Language/Abkhazian/Vocabulary/Count-to-10
Hi Abkhazian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be learning how to count from one to ten in Abkhazian. Knowing basic counting skills is essential to successfully communicate and understand numbers in any language. Let's start!
The Abkhazian Number System
Unlike the decimal system used in English, Abkhazian uses a vigesimal or base-20 number system. This means that instead of counting by tens, Abkhazian speakers count by twenties. The Abkhazian number system also uses a combination of base and root numbers to form the larger numbers.
Let's start with the base numbers:
| Abkhazian | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| Аҟа | Aq'a | One |
| Амҵа | Amc'a | Two |
| Аҟәа | Aq'wa | Three |
| Аҭа | At'a | Four |
| Аҟыла | Aq'yla | Five |
Now, let's learn the root numbers:
| Abkhazian | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| щәа | shch'a | Six |
| аза | aza | Seven |
| рыӡа | ryza | Eight |
| ахьа | aχ'a | Nine |
| жәабжьа | jhʷabjh'a | Ten |
To form numbers from eleven to nineteen, we use the root number and add the base number one (аҟа), for example:
- щәа аҟа (shch'a aq'a) - Eleven
- аза аҟа (aza aq'a) - Twelve
- рыӡа аҟа (ryza aq'a) - Thirteen
- ахьа аҟа (aχ'a aq'a) - Fourteen
- жәабжьа аҟа (jhʷabjh'a aq'a) - Fifteen
From twenty (Аҵыл), we use the base numbers and add the root numbers formed of two syllables, for example:
- Аҵыл аҟа (Ac'yl aq'a) - Twenty-one
- Аҵыл Амҵа (Ac'yl Amc'a) - Twenty-two
- Аҵыл Аҟәа (Ac'yl Aq'wa) - Twenty-three
- Аҵыл Аҭа (Ac'yl At'a) - Twenty-four
- Аҵыл Аҟыла (Ac'yl Aq'yla) - Twenty-five
And so on...
Now let's put the numbers in context with some examples.
Dialogue
- Person 1: Аҟа, Амҵа, Абәаҭа (Aq'a, Amc'a, Abəat'a) (One, two, three) - Person 2: Аҭа аҟыраҵа (At'a aq'yrac'a) (Four and six) - Person 1: Жәабжьа ахьыл (Jhʷabjh'a aχ'yl) (Ten and twenty) - Person 2: Амҵа Аҵыл аҟа (Amc'a Ac'yl aq'a) (Twenty-two)
Cultural Information
Abkhazia is a small country located in the Caucasus mountain range, and the Abkhazian language has a long history dating back to the 8th century. Abkhazian is a Northwest Caucasian language spoken by the Abkhaz people, and it also has speakers in Russia, Turkey, and Georgia.
The Abkhazian culture is rich and diverse, with a long history of folklore and storytelling. Music and dance are also an essential part of Abkhazian culture, with traditional dances performed at festivals and celebrations. In traditional Abkhazian cuisine, you can find dishes such as mamalyga, a type of cornmeal and cheese dish, and Adjaran khachapuri, a savory pastry filled with cheese and topped with an egg.
Practice
To improve your Abkhazian vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! Make sure to check out the Vocabulary page on the Polyglot Club website for more Abkhazian words and phrases.
Keep practicing and soon you will be fluent in Abkhazian! 😊
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources