vigesimal system where numbers are primarily built around multiples of twenty. Numbers 1–9 have unique words: ı̨łè (1), nàke (2), taı (3), dı̨ (4), sı̨làı (5), ek’ètaı (6), łǫ̀hdı̨ (7), ek’èdı̨ (8), łǫǫ̀tǫ (9). The number 10 is hoònǫ, and 20 is naènǫ, both serving as key multipliers. Numbers like 15 are formed by combining 10 and 5: hoònǫ daatsʼq sı̨làı (15). For 83, the pattern is ek’èdı̨ènǫ daatsʼq taı, meaning 4×20 + 3. Hundreds are formed as ı̨łèlakw’eènǫ (100), combining 1 with the word for hundred. Thousands are formed by prefixing the digit with lemı̀, e.g., ı̨łè lemı̀ (1,000). Large numbers like 1 million are built similarly, e.g., ı̨łè lemı̀yǫǫ̀.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Digits from zero to nine are represented by specific words: ı̨łè (1), nàke (2), taı (3), dı̨ (4), sı̨làı (5), ek’ètaı (6), łǫ̀hdı̨ (7), ek’èdı̨ (8), łǫǫ̀tǫ (9). These form the foundation for all other numbers.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by suffixing the digit root with ènǫ, except for ten itself: hoònǫ (10), naènǫ (20), taènǫ (30), etc. For example, 50 is sı̨làènǫ, and 90 is łǫǫ̀tǫ.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by starting with hoònǫ (10), then adding daatsʼq̨̀ (and), followed by the units: 15 is hoònǫ daatsʼq sı̨làı. For 83, it’s ek’èdı̨ènǫ daatsʼq taı, meaning 4×20 + 3.
Hundreds
One hundred is ı̨łèlakw’eènǫ, combining ı̨łè (1) with lakw’eènǫ (hundred). Larger hundreds are formed similarly, e.g., 200 is nàke lakw’eènǫ.
Thousands and millions
Thousands are formed by prefixing the digit with lemı̀: 1,000 is ı̨łè lemı̀, 2,000 is nàke lemı̀. Millions are formed similarly, e.g., 1 million is ı̨łè lemı̀yǫǫ̀, combining the number for 1 with the word for million.
Unique features
Dogrib uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evident in numbers like 20 naènǫ and 40 dı̨ènǫ, which are formed by suffixing the digit root with ènǫ.
Compound numbers like 83 ek’èdı̨ènǫ daatsʼq taı show how the language combines multiples of twenty with units, e.g., 4×20 + 3.
The formation of 16–19 involves starting with 10 hoònǫ and adding the units: hoònǫ daatsʼq sı̨làı (15).
Large numbers like 1,000 and 1 million are built by prefixing the base number with lemı̀ and combining with the word for thousand or million, e.g., ı̨łè lemı̀ for 1,000.
The language incorporates cultural elements in its number words, such as the specific words for large quantities, reflecting their importance in trade and social organization.
Cultural context
The Tłı̨chǫ people live in the Canadian Northwest Territories, where their culture is deeply connected to the land, hunting, and community. Numbers in Dogrib are essential for trade, storytelling, and ceremonial purposes. Large numbers like 1,000 or 1 million are significant in traditional contexts, representing large gatherings or quantities of resources. The language’s vigesimal system reflects historical counting practices, possibly influenced by counting on fingers or other cultural methods. While no specific taboo or lucky numbers are documented, the precise terminology for large numbers underscores their cultural importance in social and economic exchanges.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 in Dogrib is hoònǫ daatsʼq sı̨làı, combining 10 and 5, illustrating additive formation.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Dogrib’s use of vigesimal counting is similar to other indigenous languages like Ojibwe and Mayan, which also use base-20.
Fact 3: The word for 100, ı̨łèlakw’eènǫ, literally combines the number for 1 with 'hundred,' showing a straightforward compound formation.
Fact 4: Historically, the use of vigesimal systems in North America may relate to counting on fingers and toes, a common practice among indigenous groups.
Fact 5: The language handles very large numbers systematically, with words for million formed by combining the number for 1 with the word for million, e.g., ı̨łè lemı̀yǫǫ̀.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Dogrib?
1 - ı̨łè, 2 - nàke, 3 - taı, 4 - dı̨, 5 - sı̨làı, 6 - ek’ètaı, 7 - łǫ̀hdı̨, 8 - ek’èdı̨, 9 - łǫǫ̀tǫ, 10 - hoònǫ.
What number base does Dogrib use?
Dogrib uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like naènǫ (20), dı̨ènǫ (40), and the formation of numbers like 83 as ek’èdı̨ènǫ daatsʼq taı, meaning 4×20 + 3.
How do you say 42 in Dogrib?
42 is constructed as dı̨ènǫ daatsʼq taı, meaning 2×20 + 2, since 20 is naènǫ and 2 is nàke.
How do you say 100 in Dogrib?
100 is ı̨łèlakw’eènǫ, combining 1 with the word for hundred.
How many people speak Dogrib?
Approximately 1,700 speakers of Dogrib live in the Canadian Northwest Territories.
Is Dogrib related to other languages?
Yes, Dogrib is part of the Na-Dené language family, related to languages like Navajo and Apache.
What makes Dogrib counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the way it systematically constructs large numbers like millions using prefix + number + 'million' make it distinctive among North American indigenous languages.
Sources
- Dogrib dictionary