Numbers in Ingush
ГІалгІай, Ğalğaj
Numbers in Ingush follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is characteristic of many Northeast Caucasian languages. Spoken by approximately 400,000 people mainly in Ingushetia, Chechnya, Kazakhstan, and Russia, Ingush's counting system is unique and complex. It features specific words for numbers 1-19, with larger numbers built using multiples of twenty and additional units. The language's rich numerical structure reflects its cultural history and linguistic heritage. Understanding the numbers in Ingush provides insight into their traditional counting methods, which differ significantly from decimal systems used in many other languages. This comprehensive guide explores the words, rules, and patterns of Ingush counting, making it accessible for learners and linguists alike.
Number system
Ingush uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are primarily built around 20. Numbers 1-9 have unique words: цаI (ca`) [1], шиъ (ši’) [2], кхоъ (qo’) [3], диъ (di’) [4], пхиъ (pxi’) [5], ялх (jalx) [6], ворхI (vorh’) [7], бапхI (baph’) [8], ийц (ijc) [9]. Tens are formed by specific words: итт (itt) [10], ткъо (tq’o) [20], and combinations like ткъаь итт (tq’a’ itt) [30] (20+10), шовэткъа (šovetq’a) [40] (2*20), шовэткъа итт (šovetq’a itt) [50] (2*20+10), кхоэткъа (qoetq’a) [60] (3*20), кхоэткъа итт (qoetq’a itt) [70] (3*20+10), деэткъа (djeetq’a) [80] (4*20), and деэткъа итт (djeetq’a itt) [90] (4*20+10). Numbers 11-18 are formed by combining the units with the word for ten: цхьайтта (cḩajtta) [11], шийтта (šijtta) [12], кхойтта (qojtta) [13], дийтта (dijtta) [14], пхийтта (pxijtta) [15], ялхайтта (jalxajtta) [16], вупийтта (vupijtta) [17], бапайтта (bapajtta) [18]. Nineteen is an exception, formed as ткъеста (tq’jesta), based on twenty. For numbers 21-99, the pattern involves stating the tens word followed by the units, e.g., ткъаь кхоъ (tq’a’ qo’) [23], шовэткъе вупийтта (šovetq’je vupijtta) [57]. Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before бIаь (b`a’), e.g., ши бIаь (ši b`a’) [200], and thousands by placing the multiplier before эзап (ezap), e.g., эзап ши бIаьи ткъаь дийтта (ezap ši b`a’i tq’a’ dijtta) [1,234]. Large numbers like one million and one billion are borrowed words: миллион (million) and миллиард (milliard).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 through 9 have unique words: цаI (ca`) [1], шиъ (ši’) [2], кхоъ (qo’) [3], диъ (di’) [4], пхиъ (pxi’) [5], ялх (jalx) [6], ворхI (vorh’) [7], бапхI (baph’) [8], ийц (ijc) [9]. These are used as building blocks for larger numbers.
Formation of tens
Tens are formed with specific words: итт (itt) [10], ткъо (tq’o) [20], and combinations like ткъаь итт (tq’a’ itt) [30], шовэткъа (šovetq’a) [40], and so forth. For example, 50 is шовэткъа итт (šovetq’a itt), meaning 2*20 + 10.
Numbers 11-18
Numbers 11-18 are formed by combining the unit with the word for ten without space: цхьайтта (cḩajtta) [11], шийтта (šijtta) [12], кхойтта (qojtta) [13], дийтта (dijtta) [14], пхийтта (pxijtta) [15], ялхайтта (jalxajtta) [16], вупийтта (vupijtta) [17], бапайтта (bapajtta) [18].
The number 19
Nineteen is an exception, formed as ткъеста (tq’jesta), which is based on twenty, reflecting the vigesimal system.
Constructing numbers 21-99
Numbers like 23 are formed by stating the twenty (ткъаь, tq’a’) followed by the units: ткъаь кхоъ (tq’a’ qo’) [23]. For 35, it’s ткъаь пхийтта (tq’a’ pxijtta) [35], combining 20+15.
Hundreds and thousands
Hundreds are built by placing the digit before бIаь (b`a’), e.g., ши бIаь (ši b`a’) [200]. Thousands are formed similarly with эзап (ezap), e.g., эзап ши бIаьи ткъаь дийтта (ezap ši b`a’i tq’a’ dijtta) [1,234].
Unique features
The vigesimal system is evident in forming numbers like 30 (tq’a’ itt) and 50 (šovetq’a itt), combining 20s and units.
Numbers 11-18 are formed by directly attaching units to ten words, e.g., цхьайтта (11) and шийтта (12).
Nineteen (ткъеста) is based on twenty, an exception reflecting the vigesimal base.
Large numbers like one million and one billion are borrowed words: миллион and миллиард.
The pattern of combining tens and units without a separator (e.g., ткъаь кхоъ for 23) is distinctive.
Cultural context
The Ingush people primarily inhabit Ingushetia, a republic in the North Caucasus, with smaller communities in Chechnya, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Their culture emphasizes oral traditions, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of community. Numbers are integral in their daily life, from traditional trade and storytelling to rituals and celebrations. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, such as the number 20, which forms the basis of their counting system, symbolizing completeness and cycles. While specific taboo numbers are not widely documented, numerology and traditional beliefs influence their perception of numbers. The use of borrowed words like миллион and миллиард reflects their interaction with broader Russian and global cultures.
Fun facts
The number 18 is бапайтта (bapajtta), which combines the word for eight with a suffix, showing how compound formation is flexible.
Unlike decimal systems, Ingush counting emphasizes 20 as a core unit, similar to the Mayan vigesimal system.
The formation of 19 as ткъеста (tq’jesta) is an exception that highlights the vigesimal influence on the language.
Large numbers like one billion are borrowed words, showing linguistic adaptation to modern concepts.
The pattern of saying the tens followed by units without a connector is unique among many Caucasian languages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Ingush?
1 – цаI (ca`), 2 – шиъ (ši’), 3 – кхоъ (qo’), 4 – диъ (di’), 5 – пхиъ (pxi’), 6 – ялх (jalx), 7 – ворхI (vorh’), 8 – бапхI (baph’), 9 – ийц (ijc), 10 – итт (itt).
What number base does Ingush use?
Ingush uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like ткъо (20), шовэткъа (40), and the formation of numbers like 30 (tq’a’ itt) and 50 (šovetq’a itt).
How do you say 42 in Ingush?
42 is шовэткъа кхоъ (šovetq’a qo’): 40 (шовэткъа) plus 2 (шиъ).
How do you say 100 in Ingush?
100 is бIаь (b`a’). Larger numbers are formed by combining hundreds and smaller units, e.g., ши бIаь (200).
How many people speak Ingush?
Approximately 400,000 speakers, primarily in Ingushetia, with communities in Chechnya, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Is Ingush related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Northeast Caucasian family, specifically the Nakh branch, related to Chechen and other Nakh languages.
What makes Ingush counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with numbers like 11-18 formed by attaching units directly to ten words, and the exception of 19 based on twenty, make it distinctive.
Sources
- Indigenous Language of the Caucasus
- Ingush transliteration