Numbers in Pite Sami
Bidumsámegiella
Numbers in Pite Sami follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Uralic languages. Spoken by approximately 20 people along the Pite River in Sweden, it is part of the Finno-Ugric family. The counting system is unique, especially in how it combines units and tens, and forms larger numbers. The language's small speaker base makes it endangered, but its counting patterns reveal fascinating linguistic features. Understanding the numbers in Pite Sami provides insight into its cultural and linguistic heritage, showcasing a rich tradition of numerical expression that differs from the familiar decimal system used globally.
Number system
Pite Sami uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are primarily built around 20. Numbers from 1 to 10 are unique words: akttá (1), guoktte (2), gålbå (3), nällje (4), vihtta (5), guhta (6), gietjav (7), gákktse (8), åkktse (9), lågev (10). Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by prefixing the word for ten (lågenaldne) to the units, e.g., lågenaldneakttá (11), lågenaldneguäktte (12). The tens are formed by suffixing the digit with lågev, e.g., guokttelågev (20), gålbmå lågev (30), nälljelågev (40). Compound numbers like 42 are formed by combining the ten and unit without space: guokttelågevguoktte (22), nälljelågevguhtta (46). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before tjuohte (100), e.g., guoktte tjuohte (200), and thousands by the multiplier before tuvsán (1000), e.g., guoktte tuvsán (2000).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 10
Numbers 1 to 10 are unique words: akttá (1), guoktte (2), gålbå (3), nällje (4), vihtta (5), guhta (6), gietjav (7), gákktse (8), åkktse (9), lågev (10).
Forming 11 to 19
Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing lågenaldne (from lågev, ten) to the units: lågenaldneakttá (11), lågenaldneguäktte (12), lågenaldnegålbmå (13), lågenaldnenäl’jje (14), lågenaldnevihtta (15), lågenaldneguhta (16), lågenaldnegietjav (17), lågenaldnegákttse (18), lågenaldneåkttse (19). Alternatively, they can be formed by prefixing another form, lågenan, e.g., akttálågenan (11).
Forming the tens
Tens are formed by suffixing lågev to the digit: guoktte lågev (20), gålbå lågev (30), nällje lågev (40), vihtta lågev (50), guhta lågev (60), gietjavlågev (70), gákttse lågev (80), åkktse lågev (90).
Constructing compound numbers
Compound numbers are formed by concatenating the ten and the unit words without space: guokttelågevguoktte (22), nälljelågevguhtta (46), åkktse lågev (90) + guoktte (2) = åkktse lågevguoktte (92).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before tjuohte (100): guoktte tjuohte (200), gålbmå tjuohte (300). For example, 400 is nällje tjuohte, and 500 is vihtta tjuohte.
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with the multiplier before tuvsán (1000): tuvsán (1000), guoktte tuvsán (2000), gålbmå tuvsán (3000).
Unique features
The vigesimal (base-20) system is used for forming numbers, such as guoktte lågev (20) and nällje lågev (40).
Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing lågenaldne to units, e.g., lågenaldneakttá (11), which is different from many other languages that use additive patterns.
Compound numbers like 42 (guokttelågevguoktte) are formed by concatenation without a separator, reflecting a highly agglutinative structure.
Large numbers are built by placing the multiplier before the word for hundred or thousand, e.g., guoktte tjuohte (200) and guoktte tuvsán (2000).
The language has borrowed the word tuvsán for thousand, which is a common feature in many Uralic languages, but the formation pattern remains native.
Cultural context
Pite Sami is spoken by a small community along the Pite River in northern Sweden. Traditionally, their livelihood revolves around reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting, which involve counting and measuring resources. Numbers are crucial in trade, storytelling, and rituals, especially in marking seasons and events. The small speaker base means the language is endangered, with efforts to preserve it. In their culture, certain numbers may hold symbolic significance, but specific taboos or lucky numbers are not well documented. The use of numbers in daily life remains vital for maintaining their cultural identity and traditional practices.
Fun facts
The number 15 in Pite Sami is lågenaldnevihtta, combining the prefix for ten with five, illustrating the vigesimal system.
Unlike English, which is decimal, Pite Sami's vigesimal system resembles that of the ancient Mayan numerals and some Celtic languages.
The formation of numbers like 46 (nälljelågevguhtta) shows a highly agglutinative pattern, with multiple morphemes concatenated.
Historically, the Sami people used their counting system for trade and navigation, which helped them adapt to their environment.
Even large numbers like 1,000 are formed by combining native words, such as tuvsán, showing a consistent pattern up to high magnitudes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Pite Sami?
1 - akttá, 2 - guoktte, 3 - gålbå, 4 - nällje, 5 - vihtta, 6 - guhta, 7 - gietjav, 8 - gákktse, 9 - åkktse, 10 - lågev.
What number base does Pite Sami use?
Pite Sami uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like guoktte lågev (20), nällje lågev (40), and compound formations like guokttelågevguoktte (22).
How do you say 42 in Pite Sami?
42 is formed by combining 40 (nällje lågev) and 2 (guoktte): nälljelågevguhtta, which concatenates the words for 40 and 2.
How do you say 100 in Pite Sami?
100 is tjuohte, and 200 is formed as guoktte tjuohte, meaning 'two hundred.'
How many people speak Pite Sami?
Approximately 20 speakers live along the Pite River in Sweden.
Is Pite Sami related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Uralic family, within the Finno-Ugric group, related to other Sami languages and Finnish.
What makes Pite Sami counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the way it forms numbers 11-19 by prefixing lågenaldne, plus concatenative compound formations, are distinctive features.
Sources
- A grammar of Pite Saami, by Joshua Wilbur (Language Science Press, 2015)