Numbers in Inupiaq
Iñupiaq
Numbers in Inupiaq follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, unique among many indigenous languages. Spoken by approximately 2,000 Iñupiat people in northern and northwestern Alaska and parts of the Northwest Territories, Inupiaq's counting system reflects their cultural and environmental context. Its structure combines traditional vigesimal patterns with specific formations for numbers like 6 (itchaksrat) and 19 (iñuiññaŋŋutaiḷaq). The language's counting system is fascinating for linguists and learners alike, offering insights into how the Iñupiat perceive and organize their world. Exploring the numbers in Inupiaq reveals a rich linguistic tradition rooted in their Arctic environment.
Number system
Inupiaq counting is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a base. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: atausiq [1], malġuk [2], piŋasut [3], sisamat [4], tallimat [5], itchaksrat [6], tallimat malġuk [7], tallimat piŋasut [8], quliŋuġutaiḷaq [9]. Tens are formed by combining the word for ten (qulit [10]) with units: qulit atausiq [11], qulit malġuk [12], qulit piŋasut [13]. Multiples of twenty are formed with iñuiññaq [20], and higher multiples like 40 (malġukipiaq), 50 (malġukipiaq qulit), 60 (piŋasukipiaq), and so on, are built by multiplying 20. Compound numbers like 25 are formed as iñuiññaq tallimat [25], combining 20 + 5. For 42, it would be iñuiññaq akimiaq [35] plus 7 (tallimat malġuk), resulting in a pattern of combining the base with units or other multiples of 20. The system is highly regular, with patterns for 30 (iñuiññaq qulit), 70 (piŋasukipiaq qulit), and 80 (sisamakipiaq). Hundreds are formed as tallimakipiaq [100], and thousands as kavluutit [1,000].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1-9 are unique words: 1 is atausiq, 2 is malġuk, 3 is piŋasut, 4 is sisamat, 5 is tallimat, 6 is itchaksrat, 7 is tallimat malġuk, 8 is tallimat piŋasut, and 9 is quliŋuġutaiḷaq.
Forming numbers 10-19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining 'qulit' (10) with units: 11 is qulit atausiq, 12 is qulit malġuk, 13 is qulit piŋasut, 14 is akimiaġutaiḷaq (15-1), 15 is akimiaq, 16 is akimiaq atausiq, 17 is akimiaq malġuk, 18 is akimiaq piŋasut, and 19 is iñuiññaŋŋutaiḷaq (20-1).
Forming multiples of 20
20 is iñuiññaq. 30 is formed as iñuiññaq qulit (20+10). 40 is malġukipiaq (2*20), 50 is malġukipiaq qulit (2*20+10), 60 is piŋasukipiaq (3*20), 70 is piŋasukipiaq qulit (3*20+10), 80 is sisamakipiaq (4*20), and 90 is quliŋuġutaiḷaq (4*20+10).
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 25 are formed as iñuiññaq tallimat (20+5). 35 is iñuiññaq akimiaq (20+15). 42 is iñuiññaq akimiaq tallimat malġuk (20+15+2). The pattern involves combining the base (20, 40, 60, etc.) with units or sub-multiples, following the vigesimal system.
Hundreds and thousands
100 is tallimakipiaq, formed by combining 'tallimak' (hundred) with the suffix -ipiaq. 1,000 is kavluutit, a separate word indicating a large quantity, used in trade and large-scale counting.
Unique features
The number 6 (itchaksrat) is formed by adding 1 (atausiq) to 5 (tallimat), illustrating additive formation within the system.
Unlike many languages that use decimal systems, Inupiaq's vigesimal system emphasizes 20 as a fundamental building block, similar to French 'quatre-vingts' for 80.
The number 14 (akimiaġutaiḷaq) is based on the concept of 'other half' (aki-), showing cultural significance in how numbers are conceptualized.
Large numbers like 100 (tallimakipiaq) and 1,000 (kavluutit) are formed with specific words, reflecting their importance in trade and societal organization.
The word for nine (quliŋuġutaiḷaq) is a compound with a unique form, showing how the language combines elements to express complex numbers.
Cultural context
The Inupiaq people inhabit northern and northwestern Alaska and parts of the Northwest Territories, living in Arctic environments where survival depends on precise navigation and resource management. Their counting system reflects their environment, with numbers used in hunting, trading, and storytelling. The use of large numbers like kavluutit indicates the importance of trade and resource distribution. Numbers also appear in traditional ceremonies and storytelling, where specific numbers may carry symbolic significance. The language's structure emphasizes the importance of the number 20, mirroring their reliance on counting in groups of 20 for hunting and gathering. There are no known taboo numbers, but certain numbers like 13 may be avoided in some contexts due to cultural beliefs.
Fun facts
The number 19 (iñuiññaŋŋutaiḷaq) is formed as 20-1, showing a subtractive pattern unique among vigesimal systems.
Compared to French, which uses 'quatre-vingts' for 80, Inupiaq explicitly combines multiples of 20 with addition, reflecting a different vigesimal approach.
The pattern of forming 7 (tallimat malġuk) as 5+2 demonstrates additive formation within the system, similar to some other indigenous vigesimal languages.
Historically, the Inupiaq counting system has helped organize large-scale hunting and resource management, essential for Arctic survival.
Despite the complexity, Inupiaq can express very large numbers like 1,000 with a specific word, kavluutit, showing its capacity for large-scale counting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Inupiaq?
1 is atausiq, 2 is malġuk, 3 is piŋasut, 4 is sisamat, 5 is tallimat, 6 is itchaksrat, 7 is tallimat malġuk, 8 is tallimat piŋasut, 9 is quliŋuġutaiḷaq, and 10 is qulit.
What number base does Inupiaq use?
Inupiaq uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like iñuiññaq for 20, malġukipiaq for 40 (2*20), and compound formations like iñuiññaq akimiaq for 35.
How do you say 42 in Inupiaq?
42 is formed as iñuiññaq akimiaq tallimat malġuk, combining 20 (iñuiññaq), 15 (akimiaq), and 2 (malġuk).
How do you say 100 in Inupiaq?
100 is tallimakipiaq, formed by combining 'tallimak' (hundred) with the suffix -ipiaq.
How many people speak Inupiaq?
About 2,000 speakers, primarily in northern and northwestern Alaska and parts of the Northwest Territories.
Is Inupiaq related to other languages?
Yes, it is part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, specifically within the Inuit languages branch.
What makes Inupiaq counting unique?
Its vigesimal system emphasizes 20 as a fundamental unit, with complex compound formations like 19 (iñuiññaŋŋutaiḷaq) based on subtraction from 20, which is rare among vigesimal languages.
Sources
- A grammar of Iñupiaq morphosyntax (pdf), by Linda A. Lanz
- Sharing our pathways (volume 2, issue 1) (pdf)