Numbers in Kalderash Romani
Kaldarári
Numbers in Kalderash Romani follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Romani dialects. Spoken primarily in Romania by about 200,000 speakers, Kalderash Romani exhibits a unique counting structure that combines decimal and vigesimal elements. Its numbers are built with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, often using compound formations. This language's counting system reflects its rich cultural history and influences from neighboring languages. Understanding the numbers in Kalderash Romani reveals insights into their traditions, trade practices, and daily life, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and language enthusiasts alike.
Number system
Kalderash Romani primarily uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are built around the number twenty (biš). Numbers from 1 to 10 are unique words, such as jek (1), duj (2), and deš (10). For numbers 11 to 19, they combine deš (10) with the unit, like dešujek (11) and dešuiňa (19). Tens like 20, 30, 40, and 50 are specific words: biš (20), tranda (30), saranda (40), and pinda (50). Compound numbers are formed by linking the tens and units with taj, e.g., biš taj jek (21), tranda taj duj (32), saranda taj panź (45). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before šêl (100), e.g., duj šêla (200), trin šêla (300). Thousands are built similarly with mija (1,000), e.g., duj miji (2000).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from zero to ten
Numbers from zero to ten are specific words: núla [0], jek [1], duj [2], trin [3], štar [4], panź [5], šov [6], jefta [7], oxto [8], iňa [9], deš [10]. For example, 3 is trin, 7 is jefta, and 10 is deš.
Forming numbers 11 to 19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining deš (10) with the unit, with no space, except for 17 and 19 where the u disappears: dešujek [11], dešuduj [12], dešutrin [13], dešuštar [14], dešupanź [15], dešušov [16], dešjefta [17], dešoxto [18], dešuiňa [19].
Tens and multiples of ten
Tens up to fifty have specific words: biš [20], tranda [30], saranda [40], pinda [50]. For example, 30 is tranda, and 50 is pinda. For larger tens, the pattern continues with the same words.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 21, 32, or 45 are formed by linking the ten and the unit with taj, e.g., biš taj jek [21], tranda taj duj [32], saranda taj panź [45].
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before šêl (100): duj šêla [200], trin šêla [300], štar šêla [400], panź šêla [500], etc. For example, 600 is šov šêla.
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly with mija (1,000): mija [1,000], duj miji [2,000], trin miji [3,000], štar miji [4,000], panź miji [5,000]. For example, 3,000 is trin miji.
Unique features
The number 6 (šov) is formed by adding 5 (panź) plus 1 (jek), showing a quinary influence within the vigesimal system.
Unlike pure decimal systems, Kalderash Romani combines vigesimal and decimal elements, evident in how 20 (biš) and 30 (tranda) are key multipliers.
The formation of numbers like 17 (dešjefta) and 19 (dešuiňa) involves dropping the 'u' in the suffix, a unique phonological feature.
Large numbers up to 999,999 are built by stacking thousands (mija) and hundreds (šêl), but beyond that, the system is not documented.
The word for thousand, mija, is borrowed from other Balkan languages, reflecting cultural exchanges.
Cultural context
Kalderash Romani is primarily spoken in Romania, where the Romani community has a rich cultural heritage rooted in traditional crafts, music, and storytelling. Numbers play a vital role in their daily life, from trading goods to performing rituals and celebrations. Certain numbers, like 7 (jefta), are considered culturally significant, while others may be avoided in superstitions. The language and its counting system serve as a marker of identity, preserving their history and social cohesion. Despite external influences, the Kalderash Romani maintain their unique numerical structure, which is integral to their cultural expression and community life.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 17 (dešjefta) drops the 'u' from the suffix, making it phonologically distinct from other numbers ending in -jefta.
Fact 2: Compared to English, which is decimal, Kalderash Romani’s vigesimal system resembles that of the Basque language, but with different words and formation rules.
Fact 3: The use of 'taj' to connect tens and units mirrors similar structures in other Indo-European languages, but with unique Romani vocabulary.
Fact 4: Historically, the word for thousand, mija, is borrowed from Balkan languages, indicating cultural exchanges over centuries.
Fact 5: The system can theoretically extend to very large numbers by stacking thousands and hundreds, but actual usage beyond 999,999 is undocumented.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Kalderash Romani?
The numbers are: núla [0], jek [1], duj [2], trin [3], štar [4], panź [5], šov [6], jefta [7], oxto [8], iňa [9], deš [10].
What number base does Kalderash Romani use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by the words for 20 (biš), 30 (tranda), and the formation of numbers like 21 (biš taj jek).
How do you say 42 in Kalderash Romani?
42 is saranda taj duj: saranda [40] plus duj [2], linked by taj.
How do you say 100 in Kalderash Romani?
100 is šêl, and larger hundreds are formed by placing the digit before šêl, e.g., duj šêla [200].
How many people speak Kalderash Romani?
Approximately 200,000 speakers, mostly in Romania.
Is Kalderash Romani related to other languages?
Yes, it is a dialect of Vlax Romani, part of the Indo-Aryan branch of Indo-European languages.
What makes Kalderash Romani counting unique?
Its combination of vigesimal and decimal elements, especially in forming numbers like 17 and 19, makes it distinctive among Romani dialects.
Sources
- Romlex, Romani lexicon