Numbers in Tlingit
Lingít
Numbers in Tlingit follow a complex yet systematic counting system rooted in vigesimal (base-20) principles. Spoken by approximately 1,360 people in Southeast Alaska and Western Canada, Tlingit is a vital part of their cultural identity. Its unique counting patterns involve combining words for tens, hundreds, and units, often using specific connectors like ḵa. The language's number system is notable for its clear structure up to 999, with compound formations that reflect its vigesimal roots. Exploring the numbers in Tlingit reveals a fascinating blend of tradition and linguistic logic, making it a rich area for study and preservation.
Number system
Tlingit uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. Numbers 1-9 have unique words: tléix’ (1), déix̱ (2), násʼk (3), daaxʼoon (4), keijín (5), tleidooshú (6), dax̱adooshú (7), nasʼgadooshú (8), gooshúḵ (9). Tens are formed by combining the multiplier with jinkaat (10): 20 is tleiḵáa, 30 is násʼk jinkaat, 40 is daaxʼoon jinkaat, etc. For example, 42 is formed as keijín jinkaat ḵa daaxʼoon (5×20 + 2). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the number with hándid: 100 is tléix’ hándid, 200 is déix̱ hándid, 300 is násʼk hándid, etc. Compound numbers like 78 combine hundreds, tens, and units: dax̱adooshú hándid ḵa keijín jinkaat (7×100 + 5×20 + 2). The system is consistent, with clear rules for forming numbers up to 999.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: tléix’ (1), déix̱ (2), násʼk (3), daaxʼoon (4), keijín (5), tleidooshú (6), dax̱adooshú (7), nasʼgadooshú (8), gooshúḵ (9). For example, 3 is násʼk, and 7 is dax̱adooshú.
Tens formation
Tens are formed by combining the multiplier with jinkaat (10). For 20, it is tleiḵáa; for 30, násʼk jinkaat; for 40, daaxʼoon jinkaat. For example, 50 is keijín jinkaat, and 90 is gooshúḵ jinkaat.
Compound numbers
Numbers like 18 are formed by combining ten and units: jinkaat ḵa nasʼgadooshú (18). For 55, it is keijín jinkaat ḵa keijín (5×20 + 5). For 78, it is dax̱adooshú hándid ḵa keijín jinkaat (7×100 + 5×20).
Hundreds formation
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the number with hándid. For example, 100 is tléix’ hándid, 200 is déix̱ hándid, 300 is násʼk hándid. For 450, it is keijín hándid ḵa daaxʼoon jinkaat (5×100 + 4×20).
Unique features
Numbers from 6 to 9 are formed by adding 1 to 5: 6 is tleidooshú (5+1), 7 is dax̱adooshú (5+2), 8 is nasʼgadooshú (5+3), 9 is gooshúḵ (5+4).
The counting system is vigesimal, similar to other indigenous languages like Basque or some Mayan languages, but uniquely expressed with specific words and connectors.
A surprising pattern is how 20 (tleiḵáa) acts as a base for all larger numbers, with compound formations like keijín jinkaat (50) and dax̱adooshú jinkaat (70).
Large numbers up to 999 are built by combining hundreds, tens, and units, but the language lacks data beyond 999, indicating a probable cutoff at that point.
The word for 100, tléix’ hándid, is borrowed from a traditional structure but is distinctively used in counting large quantities, reflecting cultural importance.
Cultural context
The Tlingit people inhabit Southeast Alaska and Western Canada, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in fishing, totemic art, and oral traditions. Numbers in Tlingit appear in daily life, trade, and ceremonial contexts, often emphasizing community and resource sharing. The language's counting system reflects their worldview, with a focus on kinship and natural cycles. Certain numbers may hold cultural significance, though specific taboos or lucky numbers are not well documented. The use of precise numbers in storytelling and rituals underscores their importance in maintaining cultural identity and transmitting knowledge across generations.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 6, tleidooshú, literally means 'five plus one,' illustrating how 6-9 are formed by adding to 5.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Tlingit's vigesimal system resembles the Mayan counting system, but with unique words and connectors.
Fact 3: The word for 20, tleiḵáa, is a core base, and all larger numbers are built around it, showing a clear vigesimal pattern.
Fact 4: The word for 100, tléix’ hándid, is used in traditional storytelling to quantify large groups or resources.
Fact 5: The system up to 999 suggests a practical limit, possibly due to cultural or historical reasons, with no data on larger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tlingit?
1 - tléix’, 2 - déix̱, 3 - násʼk, 4 - daaxʼoon, 5 - keijín, 6 - tleidooshú, 7 - dax̱adooshú, 8 - nasʼgadooshú, 9 - gooshúḵ, 10 - jinkaat.
What number base does Tlingit use?
Tlingit uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like tleiḵáa for 20 and formations like keijín jinkaat for 50, which combine multiples of 20 with units.
How do you say 42 in Tlingit?
42 is keijín jinkaat ḵa daaxʼoon, meaning 2×20 plus 2, following the pattern of combining tens with units via ḵa.
How do you say 100 in Tlingit?
100 is tléix’ hándid, formed by prefixing the word for 1 with hándid, indicating a hundred.
How many people speak Tlingit?
Approximately 1,360 speakers, primarily in Southeast Alaska and Western Canada.
Is Tlingit related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Na-Dene language family, related to other Athabaskan languages.
What makes Tlingit counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, with specific words for units, tens, and hundreds, and the way it combines these elements with connectors like ḵa, makes its counting system distinctive.
Sources
- Beginning Tlingit Workbook (pdf)