Numbers in Marshallese
Kajin M̧ajeļ
Numbers in Marshallese follow a primarily decimal system with influences from vigesimal patterns, especially in higher numbers. Spoken by about 50,000 people in the Marshall Islands, this language features unique ways of forming numbers, particularly in the use of compound words for tens and hundreds. The counting system combines specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, making it both logical and culturally rich. Understanding the numbers in Marshallese reveals insights into their traditional counting methods and linguistic structure, which are distinct from many other Pacific languages. This comprehensive guide covers numbers from 1 to 1000, including pronunciation and formation rules.
Number system
Marshallese counting primarily uses a decimal system for numbers 1-9 and 100s, with a strong influence of vigesimal (base-20) patterns in the formation of numbers like 20, 30, 60, 70, 80, and 90. For example, 6 is jiljino, and 7 is jimjuon, which are combined with tens to form compound numbers such as roñoul jiljino for 26 (20 + 6) and ratimjuoñoul ļalem for 95 (90 + 5). Tens are formed by taking the root of the multiplier (e.g., roñoul for 20, jilñoul for 30) and adding the unit word after a space, like ratimjuoñoul ļalem for 95. Hundreds are formed by combining the root digit with 'bukwi' (e.g., jibukwi for 100, rubukwi for 200). Thousands are created by prefixing the digit with 'juon' and adding 'taujin' (e.g., juon taujin for 1,000). Compound numbers are built by combining these elements, such as jilu taujin for 3,000 or ratimjuonbukwi for 900.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: juon (1), ruo (2), jilu (3), emän (4), ļalem (5), jiljino (6), jimjuon (7), ralitök (8), ratimjuon (9). For example, 1 is juon, 4 is emän, and 9 is ratimjuon.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by combining the root of the multiplier with 'joñoul' for 10, or its multiples: 10 is joñoul, 20 is roñoul, 30 is jilñoul, 40 is eñoul, 50 is lemñoul, 60 is jiljinoñoul, 70 is jimjuoñoul, 80 is ralitoñoul, 90 is ratimjuoñoul. For example, 26 is roñoul jiljino (20 + 6), and 78 is jimjuoñoul jimjuon (70 + 8).
Hundreds formation
Hundreds are formed by the root digit followed directly by 'bukwi' with no space: jibukwi (100), rubukwi (200), jilubukwi (300), eabukwi (400), limabukwi (500), jiljinobukwi (600), jimjuonbukwi (700), ralitökbukwi (800), ratimjuonbukwi (900). For example, 300 is jilubukwi, and 600 is jiljinobukwi.
Thousands formation
Thousands are formed by the digit followed by 'taujin' with a space: juon taujin (1,000), ruo taujin (2,000), jilu taujin (3,000), emän taujin (4,000), ļalem taujin (5,000), jiljino taujin (6,000), jimjuon taujin (7,000), ralitök taujin (8,000), ratimjuon taujin (9,000). For example, 4,000 is emän taujin.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 42 are formed by combining the tens and units: roñoul jiljino (20 + 3 = 23), ratimjuoñoul ļalem (90 + 5 = 95), or 78 as jimjuoñoul jimjuon (70 + 8). The pattern involves stating the tens first, then the units, separated by a space.
Unique features
The use of a vigesimal influence in forming numbers like 20 (roñoul) and 60 (jiljinoñoul), which combine base-10 and base-20 elements.
Numbers 6-9 are formed with unique words (jiljino, jimjuon, ralitök, ratimjuon) rather than simple additive patterns, unlike many other languages.
The formation of compound numbers like 26 (roñoul jiljino) and 95 (ratimjuoñoul ļalem) shows a clear pattern of combining tens and units, reflecting a mixed base system.
Large numbers are built systematically with the prefix 'juon' for 1,000, and the root digit for hundreds, making it easy to construct up to 999,999.
The word 'taujin' for thousand is borrowed from English, showing cultural contact and adaptation.
Cultural context
The Marshallese people inhabit the Marshall Islands, a nation of atolls and reef islands in the central Pacific. Their culture emphasizes navigation, fishing, and community. Numbers are integral in traditional navigation, trade, and ceremonies. For example, specific numbers are considered auspicious or taboo, though detailed cultural taboos are not widely documented. The language reflects their environment and history, with counting used in daily life, storytelling, and navigation. The system's structure reveals their historical interactions with other Pacific languages and their adaptation of borrowed terms like 'taujin' for thousand, indicating contact with Western traders and explorers.
Fun facts
The number 6 is jiljino, which is a unique word not directly derived from the base-5 or base-10 system, highlighting the vigesimal influence.
Unlike many languages that use a simple decimal system, Marshallese combines base-10 and base-20 patterns, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
The formation of numbers like 78 (jimjuoñoul jimjuon) demonstrates a clear pattern of combining tens and units, making it easier to learn and remember.
Historically, the Marshallese used their counting system for navigation and fishing, essential skills for island life, which required precise and scalable numbers.
The language can construct numbers up to 999,999, but detailed rules for larger numbers are not yet documented, indicating a potential area for linguistic research.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Marshallese?
1 - juon, 2 - ruo, 3 - jilu, 4 - emän, 5 - ļalem, 6 - jiljino, 7 - jimjuon, 8 - ralitök, 9 - ratimjuon, 10 - joñoul.
What number base does Marshallese use?
Marshallese primarily uses a decimal system, but it incorporates vigesimal influences in forming numbers like 20 (roñoul) and 60 (jiljinoñoul), showing a mixed base-10 and base-20 system.
How do you say 42 in Marshallese?
42 is formed as roñoul jiljino, combining 20 (roñoul) and 3 (jilu).
How do you say 100 in Marshallese?
100 is jibukwi, formed by the root for 1 (juon) plus 'bukwi' for hundred.
How many people speak Marshallese?
About 50,000 speakers in the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and the United States.
Is Marshallese related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Austronesian language family, specifically the Oceanic branch, and shares features with other Micronesian languages.
What makes Marshallese counting unique?
Its combination of decimal and vigesimal patterns, with unique words for 6-9 and systematic construction of large numbers, sets it apart from many other Pacific languages.
Sources
- Peace Corps Marshall Islands. Marshallese Language Training Manual, Richard Cook, 1992