Numbers in Jakaltek
Popti’
Numbers in Jakaltek follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, characteristic of many Mayan languages. Spoken primarily in Guatemala's Huehuetenango department and in Chiapas, Mexico, Jakaltek has about 40,000 speakers within a population of roughly 65,000. Its counting system is unique because it combines a subtractive approach for tens with a base-20 structure, creating complex compound numbers. The language’s numerals reflect cultural and historical influences, making the numbers in Jakaltek both practical and culturally significant. Understanding the numbers in Jakaltek offers insight into its rich linguistic heritage and daily life practices.
Number system
Jakaltek uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. Numbers from 1 to 9 are formed with specific root words like hune’ (1), kab’eb’ (2), and oxeb’ (3). For example, 6 is wajeb’ (5+1), and 9 is b’alunheb’ (5+4). Tens are formed with words like lahunheb’ for 10, which is a key marker in the system. Compound numbers like 23 are built as oxeb’ skab’winaj, combining 3 (oxeb’) with 20 (skab’winaj). The number 40 is kab’winaj, a multiple of 20, and 50 is lahunheb’ oxk’al, combining 10 (lahunheb’) with 20 (oxk’al). Hundreds are formed by multiplying 20, such as hok’al for 100 (5*20), and larger numbers follow this pattern, like wajk’al for 120 (6*20).
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Formation of 1-9
Numbers from 1 to 9 are formed using specific roots with the classifier eb’, except for 0 and 1. For example, 2 is kab’eb’, 3 is oxeb’, 4 is kanheb’, 5 is howeb’, 6 is wajeb’, 7 is hujeb’, 8 is waxajeb’, and 9 is b’alunheb’. The number 1 is hune’, and zero is tz’in, which is not listed here but is used in other contexts.
Formation of Tens
Tens are formed with words like lahunheb’ for 10, and multiples of twenty with suffix ‘k’al’ such as hunk’al for 20, kab’winaj for 40, and lahunhk’al for 200. For example, 30 is lahunheb’ skab’winaj (10 from 40), and 70 is lahunheb’ skanhwinaj (10 from 80).
Compound Numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by combining a number from 1 to 19 with a multiple of twenty, prefixed with ‘s’ if starting with ‘k’ or ‘h’. For example, 23 is oxeb’ skab’winaj (3 + 20), and 57 is hujlahunheb’ yoxk’al (17 + 40).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by multiplying 20 by a number from 5 to 19. For example, 100 is hok’al (5*20), 120 is wajk’al (6*20), and 180 is b’alunhk’al (9*20). Larger numbers like 200 are lahunhk’al (10*20), and 380 is b’alunhlahunhk’al (19*20).
Large Numbers
Numbers beyond 100 are formed by multiplying 20s. For example, 500 is hunmotz, which is a special form for 500, and 600 would be oxk’al (3*200). The pattern continues with each multiple of twenty having its own word, allowing for complex large numbers.
Unique features
Jakaltek’s number 6 (wajeb’) is formed as 5+1, showing a quinary aspect within the vigesimal system.
Unlike some other Mayan languages, Jakaltek uses a subtractive approach for tens, such as lahunheb’ skab’winaj for 30, which is 10 subtracted from 40.
The number 50 (lahunheb’ oxk’al) combines 10 and 20 in a way that reflects a mixed additive and subtractive pattern, making it distinctive.
Large numbers like 380 (b’alunhlahunhk’al) are formed by combining multiple multiples of twenty, demonstrating the language’s capacity for complex compound formation.
The word hunmotz for 500 appears to be borrowed or adapted from other cultural elements, showing linguistic influence beyond pure Mayan roots.
Cultural context
Jakaltek is spoken mainly in the highland regions of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and in parts of Chiapas, Mexico. The Jakaltek people have a rich cultural heritage with traditional practices, ceremonies, and trade that often involve numerals. Numbers are used in rituals, agriculture, and trade, where precise counting is essential. Certain numbers, like 13 or 20, may hold special cultural significance, though specific taboos are not well documented. The language’s numerals reflect a deep connection to their environment and history, with large numbers used in ceremonial contexts and smaller ones in daily life. The use of vigesimal counting aligns with other Mayan traditions, emphasizing their historical continuity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 23 in Jakaltek is oxeb’ skab’winaj, combining 3 and 40, illustrating the subtractive pattern for tens.
Fact 2: Compared to English, which is decimal, Jakaltek’s vigesimal system is more similar to ancient Mayan numerals, making it unique among modern languages.
Fact 3: The formation of 100 as hok’al (5*20) shows a clear multiplication pattern, unlike the additive systems in many languages.
Fact 4: The word hunmotz for 500 may derive from a cultural or historical term, hinting at traditional significance beyond mere counting.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 380 are formed by stacking 19 multiples of twenty, demonstrating the language’s capacity for complex numerical expressions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Jakaltek?
1 – hune’, 2 – kab’eb’, 3 – oxeb’, 4 – kanheb’, 5 – howeb’, 6 – wajeb’, 7 – hujeb’, 8 – waxajeb’, 9 – b’alunheb’, 10 – lahunheb’.
What number base does Jakaltek use?
Jakaltek uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like hunk’al for 20, kab’winaj for 40, and lahunhk’al for 200, which are multiples of 20.
How do you say 42 in Jakaltek?
42 is formed as kab’winaj skab’ (2*20 + 2), or more precisely, oxeb’ skab’winaj, combining 3 (oxeb’) with 40 (skab’winaj).
How do you say 100 in Jakaltek?
100 is hok’al, which is 5*20, following the pattern of multiplying 20 by a number from 5 to 19.
How many people speak Jakaltek?
Approximately 40,000 speakers, mainly in Guatemala’s Huehuetenango department and in Chiapas, Mexico.
Is Jakaltek related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Mayan language family, specifically the Qʼanjobalan branch within the Western group.
What makes Jakaltek counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system combined with a subtractive approach for tens, such as lahunheb’ skab’winaj for 30, makes it distinctive among Mayan languages.
Sources
- B’alunh Noh (YouTube)
- Lengua Materna, Francisco Alfredo Sapón Orellana (2015)