Numbers in Shuswap
Secwepemctsín
Numbers in Shuswap follow a primarily decimal system with a unique structure for forming numbers beyond ten. Spoken by approximately 200 native speakers mainly in British Columbia's Central and Southern Interior, the language belongs to the Interior Salish branch of the Salishan family. Its counting system features specific words for units, tens, and hundreds, with compound formations for numbers like 38 or 53. The system's pattern of combining roots and suffixes makes it distinctive among North American indigenous languages. Understanding the numbers in Shuswap offers insight into their cultural and linguistic richness, highlighting their precise and systematic approach to counting.
Number system
The Shuswap counting system is primarily decimal, with specific words for units from 1 to 9: nek̓ú7 (1), seséle (2), kellés (3), mus (4), tsilkst (5), teq̓mékst (6), tsútsllke7 (7), nek̓7ú7ps (8), temllenkúk̓we7 (9). Tens are formed by combining the root for the digit with 'úpekst' (10), e.g., sell7úpekst (20), kell7úpekst (30), mell7úpekst (40). For example, 38 is 'kell7úpekst ell nek̓7ú7ps' (30 + 8), and 53 is 'tselkll7úpekst ell kellés' (50 + 3). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit with 'te' and adding 'sxetspqíqenkst' for 100, e.g., seséle te sxetspqíqenkst (200), kellés te sxetspqíqenkst (300). Compound numbers like 78 are 'tsetskell7úpekst ell tsútsllke7' (70 + 8). The pattern is consistent: units are combined with tens and hundreds using specific connectors, creating a clear and logical structure.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1-9 are unique words: nek̓ú7 (1), seséle (2), kellés (3), mus (4), tsilkst (5), teq̓mékst (6), tsútsllke7 (7), nek̓7ú7ps (8), temllenkúk̓we7 (9). For example, 1 is 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts', 2 is 'seséle', and 9 is 'temllenkúk̓we7'.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by combining the root digit with 'úpekst' (10). For example, 20 is 'sell7úpekst', 30 is 'kell7úpekst', and 90 is 'temllenk̓well7úpekst'. The number 10 itself is 'úpekst'.
Compound numbers (21-99)
Numbers like 38 ('kell7úpekst ell nek̓7ú7ps') combine the tens word with 'ell' and then the units. For example, 53 is 'tselkll7úpekst ell kellés'. The pattern is: [tens word] + 'ell' + [units word].
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit with 'te' and adding 'sxetspqíqenkst'. For example, 200 is 'seséle te sxetspqíqenkst', 300 is 'kellés te sxetspqíqenkst', and 900 is 'temllenkúk̓we7 te sxetspqíqenkst'. For 100, the word is 'xetspqíqenkst' alone.
Large numbers
Numbers beyond 1,000 are formed by combining 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts' (10 hundreds). For example, 1,000 is 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts'. Counting above 1,000 is limited due to lack of data, but the pattern suggests multiplying hundreds or thousands similarly.
Unique features
Numbers 6-9 are formed by unique words: teq̓mékst (6), tsútsllke7 (7), nek̓7ú7ps (8), temllenkúk̓we7 (9), unlike many languages that use combinations of smaller units.
The formation of tens by directly attaching 'úpekst' to the digit root is similar to vigesimal systems but remains decimal in structure.
Compound numbers like 38 ('kell7úpekst ell nek̓7ú7ps') clearly show the use of 'ell' as a connector, which is distinctive.
Large numbers up to 1,000 are constructed systematically with prefixes and suffixes, indicating a logical, additive pattern.
The word for 1,000, 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts', literally means 'ten hundreds', reflecting a cultural emphasis on grouping in tens and hundreds.
Cultural context
The Secwepemc people primarily inhabit the Central and Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Their culture is deeply connected to the land, with traditions rooted in fishing, hunting, and gathering. Numbers in their language appear in daily life, trade, and storytelling, often emphasizing community and resource management. The number 7 ('tsútsllke7') is considered special in some contexts, and the language’s precise counting reflects their detailed understanding of their environment. While there are no specific taboos noted about numbers, their system’s systematic nature underscores a cultural value of order and harmony in their worldview.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 8 is 'nek̓7ú7ps', which is a unique word not directly derived from smaller units, highlighting linguistic distinctiveness.
Fact 2: Unlike base-20 systems used by some indigenous languages, Shuswap's counting is primarily decimal, with a clear pattern for forming numbers up to 1,000.
Fact 3: The consistent use of 'ell' as a connector in compound numbers resembles patterns in other Salishan languages but with unique vocabulary.
Fact 4: The word for 1,000, 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts', literally means 'ten hundreds', showing a cultural emphasis on grouping in tens and hundreds.
Fact 5: The language appears to have a systematic way of forming large numbers, but data beyond 1,000 is limited, suggesting a potential for further linguistic development.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Shuswap?
1 is 'úpeket te sxetspqíqenksts', 2 is 'seséle', 3 is 'kellés', 4 is 'mus', 5 is 'tsilkst', 6 is 'teq̓mékst', 7 is 'tsútsllke7', 8 is 'nek̓7ú7ps', 9 is 'temllenkúk̓we7', and 10 is 'úpekst'.
What number base does Shuswap use?
Shuswap uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of tens with 'úpekst' and the pattern of combining units and tens, such as 'kell7úpekst' for 30 and 'sell7úpekst' for 20.
How do you say 42 in Shuswap?
42 is 'mell7úpekst ell mus' (40 + 2), formed by the tens 'mell7úpekst' (40) plus 'ell' and the units word 'mus' (4).
How do you say 100 in Shuswap?
100 is 'xetspqíqenkst', a standalone word for hundred. For 200, it's 'seséle te sxetspqíqenkst', combining the word for 2 with the hundred suffix.
How many people speak Shuswap?
Approximately 200 native speakers, mainly in British Columbia, Canada.
Is Shuswap related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Salishan language family, specifically the Interior Salish branch, which includes several other indigenous languages of the Pacific Northwest.
What makes Shuswap counting unique?
Its use of unique words for 6-9, systematic formation of compound numbers with 'ell', and the clear pattern for large numbers like 1,000, which literally means 'ten hundreds'.