Numbers in Yán Koryáni
Numbers in Yán Koryáni follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, reflecting its ancient origins within the Khíshan language family. Spoken primarily within the fictional universe of Tékumel, it is used by a small community of enthusiasts and scholars. The language’s counting system is distinctive, combining base-20 multiples with unique words for units. Unlike familiar decimal systems, Yán Koryáni employs a pattern where tens are formed by combining a digit with 'tle', and compound numbers are built by adding units after the tens. This makes the numbers in Yán Koryáni both complex and fascinating, especially for those interested in constructed languages and fictional universes.
Number system
Yán Koryáni uses a vigesimal system, where numbers are primarily built around multiples of twenty. Units from 1 to 9 are represented by specific words: pró [1], ghá [2], vé [3], mræ [4], tú [5], gháva [6], rúl [7], gúwé [8], prótl [9]. Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'tle', such as ghá-tle [20], vé-tle [30], and so forth. For example, 33 is vé-tle vé, combining 30 (vé-tle) and 3 (vé). Numbers between 21 and 29 are formed by 'ghá-tle' plus the unit, like 'ghá-tle pró' for 21. Compound numbers like 42 are built as 'mræ-tle ghá' (40 + 2), and 78 as 'rúl-tle ghá' (70 + 8). The pattern continues with a consistent structure for all numbers up to 99.
Number list (27)
Counting rules
Number words for 1-9
Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: pró [1], ghá [2], vé [3], mræ [4], tú [5], gháva [6], rúl [7], gúwé [8], prótl [9]. For example, 4 is 'mræ', 7 is 'rúl', and 9 is 'prótl'.
Forming tens
Tens are formed by combining the digit with 'tle', such as 'tlés' for 10, 'ghá-tle' for 20, 'vé-tle' for 30, up to 'prótl-tle' for 90. For example, 20 is 'ghá-tle', 50 is 'tú-tle', and 80 is 'gúwé-tle'.
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers between 11 and 99 are formed by placing the ten first, then the unit, separated by a space. For example, 33 is 'vé-tle vé' (30 + 3), 65 is 'gháva-tle tú' (60 + 5), and 78 is 'rúl-tle ghá' (70 + 2).
Numbers 11-19
Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by 'tlés' (10) plus the unit. For example, 11 is 'tlés pró' (10 + 1), 14 is 'tlés mræ' (10 + 4), and 19 is 'tlés prótl' (10 + 9).
Higher numbers
Numbers above 99 are not fully documented, but based on the pattern, they would involve combining multiples of 20 with additional units, following the same structure. For example, 100 might be 'ghá-tle tlés' (20 + 10), and 120 could be 'ghá-tle ghá-tle' (2×20).
Unique features
Numbers 6-9 are formed by adding a suffix to the base words: 6 is 'gháva' (6), 7 is 'rúl' (7), 8 is 'gúwé' (8), 9 is 'prótl' (9).
Unlike many languages, the tens are formed by a single word with a hyphen, such as 'vé-tle' for 30, which is consistent and systematic.
A surprising pattern is that 10 is 'tlés', and 11-19 are formed by adding 'tlés' plus units, unlike the simple addition in decimal systems.
Large numbers are constructed by repeating the pattern of tens and units, but the language does not yet have documented words beyond 99, hinting at a potential base-20 extension.
The language includes borrowed elements, such as 'tlés' for 10, which may derive from older or external influences within the fictional universe.
Cultural context
The speakers of Yán Koryáni are fictional inhabitants of the Tékumel universe, primarily used within the role-playing game 'Empire of the Petal Throne'. They are depicted as a mystical, ancient civilization with a rich tradition of oral storytelling and numerology. Numbers play a vital role in their rituals, trade, and calendar system, often associated with auspicious or taboo values. For example, the number 7 ('rúl') might be considered lucky, while 13 (not documented) could be taboo. Their counting system reflects their complex cosmology, emphasizing the importance of multiples of 20 and the intricate structure of their language.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 6 is 'gháva', which is formed by adding the suffix '-va' to the base 'ghá', showing a morphological pattern.
Fact 2: Unlike decimal systems, Yán Koryáni's use of 'tlés' for 10 and compound formation resembles the vigesimal systems of Mesoamerican languages like Nahuatl.
Fact 3: The pattern of forming numbers from 11 to 19 by adding 'tlés' plus units is similar to the French 'onze' to 'dix-neuf', but with a different structural approach.
Fact 4: The language was developed as part of a fictional universe created by Muhammad Abd-el-Rahman Barker in the 1940s, making it a unique constructed language for role-playing.
Fact 5: The system up to 99 suggests a base-20 structure, but the lack of documented words beyond 99 hints at an extension or a different counting method for larger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Yán Koryáni?
1 is 'pró', 2 is 'ghá', 3 is 'vé', 4 is 'mræ', 5 is 'tú', 6 is 'gháva', 7 is 'rúl', 8 is 'gúwé', 9 is 'prótl', 10 is 'tlés'.
What number base does Yán Koryáni use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'ghá-tle' for 20, 'vé-tle' for 30, and the pattern of forming numbers with multiples of 20 plus units.
How do you say 42 in Yán Koryáni?
42 is 'mræ-tle ghá' (40 + 2), formed by 'mræ-tle' for 40 and 'ghá' for 2.
How do you say 100 in Yán Koryáni?
The word for 100 is not documented, but based on the pattern, it might be 'ghá-tle tlés' (20×5) or similar, following the vigesimal pattern.
How many people speak Yán Koryáni?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is a fictional language from the Tékumel universe, primarily used in role-playing contexts.
Is Yán Koryáni related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Khíshan family of languages, descended from the Engsvanyáli of the Priestkings’ Empire, within the fictional universe of Tékumel.
What makes Yán Koryáni counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system with consistent formation of tens and units, and the way compound numbers are constructed, makes it distinctive among constructed languages.
Sources
- Grammar of Yán Koryáni, Tekumel Netbook #3