Numbers in Dovahzul
Numbers in Dovahzul follow a mixed counting system inspired by traditional numeration patterns, primarily based on a decimal structure with unique compound formations. Spoken by fans and enthusiasts of the Elder Scrolls universe, especially within the Skyrim community, it features a distinctive approach to forming numbers, combining simple words for units, tens, hundreds, and large scales like millions and billions. The language's counting system is notable for its reverse order in compound numbers and its use of specific words for key multipliers. As a constructed language, Dovahzul's numbers in the context of its fictional culture add depth to its lore, making the numbers in Dovahzul both a linguistic curiosity and a cultural artifact.
Number system
Dovahzul uses a decimal system with specific words for digits 0-9: nul (nul), gein (g2n) [1], zein (z2n) [2], sed (sed) [3], hir (h7) [4], hen (hen) [5], sok (sok) [6], zos (zos) [7], eln (eln) [8], nen (nen) [9]. Tens are formed by placing the multiplier before 'men' (meaning ten), e.g., zein men (20), sed men (30), hir men (40). Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the unit, 'ah' (short for 'ahrk'), and 'men' (e.g., geinahmen for 11, zeinahmen for 12). Numbers above twenty are constructed by stating the unit, 'ahrk', and the ten, e.g., gein ahrk sed men (31), hir ahrk eln men (84). Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'ben' (hundred), e.g., ben (100), zein ben (200). Thousands are formed similarly with 'ton', e.g., ton (1,000), zein ton (2,000). Compound numbers above 100 are written in reverse order, e.g., sok ahrk hir men ahrk zein ben (246). Large numbers like million and billion are 'unon' and 'unen', respectively.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Digits from zero to nine are specific words: nul (nul) [0], gein (g2n) [1], zein (z2n) [2], sed (sed) [3], hir (h7) [4], hen (hen) [5], sok (sok) [6], zos (zos) [7], eln (eln) [8], nen (nen) [9]. For example, 1 is 'gein', 3 is 'sed', and 9 is 'nen'.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'men' (meaning ten), e.g., zein men (20), sed men (30), hir men (40). The number 10 itself is 'men'. For example, 50 is 'hen men', 60 is 'sok men'.
Numbers 11-19
Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by stating the unit, then 'ah' (short for 'ahrk'), and 'men' (ten), with no space: geinahmen (11), zeinahmen (12), sedahmen (13), hirahmen (14), henahmen (15). For example, 16 is 'sokahmen'.
Numbers above twenty
Numbers above twenty combine the unit, 'ahrk', and the ten, separated by spaces, e.g., gein ahrk sed men (31), hir ahrk eln men (84). For example, 42 is 'sed ahrk zein men' (30 + 12).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'ben' (hundred), e.g., ben (100), zein ben (200), sed ben (300). Compound hundreds are formed by combining the parts in reverse order, e.g., sok ahrk hir men ahrk zein ben (246).
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with the digit before 'ton' (thousand), e.g., ton (1,000), zein ton (2,000). Compound numbers like 1,879 are built by combining the parts in reverse order, e.g., nen ahrk zos men ahrk eln ben ahrk gein ton.
Unique features
Compound numbers above twenty are formed by stating the unit, 'ahrk', and the ten, separated by spaces, e.g., gein ahrk sed men (31).
Unlike many languages, Dovahzul forms numbers above one hundred in reverse order, e.g., sok ahrk hir men ahrk zein ben (246).
The number 17, 'zosahmen', is an exception where the compound is simplified, showing a unique pattern.
Large numbers like one million and billion are 'unon' and 'unen', respectively, borrowed from the fictional culture's scale.
The language uses specific words for large scales, making it distinct from typical decimal systems.
Cultural context
Dovahzul is spoken by dragons and ancient Nords within the fictional universe of Skyrim, primarily in the northern regions of Tamriel. Its speakers are mythical beings and lore enthusiasts, with the language playing a role in ancient rituals, dragon-related traditions, and storytelling. Numbers often appear in inscriptions, magical texts, and cultural artifacts. While no specific taboo or lucky numbers are documented, the large scale words like 'unon' (million) and 'unen' (billion) reflect the grandeur of their mythic history. The language's numeration emphasizes reverence for scale and power, fitting the dragon-centric culture that venerates strength and ancient knowledge.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 19, 'nenahmen', combines the unit 'nen' (9) with the suffix 'ahmen', illustrating the compound formation for teens.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 42 is 'forty-two', in Dovahzul, 42 is 'sed ahrk zein men' (30 + 12), showing the reverse order and additive structure.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming numbers 11-19 by combining the unit with 'ah' and 'men' is unique among constructed languages.
Fact 4: The word for one million, 'unon', signifies a large scale borrowed from the fictional universe's lore, emphasizing the grandeur of their numeration.
Fact 5: For large numbers like 1,879, the reverse order construction reflects a different conceptual approach compared to English, emphasizing the language's unique structure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Dovahzul?
1 - gein, 2 - zein, 3 - sed, 4 - hir, 5 - hen, 6 - sok, 7 - zos, 8 - eln, 9 - nen, 10 - men.
What number base does Dovahzul use?
Dovahzul uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by words like 'men' for 10, 'ben' for 100, and 'ton' for 1,000, with compound formations following decimal patterns.
How do you say 42 in Dovahzul?
42 is 'sed ahrk zein men' (30 + 12), formed by stating the unit 'sed' (3), 'ahrk' (and), the ten 'zein men' (20).
How do you say 100 in Dovahzul?
100 is 'ben'. For larger hundreds, combine the digit with 'ben', e.g., 'zein ben' for 200.
How many people speak Dovahzul?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is primarily spoken by fans of Skyrim and enthusiasts of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Is Dovahzul related to other languages?
Dovahzul is a constructed language within the Elder Scrolls universe, with no direct relation to real-world language families, but it has been extended by the fan community.
What makes Dovahzul counting unique?
Its reverse order in compound numbers above 100, such as 'sok ahrk hir men ahrk zein ben' for 246, and the use of specific large-scale words like 'unon' and 'unen' make it distinctive.
Sources
- Learning Dovahzul (pdf)