Numbers in Squamish
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
Numbers in Squamish follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many indigenous North American languages. Spoken by approximately 15 people in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, the language belongs to the Salishan family. Its counting system is unique because it combines specific words for numbers 1-9 with a pattern of forming tens and hundreds using suffixes and compound structures. The language's numerals reflect cultural and historical aspects, making the numbers in Squamish not only a counting tool but also a window into their worldview. Understanding these numbers reveals the complexity and richness of Squamish linguistic heritage.
Number system
Squamish uses a vigesimal system, where the primary units are 1-9 with unique words: nch’u7 (1), án̓us (2), chánat (3), x̱a7útsen (4), tsíyáchis (5), t’áḵ’ach (6), t’akw’usách (7), t’ḵ’ach (8), ts’es (9). Tens are formed by suffixing the root with alhshá7, except for 10 and 20: úpen (10), wetl’ch’ (20). For example, 11 is 'úpen i kwi nch’u7' (10 + 1), 15 is 'úpen i kwi tsíyáchis' (10 + 5), and 42 is 'wetl’ch’ i kwi chánat' (20 + 3, then 2). Hundreds are formed by combining the hundred word 'nách’aw̓ich' with tens and units, such as 'nách’aw̓ich i kwi ts’es' (109). This pattern repeats for larger numbers, emphasizing the vigesimal structure with compound formations.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Numbers from one to nine are unique words: nch’u7 (1), án̓us (2), chánat (3), x̱a7útsen (4), tsíyáchis (5), t’áḵ’ach (6), t’akw’usách (7), t’ḵ’ach (8), ts’es (9). For example, 3 is chánat, and 8 is t’ḵ’ach.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by suffixing the root of the multiplier digit with alhshá7, except for 10 and 20. For example, 10 is úpen, 20 is wetl’ch’. 30 is lhéxwlhsha7, and 40 is x̱wutsnalhshá7. For instance, 70 is ts’ekwchalhshá7, formed by combining 7 (t’akw’usách) with the suffix.
Compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 19 are formed by stating 10, then 'i kwi' and the unit digit. For example, 11 is 'úpen i kwi nch’u7', 14 is 'úpen i kwi x̱a7útsen', and 19 is 'úpen i kwi ts’es'.
Hundreds
One hundred is 'nách’aw̓ich'. Larger numbers are formed by combining 'nách’aw̓ich' with tens and units, linked by 'i kwi'. For example, 109 is 'nách’aw̓ich i kwi ts’es', and 127 is 'nách’aw̓ich i kwi wetl’ch’ i kwi t’akw’usách'.
Thousands
One thousand is 'úpen kwis nách’aw̓ich', meaning ten times one hundred. Larger multiples follow the same pattern, emphasizing the vigesimal base with compound structures.
Unique features
The use of specific words for 1-9 combined with suffixes for tens and hundreds illustrates a pure vigesimal system, unlike decimal systems in many languages.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Squamish's counting emphasizes the number 20 as a core unit, evident in words like 'wetl’ch’' for 20 and 'lhéxwlhsha7' for 30.
A surprising pattern is that 10 ('úpen') and 20 ('wetl’ch’') are irregular roots, not derived from the 1-9 words, highlighting their importance as foundational numerals.
Large numbers are built by combining hundreds and thousands with the same 'i kwi' pattern, making the system highly recursive and systematic.
The word 'úpen' for 10 is borrowed from a broader indigenous numeral tradition, possibly influenced by neighboring languages, reflecting cultural exchange.
Cultural context
The Squamish people inhabit southwestern British Columbia, Canada, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in their language and traditions. Numbers appear in daily life, storytelling, and ceremonial contexts, often emphasizing respect for natural cycles and community. The number 7, t’akw’usách, may hold cultural significance, while the number 13, not explicitly listed, might be avoided or considered special. Due to their small speaker base, the language and its numerals are at risk, but they remain a vital part of Squamish identity, especially in cultural revitalization efforts. The numerals reflect a worldview that emphasizes interconnectedness and the importance of natural cycles, with the vigesimal system symbolizing the significance of the number 20 in their cosmology.
Fun facts
The word for 15, 'úpen i kwi tsíyáchis', literally means 'ten and five', showing how compound numbers are constructed.
Unlike English, which is decimal, Squamish's use of vigesimal system makes counting to 100 more efficient in certain contexts, similar to how French uses 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
The formation of 68 ('t’éx̱malhsha7 i kwi t’ḵ’ach') demonstrates how the language combines multiple layers of compound numerals, reflecting a recursive pattern.
Historically, the Squamish numerals may have been used in trade and navigation, where precise large numbers were necessary for resource management and storytelling.
The word for 1,000 ('úpen kwis nách’aw̓ich') shows how the language combines the base numerals with the word for hundred, illustrating a systematic approach to large numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Squamish?
1 is nch’u7, 2 is án̓us, 3 is chánat, 4 is x̱a7útsen, 5 is tsíyáchis, 6 is t’áḵ’ach, 7 is t’akw’usách, 8 is t’ḵ’ach, 9 is ts’es, and 10 is úpen.
What number base does Squamish use?
Squamish uses a vigesimal (base-20) system. Evidence includes the words for 20 ('wetl’ch’') and 30 ('lhéxwlhsha7'), which are formed by combining multiples of 20 with suffixes, and the pattern of forming numbers like 42 ('wetl’ch’ i kwi chánat').
How do you say 42 in Squamish?
42 is 'wetl’ch’ i kwi chánat', which combines 20 ('wetl’ch’') with 3 ('chánat') using 'i kwi' to form the compound.
How do you say 100 in Squamish?
100 is 'nách’aw̓ich'. Larger numbers like 109 are formed as 'nách’aw̓ich i kwi ts’es'.
How many people speak Squamish?
Approximately 15 speakers, primarily in southwestern British Columbia, Canada.
Is Squamish related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Salishan language family, specifically the Coast Salish branch.
What makes Squamish counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system with specific words for 1-9 and suffix-based formation of tens and hundreds makes it distinctive among North American indigenous languages.
Sources
- Squamish language