Learn how fascinating and complex counting in Secwepemctsín is.
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Learn how fascinating and complex counting in Secwepemctsín is.
In the Secwépemc language we have a unique counting system. In nursery and kindergarten your child will learn our basic counting system – counting numbers from 1 to 100. In later grades, they will be introduced to how to count people, animals and objects. In our immersion program, we only introduce some of the more well-known counting categories: counting people, animals, round things, long things, days, flat things. In Secwepemctsín there are several more counting categories.
Each number in the Secwépemc counting system contains a root form of the number combined with a suffix (an extra part added to the end of the word) and sometimes a prefix (a part added to the front of the root form of the number).
For counting people, we add the prefix “t-” in front of the number’s root. This “t” is used to reference a person or an animal (if a word starts with a “t” already, then the prefix “tek” is used instead). After the prefix “t” the number’s root form is added, like this:
three people = tkellés
five people = tektsilkst
(see the picture at the top of this page for more info)
To count round (or round-like) objects, such as balls, berries and eggs, we add the suffix “-use” to the end of a number’s root form. Like this:
One ball = nek̓úse
Two balls = selúse
The Secwépemc system of counting is based on the power of 10. This makes it easier to teach mathematics and the decimal system. Check out the tabs below to find out how to count some more things.
Use the suffix “-esq̓t”. You may recognize some of the words used to count days corresponds to some of the names of our days of the week.
one day = nek̓wésq̓t
two days = selésq̓t
three days = kellésq̓t
four days = mesésq̓t
five days = tselkstsésq̓t
Counting animals is similar to counting people since the same “t-” prefix is used before the number’s root form. The only difference is that the root form is “diminutized”, which means we change the root word to indicate something smaller. Note how it changes:
one animal = tnekwék̓we
two animals = teksésle
three animals = tkellélls
four animals = tmúmsmes
five animals = tektsitselkst
To count flat objects, such as books, plates and cards, the suffix -l̓etcw is added to number’s root form.
one book = nek̓wel̓etcw
two books = selel̓etcw
Although this counting system may seem complicated, after practicing them for awhile you will get better at recognizing them when you hear them in natural speech.
Generally, in Secwepemctsín, the categories we use for counting are all found in the natural environment, including plants, animals, and natural phenomenom.
Helping families raise amazing children in our beautiful Secwepemc language and culture. Call today for a tour or to talk about what our program can offer you and your family.
