Numbers in Gottscheerish
Göttscheabarisch
Numbers in Gottscheerish follow a mixed counting system that combines elements of vigesimal and decimal structures, characteristic of many Upper German dialects. Spoken by the Gottscheers in Slovenia, this language now has only a few remaining speakers. Its counting system is notably unique, especially in how it forms numbers from eleven to ninety and combines hundreds and thousands. The language's numbers in Gottscheerish reveal a fascinating blend of traditional patterns and regional influences, making it a rich subject for linguistic study and cultural preservation.
Number system
Gottscheerish uses a complex counting system that combines vigesimal (base-20) and decimal (base-10) elements. Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words like uains [1], tsboai [2], and drai [3]. Tens are formed starting with the multiplier digit, such as tsbȯntsikh [20], draisikh [30], and oχtsikh [80], with vocalic modifications. Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the unit with the suffix tsain, e.g., uaindlof [11], tsbelf [12], and naintsain [19]. For example, 24 is viər-in-tsbȯntsikh, combining 4 (viər), 'in,' and 20 (tsbȯntsikh). Hundreds are formed by the multiplier plus hu̇ndərt, like tsboaihu̇ndərt [200], and compound numbers link hundreds, tens, and units with hyphens, e.g., hu̇ndərt-drai [103]. Thousands are formed similarly, e.g., tsboaitau̇žnt [2000], and larger numbers like one million are uains miliōn.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Digits 1-9 are unique words: uains [1], tsboai [2], drai [3], viər [4], vemf [5], žekš [6], žībm [7], oχt [8], nain [9]. For example, 1 is uains, 4 is viər, and 9 is nain.
Forming numbers 11-19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the unit with the suffix tsain, with vocalic changes: uaindlof [11], tsbelf [12], draitsain [13], viərttsain [14], vu̇ftsain [15], žaχtsain [16], žimtsain [17], oχtsain [18], naintsain [19]. For example, 13 is draitsain, and 16 is žaχtsain.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by starting with the multiplier digit, then adding the suffix sikh, with vocalic modifications: tsēhŋ [10], tsbȯntsikh [20], draisikh [30], viərttsikh [40], vu̇ftsikh [50], žaχtsikh [60], žimtsikh [70], oχtsikh [80], naintsikh [90]. For example, 30 is draisikh, and 70 is žimtsikh.
Constructing compound numbers
Compound numbers combine units and tens with hyphens, starting with the unit, then 'in,' then the ten: viər-in-tsbȯntsikh [24], oχt-in-žaχtsikh [68], drai-in-tsbȯntsikh [38]. For example, 42 is viər-in-tsbȯntsikh, and 78 is oχt-in-žaχtsikh.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by the multiplier digit plus hu̇ndərt: tsboaihu̇ndərt [200], draihu̇ndərt [300], and nainhu̇ndərt [900]. Compound hundreds link the hundred and the unit or ten with hyphens: hu̇ndərt-drai [103], hu̇ndərt-uaindlof [111].
Thousands
Thousands are formed by the multiplier digit plus tau̇žnt: tau̇žnt [1,000], tsboaitau̇žnt [2,000], draitau̇žnt [3,000], viərtau̇žnt [4,000], vemftau̇žnt [5,000]. Compound thousands link the number with the word tau̇žnt, e.g., naintau̇žnt [9,000].
Unique features
Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding the suffix 'tsain' directly to the unit, e.g., uaindlof [11], instead of a separate word for ten.
The formation of tens involves vocalic changes, such as tsbȯntsikh [20] and draisikh [30], showing a phonological pattern unique to Gottscheerish.
Compound numbers are built with hyphens linking units, tens, and hundreds, e.g., hu̇ndərt-drai [103], which is uncommon in many German dialects.
Large numbers like one million are expressed as 'uains miliōn,' combining the base word for one with the borrowed term for million.
The language borrows the word 'miliōn' from Latin/Italian influence, reflecting historical contact.
Cultural context
The Gottscheers historically lived in the enclave of Gottschee in Slovenia, maintaining a distinct Upper German dialect. Their numbers in Gottscheerish are integral to daily life, traditional trade, and cultural rituals. Despite the decline in speakers, the language preserves unique numerical expressions that reflect their regional identity. In local markets, traditional counting was essential, and certain numbers, like 13 (draitsain), might have cultural significance. The community values their linguistic heritage, and numbers are often used in storytelling and folklore. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the preservation of their counting system remains a symbol of cultural resilience amidst historical upheavals.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 is vu̇ftsain, which combines the root for five (vemf) with a suffix, showing a unique formation pattern.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal-based, Gottscheerish uses a vigesimal component, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
Fact 3: The formation of 24 as viər-in-tsbȯntsikh demonstrates a clear pattern of combining units with tens via hyphens, unlike many German dialects.
Fact 4: The word for one million, uains, reflects the community's adaptation of global large number terms into their dialect.
Fact 5: The use of hyphens in compound numbers indicates a linguistic feature that aids clarity and reflects historical pronunciation patterns.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Gottscheerish?
1 - uains, 2 - tsboai, 3 - drai, 4 - viər, 5 - vemf, 6 - žekš, 7 - žībm, 8 - oχt, 9 - nain, 10 - tsēhŋ.
What number base does Gottscheerish use?
It uses a vigesimal-decimal hybrid system, evidenced by the formation of 20 (tsbȯntsikh) and 40 (viərttsikh), combining base-20 and base-10 elements.
How do you say 42 in Gottscheerish?
42 is viər-in-tsbȯntsikh, combining 4 (viər), 'in,' and 20 (tsbȯntsikh).
How do you say 100 in Gottscheerish?
100 is hu̇ndərt. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the multiplier digit, e.g., draihu̇ndərt for 300.
How many people speak Gottscheerish?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is spoken by the Gottscheers in Slovenia, with only a few remaining today.
Is Gottscheerish related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the West Germanic branch of the Germanic language family, specifically Upper German dialects.
What makes Gottscheerish counting unique?
Its combination of vigesimal and decimal systems, especially in forming numbers like 20 (tsbȯntsikh) and 80 (oχtsikh), and the hyphenated compound structure set it apart from other German dialects.