Numbers in Lushootseed
dxʷləšúcid
Numbers in Lushootseed follow a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal elements, especially in forming tens. Spoken by Indigenous peoples of the Puget Sound region, including tribes like the Puyallup and Suquamish, Lushootseed is part of the Coast Salish language family. Its counting system is unique, combining base-10 and base-20 features, evident in how numbers like 20, 30, and 40 are constructed. The language's counting rules reflect cultural nuances, with specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. Learning the numbers in Lushootseed offers insight into their rich linguistic heritage and traditional worldview.
Number system
Lushootseed uses a decimal base for units and hundreds, with some elements of vigesimal (base-20) in forming tens. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: 1 – dəč’uʔ, 2 – saliʔ, 3 – łixʷ, 4 – buus, 5 – cəlac, 6 – dᶻəlačiʔ, 7 – c’ukʷs, 8 – təqačiʔ, 9 – x̌ʷəl. Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with ačiʔ, except for ten itself: 10 – padac. For example, 12 is 'padac yəxʷ kʷi saliʔ' (10 + 2), and 57 is 'cəlacačiʔ yəxʷ kʷi c’ukʷs' (50 + 7). Hundreds are formed by combining the digit with 'sbək’ʷačiʔ' (hundred): 200 is 'saliʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ', 300 is 'łixʷ sbək’ʷačiʔ'. Thousands are multiples of 100, formed by prefixing the ten multiple: 1,000 is 'padac sbək’ʷačiʔ' (10×100).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units (1-9)
Digits from zero to nine are represented by specific words: p’aƛ’ [0], dəč’uʔ [1], saliʔ [2], łixʷ [3], buus [4], cəlac [5], dᶻəlačiʔ [6], c’ukʷs [7], təqačiʔ [8], x̌ʷəl [9].
Tens (10-90)
Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with 'ačiʔ', meaning hand, except for ten: 10 – padac. For example, 20 – 'saliʔačiʔ', 30 – 'słixʷačiʔ', 40 – 'sbuusačiʔ', 50 – 'cəlacačiʔ', 60 – 'dᶻəlačiʔačiʔ', 70 – 'c’ukʷsačiʔ', 80 – 'təqačiʔačiʔ', 90 – 'x̌ʷəlačiʔ'.
Compound numbers (11-99)
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by stating the ten, then 'yəxʷ kʷi', and the unit. For example, 12 is 'padac yəxʷ kʷi saliʔ' (10 + 2), 57 is 'cəlacačiʔ yəxʷ kʷi c’ukʷs' (50 + 7), 89 is 'təqačiʔačiʔ yəxʷ kʷi x̌ʷəl' (80 + 9).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by combining the digit with 'sbək’ʷačiʔ' (hundred). For example, 100 is 'dəč’uʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ', 200 – 'saliʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ', 300 – 'łixʷ sbək’ʷačiʔ'.
Thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing the ten multiple with 'sbək’ʷačiʔ'. For example, 1,000 is 'padac sbək’ʷačiʔ' (10×100), 2,000 – 'saliʔačiʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ', 3,000 – 'słixʷačiʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ'.
Unique features
The use of 'ačiʔ' suffix for forming tens, which means 'hand', is a distinctive feature of Lushootseed numbers, as seen in 'saliʔačiʔ' (20) and 'słixʷačiʔ' (30).
Unlike many languages that use a purely decimal system, Lushootseed combines decimal and vigesimal elements, especially in forming numbers like 20, 30, and 60.
The pattern for 60 ('dᶻəlačiʔačiʔ') shows a combination of base-20 and base-10 features, which is counter-intuitive compared to straightforward decimal systems.
Large numbers like thousands are constructed by multiplying the base ten multiple by 100, reflecting a clear, systematic approach to large numbers, e.g., 'saliʔačiʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ' for 2,000.
The word for 0, 'p’aƛ’', is a borrowed or unique term not derived from the same roots as other numbers, indicating cultural influences.
Cultural context
The Lushootseed language is spoken by Coast Salish peoples in the Pacific Northwest, including tribes like the Puyallup, Suquamish, and Nisqually. Their culture emphasizes storytelling, fishing, and ceremonies where numbers play a role in counting resources, ceremonies, and social organization. Numbers like 7 ('c’ukʷs') and 13 ('padac yəxʷ kʷi łixʷ') may carry cultural significance, though specific taboos or lucky numbers are not explicitly documented. Revitalization efforts focus on preserving their linguistic heritage, including their unique counting system, which reflects their worldview and connection to nature.
Fun facts
The number 6 is 'dᶻəlačiʔ', which combines the root for six with a suffix that hints at a complex morphological structure.
Compared to English, Lushootseed uses a suffix 'ačiʔ' for all tens, similar to how some languages like Japanese use specific suffixes for counting by tens.
Lushootseed's system of combining tens and units resembles the vigesimal systems of other indigenous languages, but with unique suffixes and formation rules.
Historically, the words for large numbers like 1,000 ('padac sbək’ʷačiʔ') show systematic multiplication, indicating an advanced numerical understanding.
The language’s handling of zero ('p’aƛ’') is distinct and not derived from the same roots as other numbers, reflecting cultural nuances.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Lushootseed?
1 – dəč’uʔ, 2 – saliʔ, 3 – łixʷ, 4 – buus, 5 – cəlac, 6 – dᶻəlačiʔ, 7 – c’ukʷs, 8 – təqačiʔ, 9 – x̌ʷəl, 10 – padac.
What number base does Lushootseed use?
Lushootseed primarily uses a decimal system, but incorporates vigesimal (20) elements, as seen in 20 – 'saliʔačiʔ' and 60 – 'dᶻəlačiʔačiʔ'.
How do you say 42 in Lushootseed?
42 is 'cəlacačiʔ yəxʷ kʷi łixʷ', meaning 50 ('cəlacačiʔ') plus 10 ('padac') plus 2 ('saliʔ').
How do you say 100 in Lushootseed?
100 is 'dəč’uʔ sbək’ʷačiʔ', formed by combining 1 ('dəč’uʔ') with 'sbək’ʷačiʔ' (hundred).
How many people speak Lushootseed?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but the language is actively being revitalized by the Puyallup Tribe and other communities.
Is Lushootseed related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Salishan language family, specifically the Coast Salish branch, which includes languages spoken by various tribes in the Pacific Northwest.
What makes Lushootseed counting unique?
Its use of 'ačiʔ' suffix for tens, combining decimal and vigesimal features, and the systematic formation of large numbers like 1,000 ('padac sbək’ʷačiʔ') make it distinctive among indigenous languages.
Sources
- Puyallup Tribal Language