Numbers in Mussau-Emira
Numbers in Mussau-Emira follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, unique among many Oceanic languages. Spoken by approximately 5,000 people on the islands of Mussau and Emirau in Papua New Guinea, this language's counting system reflects their cultural and social practices. Mussau-Emira's number words combine specific terms for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, creating a complex but logical structure. Understanding these numbers offers insight into their traditional life, trade, and oral traditions. The language's counting system is notably different from the common decimal systems, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and language enthusiasts. In this article, we explore the numbers in Mussau-Emira, their formation rules, and cultural significance.
Number system
The Mussau-Emira counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key base. Numbers from 1 to 9 have unique words: sesa [1], lua [2], tolu [3], ata [4], lima [5], nomo [6], itu [7], oalu [8], sio [9]. Tens are formed by combining the root with -nga- and -ulu suffixes: sangaulu [10], luengaulu [20], tolungaulu [30], atingaulu [40], limangaulu [50], nomongaulu [60], itungaulu [70], oalungaulu [80], siongaulu [90]. For example, 35 is tolungaulu lima, combining 30 (tolungaulu) and 5 (lima). Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by adding the unit to sangaulu (10): 11 is sangaulu sesa, 12 is sangaulu lua, 13 is sangaulu tolu, etc. For 21, the pattern is luengaulu sesa, combining 20 (luengaulu) and 1 (sesa). Larger numbers like 78 are built as itungaulu oalu (70 + 8). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before ai (100): lua ai (200), oalu airari ai (800). For 1,000, the word is airari, and larger numbers are built by multiplying: oalu airari ai siongaulu (8,090).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words for 1-9
Numbers from 1 to 9 have unique words: sesa [1], lua [2], tolu [3], ata [4], lima [5], nomo [6], itu [7], oalu [8], sio [9]. For example, 4 is ata, 7 is itu, and 9 is sio.
Formation of tens
Tens are formed by combining the root number with -nga- and -ulu suffixes: 10 is sangaulu, 20 is luengaulu, 30 is tolungaulu, 40 is atingaulu, etc. For example, 20 (luengaulu) is built from lua (2) + -nga- + -ulu.
Constructing compound numbers 11-19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by adding the unit to 10 (sangaulu): 11 is sangaulu sesa, 12 is sangaulu lua, 13 is sangaulu tolu, etc. For example, 14 is sangaulu ata.
Forming numbers 21-29
Numbers like 21 are formed by combining the twenty (luengaulu) with the unit: 21 is luengaulu sesa, 22 is luengaulu lua, 23 is luengaulu tolu. For example, 25 is luengaulu lima.
Building numbers 30-99
Numbers like 35 are formed by combining the tens (tolungaulu) with the units: 35 is tolungaulu lima, 78 is itungaulu oalu, and 89 is oalungaulu sio. For example, 78 is constructed as itungaulu oalu.
Numbers involving hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before ai (100). For example, lua ai (200), oalu ai (800). Larger numbers like 1,000 are airari, and 1,200 is lua airari ai (200 + 1,000).
Large numbers and multiplication
Numbers larger than 100 are built by multiplying the scale words. For example, 8,192 is oalu airari ai siongaulu, meaning 8 (oalu) times 1,000 (airari) plus 192 (ai siongaulu).
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system is evident in words like luengaulu [20] and tolungaulu [30], showing a clear pattern of combining roots with -nga- and -ulu suffixes.
Unlike many Oceanic languages that are decimal, Mussau-Emira's counting system emphasizes 20 as a key base, similar to some Melanesian languages.
Numbers like 11-19 are formed by adding units to 10 (sangaulu sesa for 11), which is different from the straightforward decimal addition in many languages.
Large numbers are constructed by multiplying scale words, such as oalu airari ai siongaulu for 8,192, demonstrating a flexible system for large values.
The word airari for 1,000 is borrowed from a regional influence, reflecting cultural exchanges in the Bismarck Archipelago.
Cultural context
The Mussau-Emira people live on the islands of Mussau and Emirau in Papua New Guinea, with a rich tradition of oral storytelling, trade, and subsistence farming. Numbers are crucial in their daily life, especially in trade, fishing, and ceremonial exchanges. The vigesimal system reflects their historical counting methods, possibly linked to counting by groups of 20. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, but specific taboos or lucky numbers are not documented. Their language and counting system preserve ancient practices, making it a vital part of their cultural identity and social interactions.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 6 is nomo, which is a unique word not directly derived from the base numbers, showing an independent development.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 21 is 'twenty-one,' in Mussau-Emira, 21 is luengaulu sesa, combining the word for 20 with 1.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming tens by adding -nga- and -ulu suffixes is similar to other Austronesian languages but with unique local modifications.
Fact 4: The word for 1,000, airari, may have historical ties to regional trade languages or external influences in the Pacific.
Fact 5: The language can form very large numbers, like 8,192, by multiplying and adding scale words, showcasing a highly productive system.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Mussau-Emira?
The numbers are: 1 - sesa, 2 - lua, 3 - tolu, 4 - ata, 5 - lima, 6 - nomo, 7 - itu, 8 - oalu, 9 - sio, 10 - sangaulu.
What number base does Mussau-Emira use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like luengaulu [20], tolungaulu [30], and the construction of numbers like luengaulu sesa [21].
How do you say 42 in Mussau-Emira?
42 is tolungaulu ata, combining 30 (tolungaulu) and 4 (ata).
How do you say 100 in Mussau-Emira?
100 is ai, and larger numbers like 200 are lua ai, meaning 2 times 100.
How many people speak Mussau-Emira?
Approximately 5,000 speakers, primarily on the islands of Mussau and Emirau in Papua New Guinea.
Is Mussau-Emira related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Austronesian family, specifically the Malayo-Polynesian group within the Oceanic sub-group.
What makes Mussau-Emira counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with numbers like luengaulu [20] and the construction of large numbers through multiplication, distinguishes it from many other Oceanic languages that are decimal-based.
Sources
- Mussau Grammar Essentials (.pdf), John & Marjo Brownie, SIL-PNG Publications (2007)