Numbers in Solresol
Numbers in Solresol follow a mixed base system, primarily based on a repeating pattern of six-number cycles. Invented in the 19th century by Jean-François Sudre, it is an artificial language based on musical notes, with unique counting rules. Spoken by enthusiasts and scholars, Solresol's counting system is distinctive due to its structured syllabic patterns and note-based formation. Its vocabulary for numbers ranges from 1 to over a trillion, with specific words for each. The language's design emphasizes universality and simplicity, making numbers in Solresol both systematic and poetic. Despite its disuse, studying its counting reveals fascinating linguistic architecture.
Number system
Solresol's counting system is primarily vigesimal, as evidenced by the key multiples like 20 (fafare), 30 (fafami), 40 (fafasol), and 50 (fafala). Numbers 1-6 are formed with a prefix 're' and a second note repeated once, such as redodo (1) and remimi (2). From 7 to 12, the pattern shifts to 'mimi' as the first two notes, e.g., mimido (7) and mimire (8). Numbers 13-18 start with 'mi' and cycle through notes do to si, e.g., midodo (13) and misisi (18). For 19-60, the prefix 'fafa' is used, with the third note cycling from do to si, e.g., fafado (19), fafasi (60). Larger numbers like 80 (fadodo) and 100 (farere) follow the pattern of combining these cycles. For thousands and beyond, words like famimi (1,000) and fasolsol (million) are used, showing a layered vigesimal system with specific rules for constructing compound numbers.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 6
Numbers 1-6 start with 're' and are followed by a second note repeated once, e.g., redodo (1), remimi (2), refafa (3). The second note discriminates the number, with the exception of the first six. Zero is 'soldo', meaning nothing.
Numbers 7 to 12
These are formed with 'mimi' as the first two notes, and the third note cycles through do to si, e.g., mimido (7), mimire (8), mimifa (9), mimisol (10), mimila (11), mimisi (12).
Numbers 13 to 18
Begin with 'mi' and the second note cycles from do to si, bypassing mi, e.g., midodo (13), mirere (14), mifafa (15), misolsol (16), milala (17), misisi (18).
Numbers 19 to 60
Start with 'fafa', and the third note cycles from do to si, bypassing fa, e.g., fafado (19), fafare (20), fafami (30), fafasol (40), fafala (50), fafasi (60).
Large numbers and powers of ten
Numbers like 80 (fadodo) and 100 (farere) are formed by combining cycles. For example, 80 (fadodo) is built from the cycle starting at fa and do, while 100 (farere) uses the pattern of 'fa' plus 're'. Thousands are expressed with words like famimi (1,000), and larger scales like million (fasolsol), billion (falala), and trillion (fasisi) follow the vigesimal pattern, with each multiple of 1,000 having a specific name.
Unique features
Numbers 1-6 all start with 're' and follow a pattern of second note repetition, e.g., relala (5).
The use of 'mimi' for 7-12 creates a distinct subgroup, e.g., mimido (7) and mimisi (12).
Numbers 13-18 uniquely start with 'mi' and cycle through notes do to si, e.g., midodo (13).
Large numbers like 80 (fadodo) and 100 (farere) are formed by combining cycles, reflecting a vigesimal system.
The vocabulary for large scales such as million (fasolsol) and billion (falala) are borrowed or constructed to fit the pattern, emphasizing the language's universality.
Cultural context
Solresol was conceived in France in the 19th century and gained brief popularity before falling into disuse. Its speakers were enthusiasts, linguists, and those interested in universal communication. Although no longer widely spoken, it was envisioned as a language for international understanding, with numbers playing a crucial role in trade, science, and communication. In its cultural context, numbers could be used in musical compositions, coded messages, or artistic expressions, reflecting the language's musical and universal nature. While specific taboo or lucky numbers are not documented, the structured patterns suggest a respect for systematic order, possibly influencing how numbers were perceived culturally.
Fun facts
Number 1 (redodo) is formed with a 're' prefix and a repeated second note, illustrating the initial pattern of 1-6.
Unlike many languages, Solresol's counting system is based on musical notes, making it unique among constructed languages.
The pattern for 7-12 with 'mimi' is a linguistic innovation, creating a subgroup within the number system.
Large numbers like 1,000 (famimi) and 1,000,000 (fasolsol) show the vigesimal system's adaptability for big scales.
The language's design limits the number of syllables, so larger numbers require creative neologisms or borrowing, which can conflict with existing words.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Solresol?
1 - redodo, 2 - remimi, 3 - refafa, 4 - resolsol, 5 - relala, 6 - resisi, 7 - mimido, 8 - mimire, 9 - mimifa, 10 - mimisol.
What number base does Solresol use?
Solresol primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in words like fafami (30), fafasol (40), and fafala (50). The patterns for 1-6, 7-12, and 13-18 further support a layered vigesimal structure.
How do you say 42 in Solresol?
42 is constructed as fafami (30) plus fafare (20), but since 20 is fafare, 42 would be a combination of 'fafami' (30) and 'fafare' (20). However, the exact compound isn't explicitly listed, so it would follow the pattern of combining base words, likely as 'fafami fafare' or a similar structure.
How do you say 100 in Solresol?
100 is 'farere', which is a specific word for the hundred, following the pattern of combining cycles for larger numbers.
How many people speak Solresol?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it was primarily used by enthusiasts and linguists in France and some international circles during its brief period of popularity.
Is Solresol related to other languages?
Solresol is an artificial, constructed language with no direct linguistic relatives. It is based on musical notes and designed for universality rather than linguistic lineage.
What makes Solresol counting unique?
Its use of musical notes to form numbers, with specific patterns for small and large numbers, and the layered vigesimal system, makes its counting system highly distinctive among constructed languages.