Numbers in Kirmanjki
Numbers in Kirmanjki follow a mixed counting system combining elements of decimal and vigesimal structures. Spoken by approximately 140,000 Zazas in Turkey, Kirmanjki is a Western Iranian language with a rich linguistic tradition. Its counting system is unique, featuring irregular tens and compound formations. The language's numbers in Kirmanjki reveal interesting patterns, especially in how they form numbers from eleven to ninety. Understanding this system offers insight into the language's structure and cultural nuances, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and language enthusiasts alike.
Number system
Kirmanjki's counting system is primarily decimal but incorporates vigesimal elements, especially in forming numbers from twenty onwards. Digits 1-9 are unique words: yew [1], di [2], hîrê [3], çar [4], panc [5], şeş [6], hewt [7], heşt [8], new [9]. Numbers 11-19 are formed by suffixing 'des' to the units: yewendes [11], diwês [12], hîrês [13], çarês [14], pancês [15], şîyês [16], hewtês [17], heştês [18], newês [19]. Tens like 20, 30, 40, etc., are irregular: vîst [20], hîris [30], çewres [40], pancas [50], şeştî [60], hewtay [70], heştay [80], neway [90]. Compound numbers are formed by stating the ten, then 'û' (and), then the unit: vîst u panc [25], hîris û heşt [38], hewtay û yew [71]. Hundreds combine the multiplier with 'sey': di sey [200], hîrê sey [300], etc., while 100 itself is 'se'. The thousand is 'hezar', and million is 'milyonêk'.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Numbers from one to nine are unique words: yew [1], di [2], hîrê [3], çar [4], panc [5], şeş [6], hewt [7], heşt [8], new [9].
Numbers 11-19
Formed by suffixing 'ês' to the unit words, except for eleven which is 'yewendes': yewendes [11], diwês [12], hîrês [13], çarês [14], pancês [15], şîyês [16], hewtês [17], heştês [18], newês [19].
Tens
Tens are irregular but formed on roots: 20 is 'vîst', 30 'hîris', 40 'çewres', 50 'pancas', 60 'şeştî', 70 'hewtay', 80 'heştay', 90 'neway'. Compound numbers are made by combining the ten and unit with 'û' (and): e.g., 25 is 'vîst u panc', 38 is 'hîris û heşt', 71 is 'hewtay û yew'.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by stating the multiplier digit followed by 'sey': 200 is 'di sey', 300 'hîrê sey', 400 'çar sey', 500 'panc sey', 600 'ses sey', 700 'hewt sey', 800 'heşt sey', 900 'new sey'. The number 100 alone is 'se'.
Large numbers
Thousands are expressed as 'hezar' (plural 'hezarî'), e.g., 1,000 is 'hezar'. Millions are 'milyonêk' (plural 'milyonî'). These are combined with smaller units for larger numbers, e.g., 2,300 is 'di sey hîris'.
Unique features
Irregular tens like 'hîris' (30) and 'çewres' (40) which do not follow a simple pattern, making the system less predictable.
Compound numbers are formed with 'û' (and), similar to some Celtic and Semitic languages, e.g., 'hîris û heşt' (38).
Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by suffixing 'ês' to units, except for 11, which is 'yewendes', a unique form.
Hundreds are systematically formed by combining the digit with 'sey', e.g., 'hîrê sey' (300), showing a clear pattern for large numbers.
The language borrows the word 'hezar' for thousand and 'milyonêk' for million, reflecting cultural and historical influences.
Cultural context
Kirmanjki is spoken mainly in southeastern Turkey by the Zaza people, who have a rich cultural heritage rooted in their language, music, and traditions. Numbers in Kirmanjki appear in daily life, trade, and traditional ceremonies. The use of specific number words often reflects social status, age, or special occasions. While there are no known taboo numbers, the language's unique counting system highlights its distinct identity within the Iranian language family. Traditional markets and storytelling often feature these numbers, preserving their cultural significance across generations.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'panc' (5) is used in idiomatic expressions meaning 'a few' or 'some', showing its cultural importance.
Fact 2: Unlike Arabic or Turkish, Kirmanjki's numbers 11-19 are formed differently, with a unique suffix 'ês' instead of a direct compound.
Fact 3: The irregularity of tens like 'hîris' (30) and 'çewres' (40) suggests historical influences or language contact phenomena.
Fact 4: The word 'hezar' for thousand is shared with Persian, indicating historical borrowing or influence.
Fact 5: Large numbers like millions are expressed as 'milyonêk', showing adaptation of borrowed numerals for modern large-scale counting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Kirmanjki?
1 - yew, 2 - di, 3 - hîrê, 4 - çar, 5 - panc, 6 - şeş, 7 - hewt, 8 - heşt, 9 - new, 10 - des.
What number base does Kirmanjki use?
Kirmanjki primarily uses a decimal system but incorporates vigesimal elements in forming numbers like 20 (vîst) and 30 (hîris), making it a mixed decimal-vigesimal system.
How do you say 42 in Kirmanjki?
40 is 'çewres', 2 is 'di', so 42 is 'çewres û di' (literally '40 and 2').
How do you say 100 in Kirmanjki?
The word for 100 is 'se'. For larger hundreds, e.g., 300, it's 'hîrê sey'.
How many people speak Kirmanjki?
Approximately 140,000 speakers of Kirmanjki are found mainly in Turkey.
Is Kirmanjki related to other languages?
Yes, it is a Western Iranian language within the Indo-European family, related to other Iranian languages like Kurdish and Persian.
What makes Kirmanjki counting unique?
Its irregular tens like 'hîris' (30) and 'çewres' (40), and the formation of compound numbers with 'û' (and), distinguish it from many other Iranian languages.