Numbers in Michif
Numbers in Michif follow a mixed counting system primarily based on Métis French, with some influence from Cree for digits one to five. Spoken by approximately 830 speakers across Canada’s Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and parts of the United States like North Dakota, Michif's counting system is unique due to its combination of vigesimal (base-20) and decimal elements. Its structure reflects the cultural blending of Cree, Métis French, and borrowed words from English, Ojibwe, and Assiniboine. This makes the numbers in Michif both linguistically rich and culturally significant, offering insight into Métis identity and history.
Number system
Michif's counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key multiplier. Numbers 1-5 are based on Cree words: aeñ (1), deu (2), trwá (3), kátr (4), saeñk (5). Numbers 6-9 are formed by adding to 5: sis (6), set (7), wit (8), naef (9). Tens are specific words: jis (10), vaeñ (20), tráñt (30), karánt (40), saeñkánt (50). For example, 42 is 'karánt sis' (40 + 2), and 78 is 'swesáñty jis' (60 + 10 + 8). Compound numbers are formed by stating the ten, then the unit, e.g., 'swesáñt naef' (69). Hundreds are expressed with 'sáñ' (100), but detailed formation beyond 100 is limited.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Digits 1-5 based on Cree
Numbers 1 to 5 are unique words: aeñ (1), deu (2), trwá (3), kátr (4), saeñk (5). For example, 1 is 'aeñ', 2 is 'deu', and 5 is 'saeñk'.
Numbers 6-9 formed by adding to 5
Numbers 6-9 are formed by combining the word for 5, saeñk, with the units: sis (6), set (7), wit (8), naef (9). For example, 6 is 'sis', 7 is 'set', 8 is 'wit', 9 is 'naef'.
Numbers 10-19 are compound forms
Numbers 10-19 are formed by combining 'jis' (10) with the units: 11 is 'óñz' (11), 12 is 'dóz' (12), 13 is 'trayz' (13), 14 is 'katorz' (14), 15 is 'kaeñz' (15), 16 is 'saeñz' (16), 17 is 'jis set' (10 7), 18 is 'jis wit' (10 8), 19 is 'jis naef' (10 9).
Tens are specific words
Tens are unique words: 20 is 'vaeñ', 30 is 'tráñt', 40 is 'karánt', 50 is 'saeñkánt', 60 is 'swesáñt', 70 is 'swesáñty jis' (60+10), 80 is 'katávaeñ' (4*20), 90 is 'katrávaen jis' (4*20+10). For example, 42 is 'karánt sis' (40 + 2), and 78 is 'swesáñty jis' (60 + 10 + 8).
Compound numbers are formed by stating the ten and then the unit
To form numbers like 46, say 'karánt sis' (40 + 6). For 69, say 'swesáñt naef' (60 + 9). For 78, say 'swesáñty jis' (60 + 10 + 8). This pattern continues for all compound numbers up to 100.
Hundreds are expressed with 'sáñ'
One hundred is 'sáñ'. Larger numbers beyond 100 are not well documented, but the pattern suggests combining 'sáñ' with the tens and units, e.g., 150 might be 'sáñ saeñkánt' (100 + 50).
Unique features
Numbers 1-5 are based on Cree words, creating a linguistic blend within the counting system.
The use of vigesimal (base-20) is prominent, similar to French and other indigenous languages like Ojibwe.
Numbers 17-19 are formed by combining 'jis' (10) with units, e.g., 'jis set' for 17, which is a clear pattern of combining base ten with units.
Large numbers like 70 and 80 are formed with compound words: 'swesáñty jis' (70) and 'katávaeñ' (80), showing the vigesimal pattern.
Borrowed words like 'set' (7) and 'wit' (8) reflect influences from Métis French and Cree.
Cultural context
Michif is spoken primarily by the Métis people in Canada’s Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, as well as North Dakota in the United States. The language embodies Métis culture, blending Cree, French, and other influences. Numbers appear in daily life, trade, and traditional ceremonies, often symbolizing community and heritage. While specific taboo or lucky numbers are not documented, the number 100 ('sáñ') holds cultural significance as a milestone. The language's use in storytelling and oral traditions helps preserve Métis history and identity, with counting playing a vital role in teaching and cultural expression.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 16 is 'saeñz', which is a unique form combining the base word for five ('saeñk') with a suffix, showing a pattern of internal word modification.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is decimal, Michif uses vigesimal for larger numbers, similar to French but with distinct indigenous influences.
Fact 3: The formation of 70 as 'swesáñty jis' (60 + 10) illustrates how vigesimal systems often combine base-20 and base-10 elements.
Fact 4: Historically, the Métis used counting in trade and land division, where the vigesimal system helped in dividing large tracts of land efficiently.
Fact 5: Beyond 100, the language likely extends the pattern, but detailed words are scarce, indicating a potential for more complex number formations.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Michif?
1 is 'aeñ', 2 is 'deu', 3 is 'trwá', 4 is 'kátr', 5 is 'saeñk', 6 is 'sis', 7 is 'set', 8 is 'wit', 9 is 'naef', 10 is 'jis'.
What number base does Michif use?
Michif uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'vaeñ' for 20, 'tráñt' for 30, and 'katávaeñ' for 80, showing multiplication of 20 and addition patterns.
How do you say 42 in Michif?
42 is 'karánt sis' (40 + 2), formed by stating the word for 40 'karánt' and then the unit 'sis'.
How do you say 100 in Michif?
100 is 'sáñ'. Larger numbers beyond 100 are not well documented but likely follow similar patterns.
How many people speak Michif?
Approximately 830 speakers, primarily in Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario) and North Dakota in the United States.
Is Michif related to other languages?
Yes, it is a mixed language combining Cree and Métis French, with influences from English, Ojibwe, and Assiniboine, forming a unique linguistic hybrid.
What makes Michif counting unique?
Its combination of vigesimal and decimal systems, with specific words for 1-5 based on Cree and compound formations for larger numbers, makes it distinctive among indigenous languages.
Sources
- Metis Culture and Heritage Resource Centre
- Learn Michif