Numbers in Jaqaru
Numbers in Jaqaru follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, characteristic of many indigenous Andean languages. Spoken by approximately 600 people in Peru's Yauyos Province, it reflects a rich cultural heritage. The counting system combines unique words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, often forming compound numbers. Its structure reveals a vigesimal pattern, with numbers like 20, 30, and 40 built around multiples of 20, and complex formations for larger numbers. This system makes Jaqaru's counting both fascinating and distinct among South American indigenous languages. Understanding these rules provides insight into their cultural worldview and linguistic history.
Number system
Jaqaru's counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it counts in multiples of 20. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: maya [1], paja [2], kimsa [3], pushi [4], pichqa [5], sujta [6], qantrisi [7], pusaqa [8], isquña [9]. Tens are formed by combining the unit with 'trunka' (20), such as paj trunka [20], kimsa trunka [30], pushi trunka [40], pichqa trunka [50], sujta trunka [60], qantrisi trunka [70], pusaqa trunka [80], and isquña trunka [90]. For example, 17 is 'trunka qantrisi ni' (20 + 7), and 63 is 'sujta trunka kimsa ni' (60 + 3). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the number with 'patraka' (100), e.g., patraka [100], paj patraka [200], kimsa patraka [300]. Thousands are built similarly with 'waranqa' (1000), such as waranqa [1,000], paj waranqa [2,000], and so forth. Compound numbers like 42 are 'pushi trunka kimsa ni' (40 + 3), and 78 is 'qantrisi trunka pusaqa ni' (70 + 8). The system relies heavily on combining these elements in a consistent pattern, emphasizing the vigesimal structure.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting units (1-9)
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: maya [1], paja [2], kimsa [3], pushi [4], pichqa [5], sujta [6], qantrisi [7], pusaqa [8], isquña [9]. For example, 4 is pushi, 7 is qantrisi, and 9 is isquña.
Forming tens (10-90)
Tens are formed by combining the unit word with 'trunka' (20). For example, 20 is paj trunka, 30 is kimsa trunka, 40 is pushi trunka, 50 is pichqa trunka, 60 is sujta trunka, 70 is qantrisi trunka, 80 is pusaqa trunka, and 90 is isquña trunka.
Constructing compound numbers (11-99)
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by stating the multiple of 20, then the unit with 'ni' (meaning 'and'). For example, 17 is 'trunka qantrisi ni' (20 + 7), 63 is 'sujta trunka kimsa ni' (60 + 3), 42 is 'pushi trunka kimsa ni' (40 + 3), and 78 is 'qantrisi trunka pusaqa ni' (70 + 8).
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the number with 'patraka' (100). For example, 100 is 'patraka', 200 is 'paj patraka', 300 is 'kimsa patraka', 400 is 'pushi patraka', 500 is 'pichqa patraka', 600 is 'sujta patraka', 700 is 'qantrisi patraka', 800 is 'pusaqa patraka', and 900 is 'isquña patraka'.
Constructing thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing the number with 'waranqa' (1000). For example, 1000 is 'waranqa', 2000 is 'paj waranqa', 3000 is 'kimsa waranqa', 4000 is 'push waranqa', 5000 is 'pichq waranqa', 6000 is 'sujta waranqa', 7000 is 'qantrisi waranqa', 8000 is 'pusaqa waranqa', and 9000 is 'isquña waranqa'.
Unique features
The vigesimal system is evident in numbers like 20 'paj trunka' and 40 'pushi trunka', showing counting in multiples of 20.
Numbers like 17 'trunka qantrisi ni' and 63 'sujta trunka kimsa ni' combine tens and units with 'ni', similar to other vigesimal languages but with unique words.
The formation of 100 as 'patraka' and 200 as 'paj patraka' demonstrates a consistent pattern of multiplying by 100, unlike purely additive systems.
Large numbers like 1000 'waranqa' are formed by prefixing the base number with 'waranqa', showing a clear pattern for large numerals.
The word 'paja' for 2 is also used in other Aymaran languages, indicating cultural borrowing and shared linguistic roots.
Cultural context
The Jaqaru people inhabit the districts of Tupe and Catahuasi in Peru's Yauyos Province, with around 600 speakers. Their culture is deeply rooted in Andean traditions, where numbers are essential in trade, agriculture, and rituals. Numbers like 20 'paj trunka' are used in counting livestock or land plots, while 100 'patraka' may mark significant community events. The vigesimal system reflects their historical counting practices, possibly linked to counting fingers and toes. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the language's structure emphasizes the importance of multiples of 20, highlighting their cultural connection to the land and community.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 17 is 'trunka qantrisi ni', literally '20 plus 7', illustrating the vigesimal pattern.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Jaqaru's counting emphasizes multiples of 20, similar to some other indigenous languages like Nahuatl.
Fact 3: The word for 100, 'patraka', is also used in other Aymaran languages, indicating shared linguistic heritage.
Fact 4: Historically, the number 1000 'waranqa' might have been used in trade or ceremonial contexts, emphasizing its cultural significance.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 8,000 'pusaqa waranqa' show that Jaqaru can form complex numerals, though rarely used outside formal contexts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Jaqaru?
1 - maya, 2 - paja, 3 - kimsa, 4 - pushi, 5 - pichqa, 6 - sujta, 7 - qantrisi, 8 - pusaqa, 9 - isquña, 10 - trunka.
What number base does Jaqaru use?
Jaqaru uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like paj trunka [20], kimsa trunka [30], and compound numbers like sujta trunka kimsa ni [60 + 3].
How do you say 42 in Jaqaru?
42 is 'pushi trunka kimsa ni' (40 + 3), formed by 'pushi' (4), 'trunka' (20), and 'kimsa' (3), combined as 40 plus 3.
How do you say 100 in Jaqaru?
100 is 'patraka'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the number with 'patraka', e.g., 200 is 'paj patraka'.
How many people speak Jaqaru?
Approximately 600 speakers, primarily in Peru's Yauyos Province, in districts of Tupe and Catahuasi.
Is Jaqaru related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Aymaran language family, sharing roots with other Aymaran languages in the Andes.
What makes Jaqaru counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with numbers like 17 'trunka qantrisi ni' and 78 'qantrisi trunka pusaqa ni', showcases a distinctive pattern of combining tens and units in a consistent way.
Sources
- Vocabulario Jaqaru-Español Español-Jaqaru, by Neli Belleza Castro, editors Centro de Estudios Regionales Andinos Bartolomé de las Casas (1995)