Numbers in Oneida
Onʌyotaʔa·ka
Numbers in Oneida follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 200 speakers in New York, Wisconsin, and Ontario, the language is part of the Iroquoian family. The counting system is unique because it combines specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, often using compound formations. For example, 20 is 'tewáshʌ', and 30 is 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ'. Understanding these patterns reveals the rich structure of the language and its cultural significance. This article explores the numbers in Oneida, their formation rules, and cultural context, providing a comprehensive guide for learners and enthusiasts alike.
Number system
The Oneida counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key multiplier. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: úskah [1], téken [2], áhsʌ [3], kayé [4], wisk [5], yá·yahk [6], tsya·ták [7], tékluˀ [8], wá·tlu [9]. Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'niwáshʌ' for multiples of 20: 10 is 'oye·lí', 20 is 'tewáshʌ', 30 is 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ', 40 is 'kayé niwáshʌ'. For example, 25 is 'tewáshʌ wisk' (20 + 5), and 58 is 'wisk niwáshʌ tékluˀ' (50 + 8). Hundreds are formed by saying the unit followed by 'tewʌˀnyáwelu' (hundred): 100 is 'tewʌˀnyáwelu', 200 is 'téken tewʌˀnyáwelu', and 700 is 'tsya·ták tewʌˀnyáwelu'. Compound numbers link hundreds, tens, and units with 'ok' (on), e.g., 112 is 'tewʌˀnyáwelu ok tékni yawʌ·lé'. The system is consistent, combining specific words for units, tens, and hundreds, illustrating a vigesimal structure with some contractions for 20 and 10.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1-9 are unique words: úskah [1], téken [2], áhsʌ [3], kayé [4], wisk [5], yá·yahk [6], tsya·ták [7], tékluˀ [8], wá·tlu [9]. For example, 4 is 'kayé' and 7 is 'tsya·ták'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'niwáshʌ', except for 10 and 20. For example, 10 is 'oye·lí', 30 is 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ' (3×10), and 50 is 'wisk niwáshʌ' (5×10). 25 is 'tewáshʌ wisk' (20 + 5).
Forming teens
Teens are created by adding 'yawʌ·lé' after the unit word. For example, 11 is 'úskah yawʌ·lé', 14 is 'kayé yawʌ·lé', and 19 is 'wá·tlu yawʌ·lé'.
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by stating the unit followed by 'tewʌˀnyáwelu' (hundred). For example, 100 is 'tewʌˀnyáwelu', 300 is 'áhsʌ tewʌˀnyáwelu', and 700 is 'tsya·ták tewʌˀnyáwelu'.
Constructing compound numbers
Compound numbers combine hundreds, tens, and units with 'ok' (on). For example, 112 is 'tewʌˀnyáwelu ok tékni yawʌ·lé' (100 + 12), and 78 is 'tsya·ták niwáshʌ wisk' (70 + 8).
Unique features
The use of 'ok' to link hundreds, tens, and units in compound numbers, e.g., 705 is 'tsya·ták tewʌˀnyáwelu ok wisk' (700 + 5).
The contraction of 20 as 'tewáshʌ' instead of a more complex form, simplifying the vigesimal system.
The formation of teens by adding 'yawʌ·lé' after the unit word, such as 13 'áhsʌ yawʌ·lé', which is distinct from other languages that often use suffixes.
The language's ability to form large numbers up to 1,000 using a consistent pattern of units and hundreds, with 1,000 being 'skanutó·tslat' (one box).
The presence of a borrowed or culturally adapted term for 1,000, reflecting the concept of 'one box' as a large measure.
Cultural context
The Oneida people, with approximately 200 speakers, reside mainly in New York, Wisconsin, and Ontario. Their culture emphasizes community, tradition, and connection to the land. Numbers in Oneida are integral to daily life, trade, and ceremonial practices, often reflecting their worldview. For instance, the word for 1,000, 'skanutó·tslat', meaning 'one box', symbolizes abundance and storage. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, such as the number 4, which is common across many Indigenous cultures, though specific taboos or superstitions are not documented here. The language's numeric system reflects their historical trade practices and social organization, embedding their worldview into everyday language.
Fun facts
The number 6 is 'yá·yahk', which is a unique word not derived from the base-10 system, showing a distinct lexical item for this number.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Oneida's vigesimal system is similar to other Indigenous languages like the Mayan, but with unique formations such as 'ok' linking hundreds and other components.
Mathematically, the use of 'ok' to connect hundreds, tens, and units resembles additive and multiplicative patterns in other vigesimal systems, but with specific linguistic markers.
Historically, the concept of 'one box' for 1,000 reflects a practical and cultural approach to large numbers, emphasizing storage and abundance.
The language can form large numbers up to 1,000, but beyond that, the system is not fully documented, indicating a potential area for linguistic research and preservation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Oneida?
1 - úskah, 2 - téken, 3 - áhsʌ, 4 - kayé, 5 - wisk, 6 - yá·yahk, 7 - tsya·ták, 8 - tékluˀ, 9 - wá·tlu, 10 - oye·lí.
What number base does Oneida use?
Oneida uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'tewáshʌ' for 20, 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ' for 30, and the pattern of combining digits with 'niwáshʌ' for tens.
How do you say 42 in Oneida?
42 is 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ wisk' (30 + 12). First, 30 is 'áhsʌ niwáshʌ', and 12 is 'tékni yawʌ·lé'. Combining these, 42 = 30 + 12.
How do you say 100 in Oneida?
100 is 'tewʌˀnyáwelu', which is the word for 'hundred'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the unit, e.g., 200 is 'téken tewʌˀnyáwelu'.
How many people speak Oneida?
Approximately 200 speakers live mainly in New York, Wisconsin, and Ontario, making it an endangered language.
Is Oneida related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Iroquoian language family, specifically the Northern Iroquoian branch, related to languages like Mohawk and Cayuga.
What makes Oneida counting unique?
The use of 'ok' to link hundreds, tens, and units, along with the specific words for numbers up to 1,000, highlights its distinct vigesimal structure and cultural significance.
Sources
- Oneida Grammar
- Oneida keyboard