Numbers in Tezoatlán Mixtec
Numbers in Tezoatlán Mixtec follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is characteristic of many Mesoamerican languages. Spoken by approximately 5,400 native speakers in the mountainous region of Oaxaca, Mexico, this language features unique counting patterns that combine multiples of twenty with a sub-base of fifteen. The counting system is intricate, with special words for certain numbers like 15 sa’o̱n and compound formations such as oko̱ uxi̱ for 30. Understanding the numbers in Tezoatlán Mixtec provides insight into their rich cultural heritage and linguistic structure, making it a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts and linguists alike.
Number system
Tezoatlán Mixtec employs a vigesimal system, where multiples of twenty are primary units. For example, 20 is oko̱, and 40 is uu̱ diko (2×20). Numbers 1-9 are unique words: iin (1), uu̱ (2), oni̱ (3), komi̱ (4), o’o̱n (5), iño̱ (6), usa̱ (7), ona̱ (8), ii̱n (9). Tens are formed by combining the base ten words with multiples of twenty: 30 is oko̱ uxi̱ (20+10), 50 is uu̱ diko uxi̱ (2×20+10), and 60 is oni̱ diko (3×20). For numbers between these, the pattern involves combining the multiple of twenty with the units: 27 is oko̱ usa̱ (20+7), and 78 is oni̱ diko ona̱ (60+18). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the multiplier with 'sientó' (hundred): 100 is iin sientó, 200 is uu̱ sientó, and 300 is oni̱ sientó. Larger numbers combine these patterns, with 1,000 expressed as iin míil. Compound numbers like 42 (uu̱ diko uxi̱ oni̱) follow the pattern of multiple of twenty plus ten plus units, illustrating the vigesimal structure with a sub-base of 15 for numbers 15-19, which are sa’o̱n (15), sa’o̱n iin (16), sa’o̱n uu̱ (17), sa’o̱n oni̱ (18), and sa’o̱n komi̱ (19).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Counting from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: iin (1), uu̱ (2), oni̱ (3), komi̱ (4), o’o̱n (5), iño̱ (6), usa̱ (7), ona̱ (8), ii̱n (9). For example, 4 is komi̱, and 7 is usa̱.
Forming tens and multiples of twenty
Tens are formed by combining the base ten words with multiples of twenty: 10 is uxi̱, 20 is oko̱, 30 is oko̱ uxi̱, 40 is uu̱ diko, and 50 is uu̱ diko uxi̱. For example, 27 is oko̱ usa̱ (20+7), and 78 is oni̱ diko ona̱ (60+18).
Numbers 11 to 14
Numbers 11 to 14 are formed by prefixing uxi̱ (10) to the units: 11 is uxi̱ iin, 12 is uxi̱ uu̱, 13 is uxi̱ oni̱, and 14 is uxi̱ komi̱. For example, 13 is uxi̱ oni̱.
Numbers 15 to 19
These are formed starting with sa’o̱n (15), followed by the units: 16 is sa’o̱n iin, 17 is sa’o̱n uu̱, 18 is sa’o̱n oni̱, and 19 is sa’o̱n komi̱. For example, 19 is sa’o̱n komi̱.
Compound numbers where the ten is a multiple of twenty
Numbers like 27 or 68 are formed by placing the multiple of twenty first, then the unit: 27 is oko̱ usa̱ (20+7), 68 is oni̱ diko ona̱ (60+8).
Compound numbers where the ten is not a multiple of twenty
Numbers like 33 or 55 combine the multiple of twenty with the units: 33 is oko̱ uxi̱ oni̱ (30+3), 55 is uu̱ diko sa’o̱n (40+15).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the multiplier with 'sientó' (Spanish loanword for hundred): 100 is iin sientó, 200 is uu̱ sientó, 300 is oni̱ sientó, etc. For example, 600 is iño̱ sientó.
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with the multiplier followed by 'míil' (thousand): 1,000 is iin míil, 2,000 is uu̱ míil, 3,000 is oni̱ míil. Larger numbers combine these patterns for complex formations.
Unique features
The use of a sub-base 15 (sa’o̱n) for forming numbers 16-19 is unique, e.g., sa’o̱n iin (16).
The vigesimal system involves combining multiples of twenty with units and a special sub-base, unlike the decimal system used in many languages.
Compound numbers like 78 (oni̱ diko ona̱) show how the language combines base units with tens, reflecting a complex but systematic pattern.
Large numbers like 1,000 are formed with a borrowed Spanish word 'míil', indicating cultural contact and adaptation.
The language uses specific words for 15 (sa’o̱n), which is culturally significant, as 15 often has special importance in Mesoamerican traditions.
Cultural context
Tezoatlán Mixtec is spoken in the mountainous region of Oaxaca, Mexico, by approximately 5,400 native speakers. The community maintains rich traditions, where numbers are used in daily trade, rituals, and storytelling. The number 15, sa’o̱n, is culturally significant, often associated with important festivals. Large numbers like 1,000 (iin míil) are used in historical contexts or land measurements. The language’s unique counting system reflects their worldview, emphasizing the importance of the number 20 and the sub-base 15. There are no known taboos on specific numbers, but traditional practices influence how numbers are spoken in ceremonial contexts.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 is sa’o̱n, a word with cultural significance, often associated with traditional festivals.
Fact 2: Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Tezoatlán Mixtec’s vigesimal system is similar to other Mesoamerican languages like Nahuatl.
Fact 3: The formation of 78 (oni̱ diko ona̱) demonstrates a systematic combination of hundreds, tens, and units, reflecting complex linguistic structures.
Fact 4: The borrowed word 'sientó' for hundred shows Spanish influence, dating back to colonial times.
Fact 5: Counting beyond 9,999 is not documented, indicating the system is primarily used for everyday and traditional purposes, not for very large numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tezoatlán Mixtec?
1 is iin, 2 is uu̱, 3 is oni̱, 4 is komi̱, 5 is o’o̱n, 6 is iño̱, 7 is usa̱, 8 is ona̱, 9 is ii̱n, and 10 is uxi̱.
What number base does Tezoatlán Mixtec use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by 20 being oko̱, 40 as uu̱ diko, and 60 as oni̱ diko, showing multiples of twenty are primary units.
How do you say 42 in Tezoatlán Mixtec?
42 is formed as uu̱ diko uxi̱ (40+2), combining the word for 40 with 10 (uxi̱) to form the number.
How do you say 100 in Tezoatlán Mixtec?
100 is iin sientó, where 'sientó' is a loanword for hundred, prefixed by the word for 1.
How many people speak Tezoatlán Mixtec?
Approximately 5,400 native speakers, primarily in the municipality of Tezoatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Is Tezoatlán Mixtec related to other languages?
Yes, it is a dialect of Silacayoapan Mixtec, which belongs to the Oto-Manguean language family, sharing features with other Mixtec languages.
What makes Tezoatlán Mixtec counting unique?
Its use of a sub-base 15 (sa’o̱n) for numbers 16-19 and the vigesimal system, combined with Spanish loanwords like 'sientó', makes it distinctive among Mesoamerican languages.
Sources
- Gramática popular del mixteco del municipio de Tezoatlán (in Spanish), by Judith Williams, Summer Institute of Linguistics (2006)