Numbers in Innu
Innu-aimun
Numbers in Innu follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Indigenous languages of North America. Spoken by approximately 10,000 people in northeastern Quebec and Labrador, Innu-aimun's counting system is both logical and complex, combining units, tens, hundreds, and thousands with specific suffixes. Its unique structure makes learning numbers in Innu a fascinating linguistic journey, revealing insights into their culture and worldview. This article covers numbers in Innu from 1 to 1000, explaining the rules, pronunciation, and cultural significance behind their counting system.
Number system
The Innu counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a base. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: peikᵘ (1), nishᵘ (2), nishtᵘ (3), neu (4), patetat (5), kutuasht (6), nishuasht (7), nishuaush (8), peikushteu (9). Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with -tunnu for 10 to 40, and -tatunnu for 50 to 90, e.g., kutunnu (10), nishunnu (20), nishtunnu (30), neunnu (40). Compound numbers combine these with 'ashu' and the units, such as kutunnu ashu nishᵘ (12) and patetat-tatunnu ashu nishuaush (58). Hundreds are formed by suffixing the multiplier with -mitashumitannu, e.g., peikumitashumitannu (100), and thousands with -tshishemitashumitannu, e.g., peikutshishemitashumitannu (1,000). Larger numbers are built by combining these elements systematically, reflecting a vigesimal structure with clear rules for composition.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Numbers 1 through 9 are unique words: peikᵘ (1), nishᵘ (2), nishtᵘ (3), neu (4), patetat (5), kutuasht (6), nishuasht (7), nishuaush (8), peikushteu (9).
Tens formation
Tens from 10 to 40 are formed by suffixing the digit with -tunnu: 10 is kutunnu, 20 is nishunnu, 30 is nishtunnu, 40 is neunnu. For 50 to 90, suffix -tatunnu is used: 50 is patetat-tatunnu, 60 is kutuasht-tatunnu, 70 is nishuasht-tatunnu, 80 is nishuaush-tatunnu, 90 is peikushteu-tatunnu.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 12 are formed by combining the ten, 'ashu', and the unit: 12 is kutunnu ashu nishᵘ. For 58, it is patetat-tatunnu ashu nishuaush, following the pattern of ten + ashu + unit.
Hundreds formation
Hundreds are formed by suffixing the digit with -mitashumitannu: 100 is peikumitashumitannu, 200 is nishumitashumitannu, 300 is nishtumitashumitannu, 400 is neumitashumitannu. For 500 to 900, -tatumitashumitannu is used: 500 is patetat-tatumitashumitannu, 600 is kutuasht-tatumitashumitannu, etc.
Thousands formation
Thousands are built by suffixing the digit with -tshishemitashumitannu: 1,000 is peikutshishemitashumitannu, 2,000 is nishutshishemitashumitannu, 3,000 is nishtutshishemitashumitannu, up to 9,000 with the suffix -tatutshishemitashumitannu.
Unique features
The vigesimal system is evident in numbers like 20 (nishunnu) and 40 (neunnu), showing a base-20 pattern.
Numbers like 58 (patetat-tatunnu ashu nishuaush) combine tens and units with a specific 'ashu' connector, unlike simple additive systems.
The formation of hundreds and thousands uses suffixes that systematically reflect their multiplier, e.g., peikumitashumitannu (100).
Large numbers such as 1,000 are constructed with a specific suffix, indicating a highly systematic and productive number formation.
The language borrows no words for numbers; all are native, reflecting a deep cultural connection to their counting system.
Cultural context
The Innu people inhabit northeastern Quebec and Labrador, living in a culture deeply connected to the land, hunting, fishing, and traditional practices. Numbers in Innu are integral to daily life, from trading and navigation to storytelling and ceremonies. Their counting system reflects their worldview, emphasizing systematic relationships and kinship with nature. Certain numbers may be considered culturally significant, though specific taboos or lucky numbers are not documented. The language's numerical structure demonstrates their sophisticated understanding of mathematics and their environment, maintaining traditional practices while adapting to modern needs.
Fun facts
The number 58 in Innu is patetat-tatunnu ashu nishuaush, illustrating how tens and units are combined with 'ashu'.
Unlike decimal systems, Innu's vigesimal system resembles the Mayan numbering system, but with unique suffixes and connectors.
The formation of 100 (peikumitashumitannu) involves a suffix that indicates 'hundred times', showing a multiplicative pattern.
Historically, the Innu have used their counting system for trade and navigation, passing numbers orally across generations.
Numbers larger than 1,000 are not documented, but the systematic suffixes suggest a potential for constructing even larger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Innu?
1 is peikᵘ, 2 is nishᵘ, 3 is nishtᵘ, 4 is neu, 5 is patetat, 6 is kutuasht, 7 is nishuasht, 8 is nishuaush, 9 is peikushteu, and 10 is kutunnu.
What number base does Innu use?
Innu uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by 20 being nishunnu, 40 neunnu, and the formation of compound numbers like 58 and 75.
How do you say 42 in Innu?
42 is formed as neunnu ashu patetat, combining 40 (neunnu) with 2 (nishᵘ) via 'ashu'.
How do you say 100 in Innu?
100 is peikumitashumitannu, built by suffixing 'mitashumitannu' to 'peiku' (one hundred).
How many people speak Innu?
Approximately 10,000 people speak Innu in northeastern Quebec and Labrador.
Is Innu related to other languages?
Yes, Innu belongs to the Algonquian language family, specifically within the Cree–Montagnais–Naskapi dialect continuum.
What makes Innu counting unique?
Its systematic vigesimal structure, with suffixes for hundreds and thousands, and the use of 'ashu' to connect tens and units, makes it particularly distinctive among North American indigenous languages.
Sources
- Innu-aimun