Numbers in Jèrriais
Numbers in Jèrriais follow a mixed counting system combining decimal and vigesimal elements, making it unique among Romance languages. Spoken primarily on the island of Jersey by approximately 2,600 speakers, Jèrriais features distinct words for numbers up to 1,000. Its counting system reflects historical influences, including Celtic vigesimal patterns and French decimal structures. The language's numbers in Jèrriais reveal a fascinating blend of tradition and linguistic evolution, offering insights into local culture and history. Understanding these numbers enhances appreciation of Jersey’s linguistic heritage and daily life, from trade to cultural festivities.
Number system
Jèrriais primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system for certain ranges, especially from 60 upwards, combined with decimal (base-10) for lower numbers. Numbers 1-16 are unique words: ieune (1), deux (2), trais (3), quat’ (4), chîn (5), six (6), sept (7), huit (8), neuf (9), dgix (10), onze (11), douze (12), treize (13), quatorze (14), tchînze (15), and seize (16). Numbers 17-19 are formed by combining the form of ten with units: dgiêx-sept (17), dgiêx-huit (18), dgiêx-neuf (19). Tens are specific words: dgix (10), vîngt (20), trente (30), quarante (40), chînquante (50), souaixante (60), septante (70), quatre-vîngts (80), and nonante (90). For example, 42 is 'quarante-deux' (40+2), while 78 is 'septante-huit' (70+8). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'chent' (hundred): deux chents (200), trais chents (300). Thousands are formed similarly: deux mille (2000). Compound numbers are joined with hyphens, and special forms like 'vîngt’tch’ieune' (21) show the use of 'tch’' for units after 20.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words 1-16
Numbers 1 to 16 are unique words: ieune (1), deux (2), trais (3), quat’ (4), chîn (5), six (6), sept (7), huit (8), neuf (9), dgix (10), onze (11), douze (12), treize (13), quatorze (14), tchînze (15), and seize (16). For example, 1 is 'ieune', 4 is 'quat’', and 16 is 'seize'.
Numbers 17-19
Numbers 17 to 19 are formed by combining the word for ten 'dgix' with units, separated by a hyphen: dgiêx-sept (17), dgiêx-huit (18), dgiêx-neuf (19). For example, 18 is 'dgiêx-huit'.
Tens and their words
Tens are specific words: dgix (10), vîngt (20), trente (30), quarante (40), chînquante (50), souaixante (60), septante (70), quatre-vîngts (80), and nonante (90). For example, 30 is 'trente', 50 is 'chînquante', and 70 is 'septante'.
Forming compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed by combining the tens and units with a hyphen: 'quarante-deux' (40+2). For 61, the form is 'vîngt’tch’ieune' (20+1 with 'tch’'), and for 78, 'septante-huit' (70+8). When the unit is one, 'tch’' is used instead of hyphen: 61, 'vîngt’tch’ieune'.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'chent': chent (100), deux chents (200), trais chents (300). For example, 500 is 'chîn chents'.
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly: mille (1,000), deux mille (2,000), trais mille (3,000). For example, 4,000 is 'quat’ mille'.
Unique features
The use of a vigesimal system for numbers above 60, such as 'quatre-vîngts' (80) and 'septante' (70), reflects Celtic influence, unlike standard French.
Numbers 1-16 are entirely unique words, not derived from Latin or French, highlighting a distinct linguistic heritage.
The use of 'tch’' for units after 20 (e.g., 'vîngt’tch’ieune' for 21) is a unique feature not found in standard French.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed straightforwardly as 'mille', but the language retains traditional forms for smaller units, emphasizing cultural continuity.
The word 'ieune' for one is feminine, contrasting with the masculine 'un' in French, reflecting gender distinctions in Jèrriais.
Cultural context
Jèrriais is spoken mainly on Jersey, a small island with a rich maritime tradition. The language embodies local identity, with numbers appearing in daily transactions, traditional festivals, and storytelling. Historically, the language preserved Celtic vigesimal patterns, which are still evident today. While the language has declined, efforts to revive it include cultural events and education. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance; for example, 13 ('treize') might be considered unlucky, similar to other cultures. The use of traditional counting reflects a deep connection to Jersey’s history, folklore, and community life, maintaining a sense of identity amidst modern influences.
Fun facts
The number 78 is 'septante-huit', showing the vigesimal influence with 'septante' for 70, unlike standard French 'soixante-dix'.
Compared to French, Jèrriais uses 'septante' instead of 'soixante-dix' for 70, highlighting regional variation.
The formation of numbers 17-19 by combining 'dgix' with units is a regular pattern, unlike the Latin-based French system.
Historically, the vigesimal system may originate from Celtic languages, preserved in the words for 70, 80, and 90.
Large numbers like 1,000 are simply 'mille', but the language maintains traditional forms for smaller units, emphasizing cultural continuity.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Jèrriais?
1 - ieune, 2 - deux, 3 - trais, 4 - quat’, 5 - chîn, 6 - six, 7 - sept, 8 - huit, 9 - neuf, 10 - dgix.
What number base does Jèrriais use?
Jèrriais uses a mixed vigesimal and decimal system. For example, 70 is 'septante' (70), 80 is 'quatre-vîngts' (80), and 90 is 'nénante' (90), showing base-20 influences at higher numbers.
How do you say 42 in Jèrriais?
42 is 'quarante-deux', combining 40 ('quarante') and 2 ('deux') with a hyphen, following the pattern for compound numbers.
How do you say 100 in Jèrriais?
100 is 'chent'. For larger hundreds, e.g., 300, it's 'trais chents', with the multiplier before 'chents'.
How many people speak Jèrriais?
Approximately 2,600 speakers, mainly on Jersey, where the language is a regional dialect with cultural importance.
Is Jèrriais related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Gallo-Romance branch of the Indo-European family, closely related to Norman French and other Oïl languages.
What makes Jèrriais counting unique?
Its use of vigesimal patterns for numbers above 60, such as 'septante' for 70 and 'quatre-vîngts' for 80, sets it apart from standard French and reflects Celtic influence.
Sources
- The Jèrriais pages (in Jèrriais)
- L’Office du Jèrriais (in English and Jèrriais)