Numbers in Saanich
Sənčaθən or SENĆOŦEN
Numbers in Saanich follow a decimal-based system with unique features characteristic of Salishan languages. Spoken by approximately 20 people on Vancouver Island and surrounding regions, Saanich's counting system is intricate, combining specific words for units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. Its structure reflects cultural nuances and linguistic heritage, making the numbers in Saanich both fascinating and complex. This article explores the complete counting system, from 1 to 1000, including pronunciation, rules, and cultural significance, providing a comprehensive understanding of this endangered language.
Number system
The Saanich counting system is primarily decimal, with specific words for 1 to 9, and for multiples of ten up to 90. Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: nət̕θəʔ [1], čəsəʔ [2], ɬixʷ [3], ŋas [4], ɬq̕ečəs [5], t̕x̣əŋ [6], t̕θaʔkʷəs [7], teʔθəs [8], təkʷəxʷ [9]. Tens are formed by suffixing these roots with ɬšeʔ, except for 10 and 20: ʔapən [10], t̕θaxʷkʷəs [20], and so on. For example, 11 is ʔapən ʔiʔ kʷs nət̕θəʔ, combining 10 + 1. 42 is constructed as ɬəxʷɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs ɬixʷ (30 + 12), and 78 as t̕θəʔkʷsɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs t̕θaʔkʷəs (70 + 8). Hundreds are formed by stating the multiplier digit before sneč̕əw̕əč (100), e.g., čəsəʔ sneč̕əw̕əč for 200, and compound numbers like 237 are built as čəsəʔ sneč̕əw̕əč ʔiʔ kʷs ɬəxʷɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs t̕θaʔkʷəs. One thousand is ʔapən sneč̕əw̕əč, which is ten times 100.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Units (1-9)
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: nət̕θəʔ [1], čəsəʔ [2], ɬixʷ [3], ŋas [4], ɬq̕ečəs [5], t̕x̣əŋ [6], t̕θaʔkʷəs [7], teʔθəs [8], təkʷəxʷ [9].
Tens (10, 20, 30...90)
Tens are formed by suffixing the root of the digit with ɬšeʔ, except for 10 (ʔapən) and 20 (t̕θaxʷkʷəs). For example, 30 is ɬəxʷɬšeʔ, 40 is ŋəsɬšeʔ, and 50 is ɬq̕əčsɬšeʔ.
Compound numbers (11-99)
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by stating the ten, then ʔiʔ kʷs, then the unit. For example, 11 is ʔapən ʔiʔ kʷs nət̕θəʔ, 42 is ɬəxʷɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs ɬixʷ, and 78 is t̕θəʔkʷsɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs t̕θaʔkʷəs.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by stating the digit for the multiplier followed by sneč̕əw̕əč (100). For example, 200 is čəsəʔ sneč̕əw̕əč, 300 is ɬixʷ sneč̕əw̕əč. Compound hundreds include the ten and units, e.g., 237 is čəsəʔ sneč̕əw̕əč ʔiʔ kʷs ɬəxʷɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs t̕θaʔkʷəs.
Thousands
One thousand is ʔapən sneč̕əw̕əč, which is ten times 100, following the pattern of multiplying the hundred by ten.
Unique features
The numbers 1-9 are entirely unique words, not derived from a common root, e.g., nət̕θəʔ for 1 and čəsəʔ for 2.
Tens are formed by suffixing roots with ɬšeʔ, such as 30 ɬəxʷɬšeʔ, showing a regular morphological pattern.
Compound numbers are built by stating the ten, then ʔiʔ kʷs, then the units, e.g., 68 t̕x̣əməɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs teʔθəs.
Large numbers like 100 and 1000 are formed by combining the basic words for hundred and thousand with the multiplier, e.g., ʔapən sneč̕əw̕əč for 1000.
The language uses specific words for each number, reflecting cultural importance and linguistic uniqueness, with no evidence of borrowed numerical terms.
Cultural context
The Saanich people inhabit southern Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and parts of Washington State, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in their language and traditions. Numbers in Saanich are integral to storytelling, ceremonies, and land transactions. Due to the language's endangered status, numbers are rarely used in daily trade but hold cultural significance in rituals and oral histories. The small speaker community emphasizes preserving their linguistic identity, with numbers serving as a vital link to their ancestral knowledge. There are no known taboo or lucky numbers explicitly documented, but the language’s endangered status underscores the importance of cultural preservation and linguistic revitalization efforts.
Fun facts
The word for 1, nət̕θəʔ, is completely unique and unrelated to other Salishan languages' words for one.
Unlike many languages that borrow numbers, Saanich's counting system appears entirely indigenous with no borrowed numerical terms.
The formation of tens by suffixing roots with ɬšeʔ is a regular morphological pattern, making the system highly systematic.
Historically, the Saanich language has preserved its counting system despite external influences, reflecting strong cultural resilience.
Large numbers like 1000 are built systematically, showing a clear base-10 structure with multipliers, unlike some languages that use complex or irregular systems.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Saanich?
1 is nət̕θəʔ, 2 is čəsəʔ, 3 is ɬixʷ, 4 is ŋas, 5 is ɬq̕ečəs, 6 is t̕x̣əŋ, 7 is t̕θaʔkʷəs, 8 is teʔθəs, 9 is təkʷəxʷ, and 10 is ʔapən.
What number base does Saanich use?
Saanich uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the words for 10 (ʔapən), 100 (sneč̕əw̕əč), and 1000 (ʔapən sneč̕əw̕əč). Tens are formed by suffixing roots with ɬšeʔ, and compound numbers combine these elements systematically.
How do you say 42 in Saanich?
42 is ɬəxʷɬšeʔ ʔiʔ kʷs ɬixʷ, which combines 30 (ɬəxʷɬšeʔ) and 12 (ʔapən ʔiʔ kʷs nət̕θəʔ).
How do you say 100 in Saanich?
100 is sneč̕əw̕əč, formed as a specific word for hundred. For larger numbers like 109, it is sneč̕əw̕əč ʔiʔ kʷs təkʷəxʷ.
How many people speak Saanich?
There are approximately 20 speakers of Saanich, primarily on Vancouver Island and nearby regions.
Is Saanich related to other languages?
Yes, Saanich belongs to the Salishan language family, specifically the North Straits Salish continuum, sharing features with other Salishan languages.
What makes Saanich counting unique?
Its use of entirely unique words for 1-9, systematic suffixing for tens, and the clear, regular formation of large numbers like 1000 make Saanich counting system highly distinctive among indigenous languages.
Sources
- First voices
- Saanich language