Numbers in Southern Sami
Åarjelsaemien gïele
Numbers in Southern Sami follow a mixed base system combining elements of decimal and vigesimal counting. Spoken in parts of Norway by about 600 speakers, this language's counting system is both unique and complex. It features specific words for 1-9, with tens formed by suffixing the digit with 'luhkie', and compound numbers built by juxtaposition. The language's structure reflects its Uralic roots and cultural history, making the numbers in Southern Sami a fascinating subject for linguists and enthusiasts alike. Understanding these patterns offers insight into the language's rich heritage and numerical logic.
Number system
Southern Sami uses a hybrid counting system combining decimal and vigesimal elements. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: akte (1), göökte (2), golme (3), njieljie (4), vïjhte (5), govhte (6), tjïjhtje (7), gaektsie (8), uktsie (9). Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with 'luhkie' (meaning ten): 10 is 'luhkie', 20 is 'göökteluhkie', and 30 is 'golmeluhkie'. For example, 12 is 'luhkiegöökte' (10 + 2), 56 is 'vïjhteluhkiegovhte' (50 + 6). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'tjuetie' (hundred): 200 is 'gööktetjuetie', 300 is 'golmetjuetie'. Compound numbers like 78 are built by juxtaposing parts: 78 is 'tjïjhtjeluhkiegaektsie' (70 + 8). The system combines base-20 and base-10 features, with a consistent pattern of suffixes and juxtapositions.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: 1-akte, 2-göökte, 3-golme, 4-njieljie, 5-vïjhte, 6-govhte, 7-tjïjhtje, 8-gaektsie, 9-uktsie. These form the foundation for all other numbers.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by suffixing the digit with 'luhkie', except for ten itself: 10 is 'luhkie', 20 is 'göökteluhkie', 30 is 'golmeluhkie', 40 is 'njieljieluhkie'. For example, 12 is 'luhkiegöökte' (10 + 2), 18 is 'luhkiegaektsie' (10 + 8).
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers like 21 or 56 are formed by combining the tens and units without space: 21 is 'göökteluhkieakte' (20 + 1), 56 is 'vïjhteluhkiegovhte' (50 + 6). The pattern involves placing the unit immediately after the ten.
Forming hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'tjuetie' (hundred): 200 is 'gööktetjuetie', 300 is 'golmetjuetie'. For 400, it's 'njieljietjuetie'. For example, 400 is 'njieljietjuetie', and 900 is 'uktsietjuetie'.
Building large numbers
Thousands are formed by placing the multiplier before 'tåvsene' (thousand): 1,000 is 'tåvsene', 2,000 is 'gööktetåvsene'. Compound numbers like 1,789 are formed by juxtaposition: 'akte miljon tåvsenegolmetjuetie' (1,000,000 + 700 + 80 + 9).
Unique features
The use of suffix 'luhkie' for forming tens, e.g., 20 'göökteluhkie', is distinctive and reflects a vigesimal influence.
Unlike many languages, Southern Sami combines decimal and vigesimal elements, making its counting system hybrid and complex.
The pattern of combining numbers without spaces, such as 'göökteluhkieakte' for 21, is counter-intuitive compared to languages with explicit separators.
Large numbers like one million are formed by placing the multiplier before 'miljon' with a space, e.g., 'akte miljon', showing a clear structure for big numbers.
The language borrows the word 'miljon' from other European languages, integrating it into its number system for large quantities.
Cultural context
Southern Sami is spoken by approximately 600 people in Norway, primarily in the municipalities of Snåsa and Hattfjelldal. The language is part of the Sami cultural heritage, which emphasizes close ties to nature, reindeer herding, and traditional crafts. Numbers are vital in daily life, especially in trade, storytelling, and rituals. Certain numbers may be considered auspicious or taboo, though specific beliefs are less documented. The use of precise numbers reflects the community's connection to land and resources, and traditional practices often involve counting animals, land plots, or ceremonial items. Preserving the language and its unique counting system is crucial for cultural identity and continuity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 56 is 'vïjhteluhkiegovhte', combining 50 ('vïjhte') and 6 ('govhte') with suffixes, illustrating the vigesimal influence.
Fact 2: Unlike English, which is purely decimal, Southern Sami's use of 'luhkie' for tens shows a different approach to base-20 influence.
Fact 3: The number 78 'tjïjhtjeluhkiegaektsie' demonstrates how large compound numbers are built by juxtaposition without spaces, unlike many Indo-European languages.
Fact 4: The word for one million, 'akte miljon', reflects borrowing from broader European linguistic traditions, integrated into the Sami culture.
Fact 5: The system's consistency for hundreds and thousands allows for constructing very large numbers, such as 1,007,005 'akte miljon tjïjhtjetåvsenevïjhte', showing advanced numerical structure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Southern Sami?
1 - akte, 2 - göökte, 3 - golme, 4 - njieljie, 5 - vïjhte, 6 - govhte, 7 - tjïjhtje, 8 - gaektsie, 9 - uktsie, 10 - luhkie.
What number base does Southern Sami use?
It uses a hybrid system combining decimal and vigesimal bases. Evidence includes 20 'göökteluhkie' (20), 40 'njieljieluhkie' (40), and compound numbers like 56 'vïjhteluhkiegovhte', showing both bases are active.
How do you say 42 in Southern Sami?
42 is 'njieljieluhkiegaektsie' (30 + 12). First, 30 is 'golmeluhkie', 12 is 'luhkiegöökte', then combined as 'njieljieluhkiegaektsie' by juxtaposition.
How do you say 100 in Southern Sami?
100 is 'tjuetie'. Larger hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'tjuetie', e.g., 200 is 'gööktetjuetie'.
How many people speak Southern Sami?
About 600 people speak Southern Sami, primarily in Norway's municipalities of Snåsa and Hattfjelldal.
Is Southern Sami related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Uralic family, within the Finno-Ugric branch, making it related to Finnish, Estonian, and Hungarian.
What makes Southern Sami counting unique?
Its combination of decimal and vigesimal features, especially the suffix 'luhkie' for tens and the juxtaposition of large numbers without spaces, makes it distinctive among European languages.
Sources
- Sámi numerals generator