Numbers in South Efate
Fate, Erakor
Numbers in South Efate follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, characteristic of many Oceanic languages. Spoken on the island of Efate in central Vanuatu, it has approximately 6,000 speakers. Its counting system combines unique words for units, tens, and hundreds, with specific patterns for compound numbers. What makes the South Efate numbers particularly interesting is how they form numbers like 11 to 19 by combining the word for ten, 'ralim', with the units, and how hundreds are constructed with 'tifli'. The language's counting system reflects its cultural and historical context, making it a fascinating example of Oceanic numeracy. This article explores the numbers in South Efate, their rules, and cultural significance.
Number system
The South Efate counting system is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses 20 as a key multiplier. Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: i-skei [1], i-nru [2], i-tul [3], i-fat [4], i-lim [5], i-ɪa-tes [6], i-ɪa-ru [7], i-ɪa-tul [8], i-ɪ-fot [9]. Tens are formed by combining 'ralim' (meaning two times five) with the unit, e.g., ralim i-skei [10], ralim i-nru [20], ralim i-tul [30], etc. Compound numbers like 11 (ralim i-skei atmat i-skei) are formed by linking the ten and unit with 'atmat' (and). For example, 12 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-nru', and 18 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-ɪa-tul'. Hundreds are formed with 'tifli', e.g., tifli i-skei [100], tifli i-nru [200], and complex numbers like 423 are 'tifli i-fat ralim i-nru atmat i-tul'. The pattern repeats systematically, with the ten and hundred words serving as multipliers, and units added via 'atmat'.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Units (1-9)
Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: i-skei [1], i-nru [2], i-tul [3], i-fat [4], i-lim [5], i-ɪa-tes [6], i-ɪa-ru [7], i-ɪa-tul [8], i-ɪ-fot [9].
Tens (10-90)
Tens are formed by combining 'ralim' (meaning two times five) with the unit: ralim i-skei [10], ralim i-nru [20], ralim i-tul [30], ralim i-fat [40], ralim i-lim [50], ralim i-ɪa-tes [60], ralim i-ɪa-ru [70], ralim i-ɪa-tul [80], ralim i-ɪ-fot [90].
Compound numbers 11-19
Numbers 11 to 19 are formed by stating the ten ('ralim i-skei') and then adding the unit with 'atmat' (and): 11 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-skei', 12 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-nru', 13 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-tul', etc.
Multiples of 20
Numbers like 20, 30, 40, etc., are formed by 'ralim i-nru' (20), 'ralim i-tul' (30), 'ralim i-fat' (40), and so on, following the pattern of tens.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed with 'tifli' plus the number for the unit or ten: tifli i-skei [100], tifli i-nru [200], tifli i-tul [300], etc. For example, 423 is 'tifli i-fat ralim i-nru atmat i-tul'.
Unique features
The number 6, 'i-ɪa-tes', combines a prefix 'i-ɪa-' with 'tes' (six), showing a unique formation not common in other Oceanic languages.
Unlike many languages that use a quinary or decimal system, South Efate's counting relies heavily on the vigesimal system, with 20 as a key multiplier.
Numbers 11-19 are formed by combining the ten 'ralim' with units via 'atmat', creating a consistent pattern similar to French 'onze' to 'dix-neuf' but with a different structure.
Large numbers like 100 and 200 are formed with 'tifli', and complex numbers combine hundreds, tens, and units systematically, e.g., 562 is 'tifli i-ɪa-tes ralim i-ɪa-tes atmat i-nru'.
The language borrows the word 'ralim' from a root meaning 'two' and 'lim' meaning 'five', reflecting cultural exchanges and historical influences.
Cultural context
The South Efate people reside on Efate island in central Vanuatu, a region rich in tradition and community life. Numbers are integral to daily activities such as trade, ceremonies, and storytelling. The system's reliance on vigesimal counting reflects historical trade practices and social organization. Certain numbers, like 7 ('i-ɪa-ru'), may hold cultural significance, while others are purely functional. The language's numerical structure influences how the community perceives quantity and measurement, with large numbers used in ceremonial contexts. Despite modern influences, traditional counting remains vital in cultural identity, and the system's complexity showcases their rich linguistic heritage.
Fun facts
The number 16 is 'ralim i-skei atmat i-ɪa-tes', illustrating how compound numbers extend beyond 10 with a consistent pattern.
Compared to English, which is decimal, South Efate's vigesimal system is similar to French, but with entirely different words and formation rules.
The formation of 6 ('i-ɪa-tes') shows a unique prefix 'i-ɪa-' attached to a root, which is uncommon in many other Oceanic languages.
Historically, the use of 'ralim' for tens may be linked to ancient trade practices involving groups that counted in twenties.
Large numbers like 100 ('tifli i-skei') are built systematically, but the language does not currently have words for numbers beyond 999, indicating a practical limit.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in South Efate?
1 is 'i-skei', 2 is 'i-nru', 3 is 'i-tul', 4 is 'i-fat', 5 is 'i-lim', 6 is 'i-ɪa-tes', 7 is 'i-ɪa-ru', 8 is 'i-ɪa-tul', 9 is 'i-ɪ-fot', and 10 is 'ralim i-skei'.
What number base does South Efate use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by the formation of 20 ('ralim i-nru') and 40 ('ralim i-fat'), and the way numbers like 11-19 are built by combining ten with units.
How do you say 42 in South Efate?
42 is 'tifli i-fat ralim i-nru atmat i-tul'. First, 40 is 'ralim i-fat', 2 is 'i-nru', and 2 times 20 is 'tifli i-nru'. The number combines hundreds, tens, and units systematically.
How do you say 100 in South Efate?
100 is 'tifli i-skei', where 'tifli' indicates hundred and 'i-skei' is one. Larger numbers like 200 are 'tifli i-nru'.
How many people speak South Efate?
Approximately 6,000 speakers live on Efate island in Vanuatu.
Is South Efate related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian language family, specifically within the Oceanic branch, sharing features with other Vanuatu languages.
What makes South Efate counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system with specific compound formations, such as 11 ('ralim i-skei atmat i-skei'), and the systematic way hundreds are constructed, set it apart from many other Oceanic languages.
Sources
- Voyage à travers des îles et des nombres, Christian Soulard (.pdf, in French)