Numbers in Tamazight
Numbers in Tamazight follow a primarily vigesimal (base-20) system, with some elements of decimal and quinary influences. Spoken by approximately 3 million people in central Morocco, Tamazight is a Berber language that uses the Tifinagh script, Latin, and Arabic scripts. Its counting system is distinctive because it combines base-20 patterns with unique formations for numbers 1 to 9, and complex constructions for larger numbers. The language's structure reflects its rich cultural history and interaction with neighboring languages. Understanding the numbers in Tamazight reveals insights into its linguistic complexity and cultural significance.
Number system
Tamazight's counting system is primarily vigesimal, as evidenced by the formation of numbers like 20 (sin id mraw), 30 (kṛaḍ id mraw), and 40 (kkuz id mraw). Numbers 1-9 are unique words: yan (1), sin (2), kṛaḍ (3), kkuz (4), smmus (5), ṣḍiṣ (6), sa (7), tam (8), tẓa (9). For 6-9, the pattern is additive: 6 (ṣḍiṣ) = 5 (smmus) + 1 (yan), 7 (sa d mraw) = 5 + 2, 8 (tam d mraw) = 5 + 3, 9 (tẓa d mraw) = 5 + 4. Tens are formed by setting the multiplier before 'id' and 'mraw': 20 (sin id mraw), 30 (kṛaḍ id mraw), 40 (kkuz id mraw). Compound numbers like 27 (sin id mraw i sa) combine the ten and unit with 'i' (and). Hundreds are formed by feminine words like 'timiḍi' (100), with 200 as 'snat timaḍ' (2 hundreds), and 300 as 'kṛaṭt timaḍ'. Larger numbers involve combining these patterns with the preposition 'n' (of).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number formation for 1-9
Numbers 1-9 in Tamazight are unique words: yan (1), sin (2), kṛaḍ (3), kkuz (4), smmus (5), ṣḍiṣ (6), sa (7), tam (8), tẓa (9). Feminine forms add -t: yat (1-fem), snat (2-fem), etc. For 6-9, the pattern is additive: ṣḍiṣ (6) = smmus (5) + yan (1).
Formation of tens
Tens are formed by placing the multiplier digit before 'id' and 'mraw': 20 (sin id mraw), 30 (kṛaḍ id mraw), 40 (kkuz id mraw), 50 (smmus id mraw), 60 (ṣḍiṣ id mraw), 70 (sa id mraw), 80 (tam d mraw), 90 (tẓat id mraw). The multiplier digit (1-9) is the same as the units, e.g., 70 is 'sa d mraw' (7 + 10).
Construction of compound numbers
Numbers beyond 20 are formed by combining the tens with units using 'i' (and): 27 (sin id mraw i sa), 75 (smmus id mraw i smmus), 78 (sa d mraw i tam). The pattern is: [tens] + 'i' + [units], with the tens word derived from the multiplier digit.
Hundreds
Hundreds are feminine words: 100 is 'timiḍi', 200 is 'snat timaḍ', 300 'kṛaṭt timaḍ', etc. The number following the hundred is in plural, preceded by 'n' (of): 200 (snat timaḍ), 300 (kṛaṭt timaḍ), 400 (kkuzt timaḍ). For example, 600 is 'ṣḍiṣt timaḍ'.
Large numbers
Thousands are formed with 'ifḍ' (thousand): 1,000 is 'ifḍ' and 2,000 is 'sin afḍan'. Larger numbers like 100,000 are formed as 'timiḍi n afḍan' (literally 'hundred of thousand'), combining the feminine hundred word with 'n' (of) and the plural of thousand.
Unique features
Tamazight uses a vigesimal system, evident in 20 (sin id mraw) and 30 (kṛaḍ id mraw), unlike purely decimal systems.
Numbers 1-9 have multiple forms, such as yan, yun, ijj, idj, showing dialectal or gender variation.
The number 6 (ṣḍiṣ) is formed by adding 1 (yan) to 5 (smmus), illustrating an additive pattern within the base-20 system.
Large numbers like 100,000 are constructed with 'n' (of), reflecting a cultural emphasis on grouping and hierarchy.
Tamazight incorporates borrowed terms like 'ifḍ' for thousand, showing historical contact with Arabic and other languages.
Cultural context
Tamazight is spoken mainly in central Morocco, home to Berber communities with rich traditions in music, crafts, and storytelling. Numbers appear in daily trade, ceremonies, and traditional markets. The use of specific numbers like 7 (sa) and 9 (tẓa) can have cultural significance, with some numbers considered lucky or taboo. The language’s counting reflects a deep connection to their environment, history, and social hierarchy. The numerals are integral to their identity, especially in oral traditions and cultural expressions, emphasizing community and continuity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 5 (smmus) is central to forming other numbers, such as 15 (smmus d mraw).
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Tamazight’s vigesimal system makes 20 a key base, similar to French 'quatre-vingt'.
Fact 3: The additive pattern for 6-9 (e.g., ṣḍiṣ = smmus + yan) is unique among vigesimal languages.
Fact 4: Historically, the use of 'timiḍi' for 100 reflects the importance of feminine forms in the number system.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Tamazight combines feminine words with 'n' to express 'of' or 'times', showing a flexible hierarchical structure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tamazight?
1 - yan, 2 - sin, 3 - kṛaḍ, 4 - kkuz, 5 - smmus, 6 - ṣḍiṣ, 7 - sa, 8 - tam, 9 - tẓa, 10 - mraw.
What number base does Tamazight use?
Tamazight primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in 20 (sin id mraw), 30 (kṛaḍ id mraw), and 40 (kkuz id mraw). The formation of numbers like 27 (sin id mraw i sa) also confirms this pattern.
How do you say 42 in Tamazight?
42 is 'sin i d mraw i sa' (20 + 2 + 20 + 7), formed by combining 20 (sin id mraw) with 2 (sin) using 'i' (and), then adding 20 (sin id mraw) and 7 (sa).
How do you say 100 in Tamazight?
100 is 'timiḍi', a feminine word. Larger hundreds are formed as 'snat timaḍ' (200), 'kṛaṭt timaḍ' (300), with the number following in plural and preceded by 'n' (of).
How many people speak Tamazight?
Approximately 3 million people speak Tamazight, mainly in central Morocco.
Is Tamazight related to other languages?
Yes, Tamazight belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family, specifically the Berber branch, related to other Berber languages across North Africa.
What makes Tamazight counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, where 20 is a key base, combined with additive formations for 6-9 and feminine words for hundreds, makes Tamazight counting distinctive among world languages.
Sources
- Amazigh fonts
- Royal institute of the Amazigh culture
- Tamazight transliteration