Numbers in Lachixío Zapotec

Zapoteco Lachixío

Vigesimal (Base-20) Latin
28
Number list

Numbers in Lachixío Zapotec follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making its counting both unique and complex. Spoken by approximately 6,500 people in West Oaxaca, this language belongs to the Oto-Manguean family. Its counting system combines specific words for units, tens, and hundreds, often forming compound numbers. What makes the counting in Lachixío Zapotec particularly interesting is its use of a base-20 system, similar to some Mesoamerican languages. Understanding these patterns reveals the rich cultural history embedded in everyday language. In this article, we explore the numbers in Lachixío Zapotec, from 1 to 1000, with detailed explanations and examples.

Number system

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Vigesimal (Base-20)
Vigesimal (base-20)

Lachixío Zapotec employs a vigesimal system, where the number 20 is a key multiplier. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: tucu [1], chiucu [2], chuna [3], tacu [4], ayu’ [5], xu’cu [6], achi [7], xunu [8], quie’ [9]. Tens are formed by combining these with words for 10 (chi’i) and 20 (ala). For example, 20 is 'ala', and 30 is 'ala llichi’i' (20+10). Numbers from 11-19 are formed by saying 'chi’i' (10) followed by the unit, e.g., 'chi’i tucu' (11), 'chi’i chiucu' (12). Compound numbers like 42 are 'chiu’a nu’ chi’i chiucu' (40+2), and 78 is 'chuna nu’ chi’i achi' (60+18). Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'ayu’u' (100), e.g., 'chiucu ayu’u' (200). The system emphasizes multiplication and addition within the vigesimal framework, creating a pattern of combining words for units, tens, and hundreds.

Number list (28)

1 tucu
2 chiucu
3 chuna
4 tacu
5 ayu’
6 xu’cu
7 achi
8 xunu
9 quie’
10 chi’i
11 chi’i tucu
12 chi’i chiucu
13 chi’i chuna
14 chi’i tacu
15 chi’i ayu’
16 chi’i xu’cu
17 chi’i achi
18 chi’i xunu
19 chi’i quie’
20 ala
30 ala llichi’i
40 chiu’a
50 chiu’a nu’ chi’i
60 ayuna
70 ayuna nu’ chi’i
80 tacu nu’ ala
90 chuna ala lli chi’i
100 tucu ayu’u

Counting rules

1

Units from 1 to 9

Numbers 1 to 9 have unique words: tucu [1], chiucu [2], chuna [3], tacu [4], ayu’ [5], xu’cu [6], achi [7], xunu [8], quie’ [9]. For example, 7 is 'achi', and 9 is 'quie’'.

2

Tens formation

Tens are formed by combining the words for 10 ('chi’i') and 20 ('ala') with units. For example, 20 is 'ala', 30 is 'ala llichi’i' (20+10), 40 is 'chiu’a', 50 is 'chiu’a nu’ chi’i' (40+10), 60 is 'ayuna', 70 is 'ayuna nu’ chi’i' (60+10), 80 is 'tacu nu’ ala' (4*20), and 90 is 'chuna ala lli chi’i' (3*(20+10)).

3

Forming numbers 11-19

Numbers 11-19 are formed by saying 'chi’i' (10) followed by the unit. For example, 11 is 'chi’i tucu', 12 is 'chi’i chiucu', 13 is 'chi’i chuna', 14 is 'chi’i tacu', 15 is 'chi’i ayu’', 16 is 'chi’i xu’cu', 17 is 'chi’i achi', 18 is 'chi’i xunu', and 19 is 'chi’i quie’'.

4

Compound numbers from 21 to 99

Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by stating the tens first, then the units. For example, 25 is 'ala ayu’' (20+5), 57 is 'chiu’a nu’ chi’i achi' (40+17), 42 is 'chiu’a nu’ chi’i chiucu' (40+2), and 78 is 'chuna nu’ chi’i achi' (60+18). The pattern involves combining the tens word with the units, often separated by a space.

5

Hundreds

Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'ayu’u' (100). For example, 100 is 'tucu ayu’u', 200 is 'chiucu ayu’u', and 300 is 'chuna ayu’u'. The number 250 would be 'chiucu nu’ chi’i ayu’u' (200+50).

Unique features

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The use of a vigesimal (base-20) system, with 20 ('ala') as a key multiplier, is a distinctive feature. For example, 80 is 'tacu nu’ ala' (4*20).

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Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by adding the word for 10 ('chi’i') before the unit, e.g., 'chi’i tucu' (11).

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Compound numbers like 78 ('chuna nu’ chi’i achi') combine hundreds, tens, and units, illustrating the layered structure of counting.

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The formation of hundreds by placing the digit before 'ayu’u' (100) reflects the vigesimal system's influence on larger numbers.

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The word 'ayu’' (five) is embedded in 'ayu’u' (100), showing how the number five influences larger number formations, possibly indicating a cultural significance.

Cultural context

Lachixío Zapotec is spoken by approximately 6,500 people in the towns of Santa Marma María Lachixío and San Vicente Lachixío, in West Oaxaca. The language reflects a rich indigenous culture with deep ties to traditional practices, agriculture, and local trade. Numbers are integral to daily life, from counting harvests to trading goods. The vigesimal system hints at historical Mesoamerican influences, possibly linked to ancient counting practices. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, and traditional ceremonies often involve specific numerical patterns. While no specific taboo numbers are documented, the use of numbers in rituals and storytelling underscores their importance in cultural identity.

Fun facts

1

The number 60 is 'ayuna', which is also the name of a month in the indigenous calendar, showing a connection between time and counting.

2

Compared to English, which uses a decimal system, Lachixío Zapotec's vigesimal system is similar to the Mayan numbering system, highlighting ancient Mesoamerican connections.

3

Lachixío Zapotec's use of compound words for numbers like 78 ('chuna nu’ chi’i achi') demonstrates a highly systematic approach to number formation.

4

Historically, the vigesimal system may have been used for trade and record-keeping, as seen in other Mesoamerican cultures.

5

While the language currently counts accurately up to 999, the absence of data beyond that suggests a cultural or practical limitation in traditional counting methods.

Frequently asked questions

How do you count to 10 in Lachixío Zapotec?

1 – tucu, 2 – chiucu, 3 – chuna, 4 – tacu, 5 – ayu’, 6 – xu’cu, 7 – achi, 8 – xunu, 9 – quie’, 10 – chi’i.

What number base does Lachixío Zapotec use?

It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'ala' for 20, 'ala llichi’i' for 30, and the formation of hundreds with 'ayu’u'.

How do you say 42 in Lachixío Zapotec?

42 is 'chiu’a nu’ chi’i chiucu' (40 + 2), formed by 'chiu’a' (40) plus 'chi’i chiucu' (2).

How do you say 100 in Lachixío Zapotec?

100 is 'tucu ayu’u', where 'tucu' (one) combined with 'ayu’u' (hundred).

How many people speak Lachixío Zapotec?

Approximately 6,500 speakers, primarily in West Oaxaca, Mexico.

Is Lachixío Zapotec related to other languages?

Yes, it belongs to the Zapotec branch of the Oto-Manguean language family, which includes several related indigenous languages.

What makes Lachixío Zapotec counting unique?

Its vigesimal system, especially the formation of numbers like 80 ('tacu nu’ ala') and 90 ('chuna ala lli chi’i'), showcases a complex, layered approach to counting that differs from decimal systems.

Sources

Numbers in other languages