Numbers in Gilbertese
Numbers in Gilbertese follow a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal features, especially in larger numbers. Spoken by approximately 102,000 people mainly in Kiribati, this language's counting system is unique due to its combination of base-10 and base-20 elements. The numbers in Gilbertese are constructed with specific roots and classifiers, making it distinct among Oceanian languages. For example, the number 6 is onoua, formed from the root ono- plus the classifier -ua. The number 20, uabwi, is a key marker in the system, indicating a shift to higher multiples. Understanding these patterns reveals the language’s fascinating numerical structure, which blends simplicity with complexity in forming larger numbers.
Number system
Counting in Gilbertese is primarily decimal, with key multiples of 20 acting as significant markers. Digits 1-9 are formed from roots: teuana (1), uoua (2), tenua (3), aua (4), nimaua (5), onoua (6), itua (7), wanua (8), ruaiwa (9). Tens are formed by suffixing roots with -bwi: tebwina (10), uabwi (20), tenibwi (30), abwi (40), nimabwi (50), onobwi (60), itibwi (70), wanibwi (80), ruabwi (90). For example, 12 is tebwi ma uoua (10 + 2), and 78 is itibwi ma wanua (70 + 8). Hundreds are built with the root bubua: tebubua (100), uabubua (200), and so on. Compound numbers like 203 are uabubua ao tenua (200 + 3). Larger numbers like 1,000 are tengaa, formed by prefixing the root for thousand. The system combines roots with classifiers, creating a logical pattern for counting.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9 are formed from specific roots followed by the classifier -ua
Numbers 1 to 9 are based on roots: teuana (1), uoua (2), tenua (3), aua (4), nimaua (5), onoua (6), itua (7), wanua (8), ruaiwa (9). For example, 5 is nimaua, and 9 is ruaiwa. Roots are combined with the classifier -ua to form these basic numbers.
Tens are formed by suffixing roots with -bwi
The multiples of ten are tebwina (10), uabwi (20), tenibwi (30), abwi (40), nimabwi (50), onobwi (60), itibwi (70), wanibwi (80), ruabwi (90). For example, 30 is tenibwi, and 50 is nimabwi. The number 12 is tebwi ma uoua (10 + 2).
Compound numbers are formed by linking tens and units with 'ma'
Numbers like 12 are tebwi ma uoua (10 + 2), and 31 is tenibwi ma teuana (30 + 1). For numbers 11-19, the word tebwi (10) is used without the suffix -na, e.g., tebwi ma tenua (11).
Hundreds are formed by suffixing the root bubua to the digit
The hundred marker is bubua: tebubua (100), uabubua (200), tenibubua (300), etc. For example, 203 is uabubua ao tenua (200 + 3), and 501 is nimabubua ao teuana (500 + 1).
Thousands are constructed by prefixing the root for thousand to the number
The word tengaa indicates 1,000. For example, teuana tengaa is 1,000, uoua tengaa is 2,000, and teniua tengaa is 3,000. Compound numbers like 2,003 are uabubua ao tenua (2000 + 3).
Large numbers like millions and billions are formed by placing multipliers before borrowed terms
One million is te mirion, and 300 million is tenibubua te mirion. Similarly, one billion is te birian, and 300 billion is tenibubua te birian. These are formed by setting the multiplier before the borrowed term for million or billion.
Unique features
Gilbertese uses a combination of decimal and vigesimal elements, especially evident in numbers like 20 (uabwi) and 40 (abwi).
The formation of 1-9 from roots plus the classifier -ua is highly systematic, e.g., 7 is itua, 8 is wanua.
Numbers like 11-19 are formed by combining 10 (tebwina) with units using 'ma', e.g., tebwi ma uoua (12).
Large numbers such as 1 million and 1 billion are borrowed words (te mirion and te birian) with prefixes indicating multiples.
The system for hundreds and thousands involves suffixing roots with bubua and prefixing roots with tengaa, respectively, creating a clear hierarchical structure.
Cultural context
The Gilbertese, primarily inhabiting Kiribati, live on a string of atolls and islands. Their culture is deeply rooted in maritime activities, fishing, and traditional navigation. Numbers in Gilbertese are essential in daily life, especially in trade, fishing quotas, and ceremonies. The use of borrowed terms like te mirion and te birian reflects historical contact with Western nations. Certain numbers, such as 7 and 13, hold cultural significance, though specific taboos are not widely documented. Large numbers are mainly used in administrative and economic contexts, emphasizing the importance of accurate counting in their society.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 6 is onoua, formed from the root ono- plus the classifier -ua, showing a systematic root-based structure.
Fact 2: Unlike many Oceanian languages, Gilbertese combines decimal and vigesimal features, similar to French or Mayan systems.
Fact 3: The number 78, itibwi ma wanua, illustrates how tens and units are combined without a linking word between hundreds and tens.
Fact 4: The borrowed words te mirion and te birian for million and billion indicate Western influence and adaptation into the language.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 300 million are constructed by placing the multiplier before the borrowed term, e.g., tenibubua te mirion.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Gilbertese?
1 - teuana, 2 - uoua, 3 - tenua, 4 - aua, 5 - nimaua, 6 - onoua, 7 - itua, 8 - wanua, 9 - ruaiwa, 10 - tebwina.
What number base does Gilbertese use?
Gilbertese primarily uses a decimal system, but it incorporates vigesimal features especially in numbers like 20 (uabwi) and 40 (abwi), indicating a mixed base system.
How do you say 42 in Gilbertese?
42 is constructed as abwi ma tenua (40 + 2), combining the word for 40 (abwi) with 'ma' and the root for 3 (tenua).
How do you say 100 in Gilbertese?
100 is tebubua, formed by the root for hundred (bubua) suffixed to the number marker.
How many people speak Gilbertese?
Approximately 102,000 people speak Gilbertese, mainly on Kiribati and in some diaspora communities.
Is Gilbertese related to other languages?
Yes, Gilbertese is part of the Austronesian family, specifically within the Oceanian branch and Micronesian subbranch, sharing roots with other Oceanian languages.
What makes Gilbertese counting unique?
Its combination of decimal and vigesimal features, systematic root-based formation, and borrowing of Western terms for large numbers make it distinctive among Oceanian languages.
Sources
- Kiribati, by Stephen Trussel