Numbers in Lakota
Lakȟótiyapi
Numbers in Lakota follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 2,000 Lakota people primarily in South Dakota, this language's counting system is unique and complex. It combines units, tens, hundreds, and thousands using specific words and patterns. The system features a combination of additive and multiplicative structures, especially evident in numbers like 65 (wikčémna šákpe aké záptaŋ) and 104 (opáwiŋǧe sáŋm tópa). Understanding these patterns offers insight into Lakota's rich cultural history and linguistic structure. Exploring the numbers in Lakota reveals a fascinating blend of tradition and mathematical logic, making it a captivating subject for language enthusiasts.
Number system
Lakota counting is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key multiplier. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: waŋží [1], núŋpa [2], yámni [3], tópa [4], záptaŋ [5], šákpe [6], šakówiŋ [7], šaglógaŋ [8], napčíyuŋka [9]. The number 10 is wikčémna, and 20 is formed by wikčémna núŋpa, literally 'ten times two.' For example, 30 is wikčémna yámni, 40 is wikčémna tópa, and 50 is wikčémna záptaŋ. Numbers like 65 are built as wikčémna šákpe aké záptaŋ, combining ten, the word aké (meaning 'again'), and the unit. Hundreds are formed with opáwiŋǧe plus the multiplier digit, such as opáwiŋǧe yámni for 300. Compound numbers like 42 (wikčémna tópa aké yámni) combine the ten and unit with 'aké.' Larger numbers like 1,000 are khektópawiŋǧe, and millions are kȟoktášiča.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting units
Digits from zero to nine are specific words: tákuni [0], waŋží [1], núŋpa [2], yámni [3], tópa [4], záptaŋ [5], šákpe [6], šakówiŋ [7], šaglógaŋ [8], napčíyuŋka [9]. For example, 1 is waŋží, 2 is núŋpa, and 9 is napčíyuŋka.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by stating wikčémna (ten) followed by the multiplier digit, e.g., wikčémna núŋpa [20], wikčémna yámni [30], wikčémna tópa [40], up to wikčémna napčíyuŋka [90].
Forming teens
Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing the unit with aké, e.g., akéwaŋži [11], akénuŋpa [12], akéyamni [13], akétopa [14], akézaptaŋ [15], akéšakpe [16], akéšakowiŋ [17], akéšaglogaŋ [18], akénapčiyuŋka [19].
Building compound numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by stating the ten, then aké, then the unit, e.g., wikčémna núŋpa aké napčíyuŋka [29], ikčémna šákpe aké záptaŋ [65].
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed with opáwiŋǧe plus the digit, e.g., opáwiŋǧe [100], opáwiŋǧe núŋpa [200], opáwiŋǧe yámni [300]. When combined with tens or units, they are linked with sáŋm, e.g., opáwiŋǧe sáŋm tópa [104].
Forming thousands
Thousands are formed with kȟoktá plus the digit, e.g., khektópawiŋǧe [1,000], kȟoktá núŋpa [2,000], kȟoktá yámni [3,000]. Compound forms like kȟoktá sáŋm tópa [1,004] combine thousands, hundreds, tens, and units.
Large numbers
One million is kȟoktášiča, a distinct word indicating large scale. The system allows for stacking, such as 1,013 as kȟoktá sáŋm akéyamni, combining thousands, hundreds, and units.
Unique features
Lakota uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evident in numbers like 20 (wikčémna núŋpa) and 40 (wikčémna tópa).
Number 11-19 are formed with the prefix aké, e.g., akéwaŋži [11], which is unique compared to other languages.
Compound numbers like 65 (wikčémna šákpe aké záptaŋ) demonstrate how the language combines tens, units, and the 'again' prefix.
Large numbers are built with specific words like khektópawiŋǧe for 1,000 and kȟoktášiča for 1 million, showing an extensive system for big scales.
The word aké, meaning 'again' or 'another,' is a cultural element that influences number formation, especially in teens and compound numbers.
Cultural context
The Lakota people primarily reside in South Dakota, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in Plains traditions, spirituality, and oral history. Numbers in Lakota appear in storytelling, ceremonies, and traditional trade. The vigesimal system reflects their counting practices linked to counting fingers and toes. Certain numbers, like 4 (tópa), are considered sacred, while others may have cultural significance. The language's numerical structure preserves traditional ways of understanding the world, emphasizing the importance of community and continuity. Despite modern influences, Lakota counting remains a vital part of cultural identity, especially in ceremonial contexts and language revitalization efforts.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 65 (wikčémna šákpe aké záptaŋ) combines ten, five, and the prefix aké, illustrating the additive nature of the system.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Lakota's vigesimal system is similar to that of the Mayan numerals, but with unique words and prefixes.
Fact 3: The word for one million, kȟoktášiča, is a compound that reflects the language's capacity to express very large numbers with specific terms.
Fact 4: Historically, Lakota used counting in hunting and trading, where understanding large numbers was crucial for resource management.
Fact 5: The number 100 (opáwiŋǧe) is a fundamental unit, and larger numbers are built systematically, showing a highly organized numerical lexicon.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Lakota?
1 - waŋží, 2 - núŋpa, 3 - yámni, 4 - tópa, 5 - záptaŋ, 6 - šákpe, 7 - šakówiŋ, 8 - šaglógaŋ, 9 - napčíyuŋka, 10 - wikčémna.
What number base does Lakota use?
Lakota uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as shown by 20 being wikčémna núŋpa and 40 as wikčémna tópa, with numbers like 65 built from tens and units.
How do you say 42 in Lakota?
42 is wikčémna tópa aké yámni, combining 40 (wikčémna tópa) with 2 (núŋpa) using the aké prefix.
How do you say 100 in Lakota?
100 is opáwiŋǧe, and larger numbers like 104 are opáwiŋǧe sáŋm tópa, combining hundreds and tens.
How many people speak Lakota?
Approximately 2,000 speakers primarily in South Dakota, United States.
Is Lakota related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Siouan language family, specifically the Western Siouan branch within the Mississippi Valley Siouan subgroup.
What makes Lakota counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the use of the prefix aké for teens and compound numbers, such as akéwaŋži [11], make it distinctive among North American indigenous languages.
Sources
- Lakota dictionary