Numbers in Mohawk
Kanien’keha
Numbers in Mohawk follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 3,500 Mohawk people in Canada’s southern Ontario and Quebec, and parts of the United States like western and northern New York, Mohawk’s counting system is both complex and culturally significant. Unique features include combining units with multiples of twenty and specific words for each number, especially in the lower range. Understanding the numbers in Mohawk offers insight into their rich linguistic heritage and worldview. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how counting works in Mohawk, from 1 to 1000, with real examples and detailed explanations.
Number system
Mohawk uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. Numbers from 1 to 9 have unique words, such as énska for 1 and tékeni for 2. Tens are formed by combining the digit with the word for twenty, e.g., tewáhsen for 20, and áhsen niwáhsen for 30 (20 + 10). For numbers 11-19, the pattern is to add iawén:re after the unit, like énska iawén:re for 11 and kaié:ri iawén:re for 14. Larger numbers combine hundreds and thousands with the words for 100 (énska tewen’niáwe) and 1,000 (oié:ri tewen’niáwe). For example, 42 is formed as tewáhsen wisk (20 + 5), and 78 as tsá:ta niwáhsen sha’té:kon (70 + 8). Compound numbers are linked with 'tánon' (and), such as énska tewen’niáwe tánon énska for 101.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: énska (1), tékeni (2), áhsen (3), kaié:ri (4), wisk (5), ià:ia’k (6), tsá:ta (7), sha’té:kon (8), tióhton (9).
Forming tens
Tens are formed by placing the digit before 'niwáhsen' (20), e.g., tewáhsen (20), áhsen niwáhsen (30), kaié:ri niwáhsen (40). For 10, the word is oié:ri, and for 20, it's contracted to tewáhsen.
Forming numbers 11-19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by adding iawén:re after the unit: énska iawén:re (11), tékeni iawén:re (12), áhsen iawén:re (13).
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 25 are formed by combining the tens and units: tewáhsen wisk (20 + 5). For 58, wisk niwáhsen sha’té:kon (50 + 8).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by saying the unit followed by 'tewen’niáwe': énska tewen’niáwe (100), tékeni tewen’niáwe (200), up to tióhton tewen’niáwe (900).
Thousands
Thousands are formed by saying the ten-multiplier followed by 'tewen’niáwe': oié:ri tewen’niáwe (1,000), tewáhsen tewen’niáwe (2,000). Larger numbers combine hundreds and thousands with 'tánon' (and), e.g., énska tewen’niáwe tánon énska for 101.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system, evident in words like tewáhsen (20) and tióhton niwáhsen (90).
Numbers from 11-19 are formed by adding iawén:re after the unit, e.g., énska iawén:re (11).
Compound numbers like 78 are built by combining tens and units with 'tánon', e.g., tsá:ta niwáhsen sha’té:kon (70 + 8).
Large numbers like 1,000 are constructed with 'oié:ri' plus 'tewen’niáwe', showing a layered structure.
The word for one million, 'énska million', reflects a borrowing or adaptation of a European concept, integrated into the language.
Cultural context
The Mohawk people, primarily residing in southern Ontario, Quebec, and parts of New York, have a rich cultural heritage rooted in their language. Numbers play a vital role in their traditions, ceremonies, and daily life, especially in storytelling and trade. The vigesimal system reflects their historical counting methods and worldview, emphasizing the importance of the number 20. Certain numbers are considered sacred or significant, though specific taboos are not widely documented. Their language and counting system serve as a cultural marker, preserving their identity and history through generations.
Fun facts
The word for 1,000, oié:ri tewen’niáwe, literally means 'big thousand', emphasizing its significance.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Mohawk’s vigesimal system is similar to other Indigenous languages like Ojibwe and some Mayan languages.
The formation of 11 as énska iawén:re (literally 'one in addition') shows a unique way of expressing numbers just above ten.
Historically, the Mohawk used their counting system for trade and land agreements, making numbers crucial in legal contexts.
Despite the complexity, Mohawk can express very large numbers, like one million, by combining the base words, showing linguistic adaptability.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Mohawk?
1 - énska, 2 - tékeni, 3 - áhsen, 4 - kaié:ri, 5 - wisk, 6 - ià:ia’k, 7 - tsá:ta, 8 - sha’té:kon, 9 - tióhton, 10 - oié:ri.
What number base does Mohawk use?
Mohawk uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as evidenced by words like tewáhsen (20) and tióhton niwáhsen (90). Numbers are built around multiples of twenty, with additional formations for numbers 11-19 and larger values.
How do you say 42 in Mohawk?
42 is formed as tewáhsen wisk, meaning 20 plus 5. 'Tewáhsen' is 20, and 'wisk' is 5, combined directly without additional words.
How do you say 100 in Mohawk?
100 is énska tewen’niáwe, which combines the word for one ('énska') with 'tewen’niáwe' for hundred.
How many people speak Mohawk?
Approximately 3,500 speakers, primarily in Canada’s southern Ontario and Quebec, and in parts of the United States like western and northern New York.
Is Mohawk related to other languages?
Yes, Mohawk is part of the Iroquoian language family, specifically within the Northern Iroquoian branch, related to languages like Oneida and Onondaga.
What makes Mohawk counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the way it constructs numbers above 10, especially the use of iawén:re for teens and the layered formation of large numbers, are distinctive features.
Sources
- First Voices
- Kanienkehaka Language Homepage