Numbers in Hupa
Na:tinixwe Mixine:whe’
Numbers in Hupa follow a mixed counting system that combines elements of decimal and vigesimal structures. Spoken by the Hoopa Valley people in California, Hupa is nearly extinct with only about 8 speakers, though revitalization efforts are ongoing. Its counting system is unique, especially in how it forms compound numbers and large values. The language's numbers in Hupa reveal a fascinating blend of base-10 and base-20 patterns, making it a rich subject for linguistic study. Understanding these patterns provides insight into the culture and history of the Hoopa Valley community, emphasizing their traditional numerical concepts and linguistic heritage.
Number system
Hupa's counting system primarily relies on a vigesimal (base-20) structure, evident in how numbers are formed. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: ła’ [1], nahx [2], ta:q’ [3], dink’ [4], chwola’ [5], xosta:n [6], xohk’it [7], ke:nim [8], miq’os-t’aw [9]. Tens are formed by multiplying the digit by 10, such as nahdiminłung [20] (2*10), ta:q’idiminłung [30] (3*10), and so forth, up to miq’ost’ahdiminłung [90] (9*10). Compound numbers like 13 are formed by stating the ten, then '-miwah-na:' (at the edge of it), and the unit: minłung-miwah-na:ta:q’ [13]. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'dikin' (hundred), e.g., ła’-dikin [100], nahx-dikin [200]. For 1,000, the pattern continues as minłun-dikin, which is ten hundreds. This structure combines a vigesimal base with decimal elements for ease of counting and large numbers.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from one to nine
The numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: ła’ (1), nahx (2), ta:q’ (3), dink’ (4), chwola’ (5), xosta:n (6), xohk’it (7), ke:nim (8), miq’os-t’aw (9). These form the foundation for all other numbers.
Formation of tens
Tens are formed by multiplying the digit by 10, using the pattern digit + 'diminłung'. For example, 20 is nahdiminłung (2*10), 30 is ta:q’idiminłung (3*10), and 90 is miq’ost’ahdiminłung (9*10). The number 10 itself is minłung, a special word for ten.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by stating the ten, then '-miwah-na:', and the unit. For example, 13 is minłung-miwah-na:ta:q’ (10 + at the edge of 3). Similarly, 22 is nahdiminłung-miwah-na:nahx (20 + at the edge of 2).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'dikin' with a hyphen. For example, 100 is ła’-dikin, 200 is nahx-dikin, and 600 is xosta:n-dikin. This pattern indicates multiplication by 100.
Large numbers
The number 1,000 is formed as minłun-dikin, which is ten hundreds. This pattern shows the vigesimal system extends to large numbers, with 1,000 being ten times 100.
Unique features
Hupa combines vigesimal and decimal elements, evident in 20 (nahdiminłung) and 30 (ta:q’idiminłung).
Compound numbers like 13 (minłung-miwah-na:ta:q’) are formed by stating the ten, then '-miwah-na:', and the unit, showing a unique linguistic structure.
Numbers 6-9 are formed by combining the base words with specific patterns, e.g., xosta:n (6), xohk’it (7), ke:nim (8), miq’os-t’aw (9), unlike simple additive systems.
Large numbers like 1,000 (minłun-dikin) are constructed by multiplying the 'hundred' unit by ten, reflecting a vigesimal extension.
The word for 10, minłung, is a standalone term, but larger numbers use a combination of base-20 and decimal-like formations, showing cultural adaptation.
Cultural context
The Hoopa Valley people, residing in California, have traditionally relied on their language for daily trade, storytelling, and ceremonial purposes. Their counting system reflects their environment and social structure, emphasizing kinship and land division. Numbers like 13 or 60 may hold cultural significance, though specific taboos or lucky numbers are not documented. The language's near extinction highlights the importance of revitalization efforts to preserve their unique numerical heritage. In daily life, counting would have been essential for trading, resource management, and rituals, embedding numerical concepts deeply into their cultural identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The word for 13, minłung-miwah-na:ta:q’, literally 'ten at the edge of 3', illustrates the compound nature of Hupa numbers.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages, Hupa's number 20, nahdiminłung, is a specific word derived from the base-20 system, similar to French 'quatre-vingts'.
Fact 3: The formation of 100 as ła’-dikin shows a clear pattern of multiplying the digit by 100, consistent with vigesimal logic.
Fact 4: The number for 1,000, minłun-dikin, reflects the extension of their vigesimal system into large numbers, indicating a sophisticated counting tradition.
Fact 5: The use of '-miwah-na:' in compound numbers is unique, serving as a linguistic marker for 'at the edge of' or 'bordering', which is rare in other languages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Hupa?
1 – ła’, 2 – nahx, 3 – ta:q’, 4 – dink’, 5 – chwola’, 6 – xosta:n, 7 – xohk’it, 8 – ke:nim, 9 – miq’os-t’aw, 10 – minłung.
What number base does Hupa use?
Hupa primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in 20 – nahdiminłung, 40 – dink’idiminłung, and 60 – xosta:ndiminłung, with decimal influences in forming numbers like 30 – ta:q’idiminłung.
How do you say 42 in Hupa?
42 is formed as 40 + 2, which is dink’idiminłung-miwah-na:nahx, meaning 'dime plus at the edge of 2'.
How do you say 100 in Hupa?
100 is ła’-dikin, which means one hundred, formed by placing 1 before 'dikin' (hundred).
How many people speak Hupa?
There are approximately 8 speakers of Hupa, primarily in the Hoopa Valley in California, with ongoing revitalization efforts.
Is Hupa related to other languages?
Yes, Hupa belongs to the Na-Dené language family, specifically within the Athapaskan branch, which includes languages like Navajo and Apache.
What makes Hupa counting unique?
Hupa's use of a vigesimal system combined with decimal influences, and the formation of compound numbers like 13, make its counting system particularly distinctive among indigenous North American languages.
Sources
- Hupa Language Dictionary and Texts
- Hupa Language Dictionary (Second Edition), by Victor Golla, 1996 (pdf)
- Now You’re Speaking Hupa, by Victor Golla, 1994 (pdf)