Numbers in Idiom neutral
Numbers in Idiom neutral follow a decimal-based system with unique formations for each number. Spoken by enthusiasts and learners worldwide, it was developed as an international auxiliary language. Its counting system combines simple roots with specific suffixes, making it both logical and accessible. The language's structure reflects its goal of universality, with consistent patterns for tens, hundreds, and large numbers. The distinct words for numbers like 'des' for ten and compound forms such as 'desdu' for twelve exemplify its systematic approach. Understanding these patterns reveals the language's elegant design, making learning numbers in Idiom neutral an engaging experience for linguists and language learners alike.
Number system
Idiom neutral uses a decimal system where digits from zero to nine are represented by specific words: nul [0], un [1], du [2], tri [3], kuatr [4], kuink [5], seks [6], sept [7], okt [8], nov [9]. Tens are formed by suffixing 'des' to the multiplier digit, e.g., des [10], dudes [20], trides [30], kuatrdes [40], kuinkdes [50], seksdes [60], septdes [70], oktdes [80], novdes [90]. Compound numbers are formed by concatenating the ten and unit words without spaces: desdu [12], septdesnov [79], for example. Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'sent' with no space: sent [100], dusent [200], trisent [300], kuatrsent [400], kuinksent [500], sekssent [600], septsent [700], oktsent [800], novsent [900]. For thousands, the multiplier digit is placed before 'mil' with a space: mil [1,000], du mil [2,000], tri mil [3,000], kuatr mil [4,000], kuink mil [5,000], seks mil [6,000], sept mil [7,000], okt mil [8,000], nov mil [9,000]. Large numbers follow the short scale, with 'milion' for million, 'billion' for billion, 'trillion' for trillion, and so forth, each increasing by a factor of 1,000.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits from zero to nine
Digits are represented by specific words: nul [0], un [1], du [2], tri [3], kuatr [4], kuink [5], seks [6], sept [7], okt [8], nov [9]. For example, 3 is 'tri', 7 is 'sept', and 0 is 'nul'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by suffixing 'des' to the digit, except for ten itself: des [10], dudes [20], trides [30], kuatrdes [40], kuinkdes [50], seksdes [60], septdes [70], oktdes [80], novdes [90]. For example, 30 is 'trides', 60 is 'seksdes', and 90 is 'novdes'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by combining the ten word with the unit word without spaces: desdu [12], septdesnov [79], kuatrdes seks [76], etc. For example, 42 is 'kuatrdesdu' (40 + 2), 78 is 'septdeskuink' (70 + 8).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'sent' with no space: sent [100], dusent [200], trisent [300], kuatrsent [400], kuinksent [500], sekssent [600], septsent [700], oktsent [800], novsent [900]. For example, 300 is 'trisent', 600 is 'sekssent'.
Thousands
Thousands are formed by placing the digit before 'mil' with a space: mil [1,000], du mil [2,000], tri mil [3,000], kuatr mil [4,000], kuink mil [5,000], seks mil [6,000], sept mil [7,000], okt mil [8,000], nov mil [9,000]. For example, 2,000 is 'du mil', 5,000 is 'kuink mil'.
Large numbers
Numbers larger than one million follow the short scale: 'milion' (10^6), 'billion' (10^9), 'trillion' (10^12), 'kuadrilion' (10^15), 'kuintilion' (10^18). For example, 1,000,000 is 'milion', 1,000,000,000 is 'billion'.
Unique features
The formation of compound numbers like 'septdesnov' for 79, combining tens and units without spaces.
Use of specific words for each digit and consistent suffix '-des' for tens, unlike the irregularities in English.
The pattern for hundreds involves placing the multiplier before 'sent' with no space, e.g., 'sekssent' for 600.
Large numbers follow the short scale, with 'milion' for million and 'billion' for billion, similar to English but with unique words.
The language borrows no words from other languages but maintains a logical, systematic structure for numbers.
Cultural context
Idiom neutral was designed as an international auxiliary language, aiming for simplicity and universality. It was developed in the early 20th century, with speakers imagined worldwide, especially among linguists and language enthusiasts. Although not widely spoken today, it reflects a cultural ideal of global communication. Numbers in Idiom neutral could appear in trade, scientific notation, or international documentation. There are no specific taboo or lucky numbers associated with the language, emphasizing its neutral and pragmatic approach. Its systematic number system exemplifies the language's goal of clarity and ease of learning for international use.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 79 is 'septdesnov', combining 'septdes' (70) and 'nov' (9), illustrating compound formation.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which has irregularities, Idiom neutral's number words follow strict suffix patterns, e.g., 'seksdes' for 60.
Fact 3: The formation of large numbers like 'milion' (million) and 'billion' (billion) follows the short scale, similar to English but with unique words.
Fact 4: The language was developed by Waldemar Rosenberger in 1902 and was abandoned by the Academy in 1908, reflecting early 20th-century linguistic experimentation.
Fact 5: For very large numbers like 10^15, the word 'kuadrilion' is used, showing the language's systematic approach to naming huge quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Idiom neutral?
1 is 'un', 2 is 'du', 3 is 'tri', 4 is 'kuatr', 5 is 'kuink', 6 is 'seks', 7 is 'sept', 8 is 'okt', 9 is 'nov', 10 is 'des'.
What number base does Idiom neutral use?
It uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the words for 10 ('des'), 20 ('dudes'), and the formation of compound numbers like 'desdu' for 12.
How do you say 42 in Idiom neutral?
42 is 'kuatrdesdu' (40 + 2): 'kuatrdes' (40) plus 'du' (2).
How do you say 100 in Idiom neutral?
100 is 'sent', and 200 is 'dusent' (2 x 100).
How many people speak Idiom neutral?
The exact speaker count is unknown, but it was intended as an international auxiliary language, with potential speakers worldwide.
Is Idiom neutral related to other languages?
It is a constructed language, developed from Volapük, and does not belong to a natural language family.
What makes Idiom neutral counting unique?
Its systematic suffix-based formation for tens and compound numbers, like 'septdesnov' for 79, distinguishes it from many natural languages.
Sources
- Complete grammar of Idiom Neutral, Akademi Internasional de Lingu Universal (1903)