Languages without numbers or with unique numerical systems: a journey through linguistic diversity!

The languages of the world are not only tools of communication, but real mirrors of the cultures that speak them. One of the most interesting features is the way in which different languages represent numbers. Some languages do not have a defined numerical system, while others use completely different numerical structures from those we are used to. Let’s discover some of these unique cases.

The vigesimal system: from the past to the present

MAYA

Let’s start with an example from the past, as opposed to our decimal system, based on the number 10, some languages use a vigesimal system, based on number 20. This was the case of the Maya, one of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations, which developed a sophisticated numerical system based on the 20, probably inspired by the count of the fingers and toes.

BASQUE

This isolated language spoken in the Basque Country maintains traces of a vigesimal system, as shown by words for numbers such as “hogei“(20) and “berrogei” (40), literally two-twenty

See also our article on isolated and mysterious languages for more curiosities about the Basque language.

YORUBA LANGUAGE

Yoruba, spoken by about 45 million people, mainly in Nigeria, has a vigesimal numerical system (based on number 20) with unique peculiarities. Numbers in the tens are often expressed by addiction and subtractions from multiples of 20. For example, 45 is called “ogoji ati marun”, that is to say “40 plus 5“, while 55 is “ogoji ati mewaa”, i.e. “60 minus 5”. This approach requires considerable mental flexibility in the calculation!

The Amazon, a world without numbers

PIRAHÃ LANGUAGE

Among the most striking cases are the Pirahã, spoken by a small indigenous group of the Brazilian Amazon. This language has no precise numbers: there are no words to indicate “one”, “two” or exact quantities. Instead, Pirahã use generic terms that can be translated as “few” and “many.”

MUNDURUKU LANGUAGE

The Munduruku, an indigenous population of the Amazon, also use a limited numerical system. According to anthropological studies, they have words only for numbers one and two; for larger quantities, they employ generic terms that indicate “little” or “very”. The numerical conception is based substantially on estimation, rather than precise counts.

They seem to have no interest in counting as learning to do so is not fundamental to their life and survival in the jungle. This phenomenon demonstrates that mathematics and numbering are not universal and can depend on the cultural needs of a people.

Papua New Guinea: many special cases!

NDOM LANGUAGE

Spoken on the island of Yos Sudarso, in Papua New Guinea, the Ndom language adopts a senary numerical system (based on number 6). In this system, numbers are built by combining multiples of six.

“Mer” means 6, “mer an thef” means 6 x 2 = 12, “nif” would be 36 and “nif thef” means 36 x 2 = 72. The numbers that are not exactly multiple of 6 result from 6-based additions and multiples: for example, the number 11 is represented as “6 + 5“, while 31 is “18 + (6×2) + 1“.

This method reflects a very particular numerical conception!

OKSAPMIN LANGUAGE

A unique case is the Oksapmin language, also spoken in Papua New Guinea. This numerical system is based on 27 parts of the body, which are used in sequence to represent numbers. Each part of the body corresponds to a specific number, creating a highly distinctive body counting method.

It starts with the number 1 with the thumb of one hand and 27 parts of the upper body are numbered to end with the little finger of the other hand.

The language of numbers: a reflection of culture

These examples demonstrate that the way we conceive and use numbers is deeply rooted in our culture and environment. While for some people numeration is essential, for others it can be completely marginal. Studying these differences helps us to better understand the diversity of languages and how they shape our thinking.

In the world of languages, every detail – even the way we count – can tell us something extraordinary!