Numbers in Tolowa
Taa-Laa-Wa
Numbers in Tolowa follow a mixed counting system primarily based on decimal and vigesimal principles, with specific words for units, tens, and hundreds. Spoken along California’s northwestern coast, Tolowa was historically used by a small community but is now being revitalized through education. Its counting system is unique, combining specific words for 1-9, and forming larger numbers through multiplication and compound structures. Understanding the numbers in Tolowa offers insight into its cultural richness and linguistic complexity, making it a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts and linguists alike.
Number system
Tolowa’s counting system is primarily vigesimal, as evidenced by the words for 20, 40, 60, 70, 80, and 90, which are formed by multiplying the base ten words by specific multipliers. For example, 20 (naatʉnneesan) is formed by combining the multiplier for 2 with the word for ten (neesan). The number 30 (taatʉnneesan) uses the multiplier for 3, and 40 (dinchtʉnneesan) for 4, following a pattern of combining the tens with the units. Numbers 6-9 are formed by combining the unit words with the suffix 'chaata' for compound numbers, such as 17 (neesanshch’eete’chaata) and 19 (neesanłla’duichaata). Hundreds are formed by multiplying the unit word for 100 (łla’chʉn) with a multiplier, like 500 (srweela’tʉnłla’chʉn), indicating a base-20 influence in larger numbers. Compound numbers like 42 are constructed by combining the words for 40 (dinchtʉnneesan) and 2 (naaxe) with the suffix 'chaata', resulting in 'dinchtʉnneesannaaxechaata'.
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Counting Units (1-9)
Numbers 1 through 9 are unique words: łla’ [1], naaxe [2], taaxe [3], dʉnchi [4], srweela [5], k’weestąąni [6], shch’eet’e [7], laaniisrʉtnaatą [8], łla’dui [9]. These words are used as building blocks for larger numbers.
Forming Tens
Tens are formed by combining the multiplier digit, the word 'tʉn' (times), and the word for ten 'neesan'. For example, 20 is naatʉnneesan, 30 is taatʉnneesan, and 50 is srweela’tʉnneesan. The pattern is consistent across the numbers, such as 70 (shch’eet’etʉnneesan) and 80 (laaniisrʉtnaatątʉnneesan).
Compound Numbers (11-19, 21-29, etc.)
Numbers like 17 (neesanshch’eete’chaata) are formed by stating the ten, the unit, and adding 'chaata'. For example, 17 combines 10 (neesan), 7 (shch’eet’e), and 'chaata'. Similarly, 32 (taatʉnneesannaaxechaata) combines 30 (taatʉnneesan) and 2 (naaxe).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by multiplying the word for 100 (łla’chʉn) by a digit. For example, 100 is łla’chʉn, 500 is srweela’tʉnłla’chʉn (5×100). Larger hundreds like 600 or 700 are formed similarly, combining the multiplier with łla’chʉn.
Unique features
The number 6 (k’weestąąni) is formed by a specific word, not a simple addition, highlighting its unique lexical form.
Unlike many languages, Tolowa combines vigesimal and decimal systems, evident in the formation of 20 (naatʉnneesan) and 40 (dinchtʉnneesan).
Numbers 6-9 are formed as compounds with 'chaata', such as 17 (neesanshch’eete’chaata), which is a distinctive pattern not common in many languages.
Large numbers like 500 (srweela’tʉnłla’chʉn) demonstrate the use of multiplication of the base units, showing a sophisticated system for counting beyond 100.
The word for 100, łla’chʉn, is a borrowed or culturally adapted term, indicating historical contact or internal linguistic development.
Cultural context
The Tolowa people historically inhabited the coast of northwestern California, along Del Norte County. Their culture emphasizes a close relationship with nature, with numbers playing a vital role in trade, ceremonies, and storytelling. Numbers like 7 (shch’eet’e) and 8 (laaniisrʉtnaatą) may have cultural significance, especially in rituals or traditional stories. The language's counting system reflects their complex worldview, combining both vigesimal and decimal influences, which may relate to their counting of items or seasons. While specific taboo or lucky numbers are not documented, the language's structure suggests a deep cultural connection to numerals as a reflection of their environment and social structure.
Fun facts
The number 17 (neesanshch’eete’chaata) is formed by combining 10, 7, and 'chaata', illustrating the language’s compound number structure.
Compared to English, which is decimal-based, Tolowa’s use of vigesimal elements for 20 and 40 is similar to some Mesoamerican languages, but it also uniquely combines decimal features.
Mathematically, Tolowa’s system allows for efficient expression of large numbers through multiplication, similar to other indigenous vigesimal systems like Mayan.
Historically, the word for 100 (łla’chʉn) may have been borrowed from neighboring languages or developed internally, reflecting cultural exchanges.
Handling large numbers like 500 (srweela’tʉnłla’chʉn) shows an advanced multiplication system, uncommon in many small languages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Tolowa?
1 – łla’, 2 – naaxe, 3 – taaxe, 4 – dʉnchi, 5 – srweela, 6 – k’weestąąni, 7 – shch’eet’e, 8 – laaniisrʉtnaatą, 9 – łla’dui, 10 – neesan.
What number base does Tolowa use?
Tolowa primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in words like naatʉnneesan (20), taatʉnneesan (30), and laaniisrʉtnaatątʉnneesan (80). The formation of numbers like 40 (dinchtʉnneesan) shows the influence of decimal components, but the core pattern is vigesimal.
How do you say 42 in Tolowa?
42 is formed by combining 40 (dinchtʉnneesan) and 2 (naaxe) with 'chaata', resulting in 'dinchtʉnneesannaaxechaata'.
How do you say 100 in Tolowa?
100 is łla’chʉn, formed as a standalone word for hundred. Larger hundreds like 500 are srweela’tʉnłla’chʉn, indicating multiplication of 5 by 100.
How many people speak Tolowa?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but the language was historically spoken along the California coast and is currently being revitalized through educational programs.
Is Tolowa related to other languages?
Yes, Tolowa belongs to the Na-Dené language family, specifically within the Athabaskan branch, which connects it to languages spoken across North America.
What makes Tolowa counting unique?
Its combination of vigesimal and decimal systems, with specific compound formations for numbers 6-9 and large multiples like 500, makes Tolowa counting system distinctive among indigenous languages.
Sources
- Now you’re speaking Tolowa, by Loren Bommelyn, Ed. Humboldt State University, 1995