Numbers in Totontepec Mixe
Ayöök
Numbers in Totontepec Mixe follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, making their counting unique among indigenous languages. Spoken by approximately 5,500 native speakers in Oaxaca, Mexico, this language belongs to the Mixe branch of the Mixe–Zoque family. Its counting system combines multiples of twenty with additive patterns for numbers 1 through 19 and beyond. The language's structure reflects a rich cultural heritage, with specific words for each number and a pattern that alternates between multiples of twenty and twenty plus ten. Understanding the numbers in Totontepec Mixe offers insight into their worldview, daily life, and linguistic complexity.
Number system
Totontepec Mixe uses a vigesimal system where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. Numbers 1-9 are unique words: to’c (1), me̲jtsc (2), toojc (3), mactaaxc (4), mugo̲o̲xc (5), tojtu̲c (6), vuxtojtu̲c (7), taxtojtu̲c (8), taxtojtu̲c (9). Tens are formed by combining the base word for ten with multiples of twenty: majc (10), ii’px (20), ii’pxmajc (30, 20+10), vu̲jxtcupx (40), vu̲jxtcupxu̲cmajc (50, 40+10), toogupx (60), toogupxu̲cmajc (70, 60+10), majctupx (80), majctupxu̲cmajc (90). Numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed by prefixing 'mac' to the units: macto’c (11), macme̲jtsc (12), mactoojc (13), macmajcts (14), macmó̲cx (15), mactojt (16), macvuxtojt (17), mactodojt (18), mactaxtojt (19). Compound numbers like 42 are formed by combining the tens and units: ii’pxmacmó̲cx (35, 20+15), toogupxme̲jtsc (62, 60+2). Hundreds are formed by stating the digit followed by 'mó̲cupx': mó̲cupx (100), me̲jtsc mó̲cupx (200), toojc mó̲cupx (300), etc. For example, 278 is 'toojc me̲jtsc mó̲cupx' (300 + 70 + 8).
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Digits 1-9
Numbers 1 to 9 are unique words: to’c (1), me̲jtsc (2), toojc (3), mactaaxc (4), mugo̲o̲xc (5), tojtu̲c (6), vuxtojtu̲c (7), taxtojtu̲c (8), taxtojtu̲c (9).
Tens formation
Tens are based on multiples of twenty: majc (10), ii’px (20), ii’pxmajc (30, 20+10), vu̲jxtcupx (40), vu̲jxtcupxu̲cmajc (50, 40+10), toogupx (60), toogupxu̲cmajc (70, 60+10), majctupx (80), majctupxu̲cmajc (90).
Numbers 11-19
Formed by prefixing 'mac' to the units: macto’c (11), macme̲jtsc (12), mactoojc (13), macmajcts (14), macmó̲cx (15), mactojt (16), macvuxtojt (17), mactodojt (18), mactaxtojt (19).
Compound numbers
Numbers like 21 or 62 are formed by combining the tens word with the units: ii’pxto’c (21), toogupxme̲jtsc (62). When the tens are not a multiple of twenty, the pattern uses 'mac' for 11-19 plus the unit: ii’pxmacmó̲cx (35, 20+15).
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by stating the digit followed by 'mó̲cupx': mó̲cupx (100), me̲jtsc mó̲cupx (200), toojc mó̲cupx (300). For example, 278 is 'toojc me̲jtsc mó̲cupx' (300 + 70 + 8).
Unique features
The use of a vigesimal system with alternating multiples of twenty and twenty plus ten, as seen in 30 (ii’pxmajc) and 50 (vu̲jxtcupxu̲cmajc).
Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing 'mac' to units, such as macmó̲cx (15), which is a pattern not common in many languages.
Compound numbers like 42 (ii’pxmacmó̲cx) combine tens and units seamlessly without a separator, reflecting a highly agglutinative structure.
Hundreds are expressed simply by stating the digit followed by 'mó̲cupx', e.g., 'toojc mó̲cupx' for 300, showing a straightforward multiplicative pattern.
The language preserves traditional counting words that are distinct from borrowed terms, maintaining cultural identity in numerical expressions.
Cultural context
Totontepec Mixe is spoken in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, by a community that values its linguistic heritage. Numbers are integral to daily life, from trading goods to traditional ceremonies. The language's unique counting system reflects their worldview, emphasizing a cyclical and layered understanding of quantity. Certain numbers, like 13 or 17, may hold cultural significance, though specific taboos or lucky numbers are not documented. Traditional practices often involve counting in rituals, and the language's numerical structure reinforces community identity and continuity with ancestral knowledge.
Fun facts
The number 15 is 'macmó̲cx', combining the prefix 'mac' with the word for ten (majc), illustrating the additive vigesimal pattern.
Compared to Spanish, which uses a decimal system, Totontepec Mixe's vigesimal system is more complex but offers a richer linguistic structure for expressing numbers.
The formation of numbers 11-19 using 'mac' is similar to the way some other Mesoamerican languages form their teen numbers, indicating a shared linguistic heritage.
Historically, the Mixe people have used their counting system for trade and barter, making it a vital part of their economic life.
While the system is limited up to 999, the language likely has methods for larger numbers, possibly involving combining hundreds with the vigesimal pattern.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Totontepec Mixe?
1 – to’c, 2 – me̲jtsc, 3 – toojc, 4 – mactaaxc, 5 – mugo̲o̲xc, 6 – tojtu̲c, 7 – vuxtojtu̲c, 8 – taxtojtu̲c, 9 – taxtojtu̲c, 10 – majc.
What number base does Totontepec Mixe use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like ii’px (20), ii’pxmajc (30), and toogupx (60). The pattern of combining multiples of twenty with ten and units confirms this.
How do you say 42 in Totontepec Mixe?
42 is 'ii’pxmacmó̲cx', formed by combining 20 ('ii’px') with 15 ('macmó̲cx'), following the pattern of tens plus units.
How do you say 100 in Totontepec Mixe?
100 is 'mó̲cupx'. Larger hundreds are formed by stating the digit followed by 'mó̲cupx', such as 'toojc mó̲cupx' for 300.
How many people speak Totontepec Mixe?
Approximately 5,500 native speakers in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Is Totontepec Mixe related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Mixe branch of the Mixe–Zoque language family, sharing features with other Mixe languages.
What makes Totontepec Mixe counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system with specific patterns for 11-19 and compound numbers, such as 'macmó̲cx' for 15, distinguishes it from many other indigenous languages.
Sources
- Vocabulario Mixe de Totontepec (in Spanish), compiled by Alvin and Louise C. Schoenhals, Summer Institute of Linguistics (1965)