The Numbers lessons
140
In my opinion the numbers section seemed particularly light, with only three very short lessons. In addition there was no introductory description listing the numbering system. Also, I never heard of the word "laki" before. What's the origin of that?
10 Comments
About laki: Probably it comes from the Indian numbering system. Check this out. :)
- 140
Yes, I looked it up in my old Oxford Swahili dictionary, and it says the origin is Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu).
I don't know about Laki either. I checked on Google Translate and Laki isn't there! Personally, I'm glad the numbers section was short because the order you say numbers in is confusing. I just wish there were more combinations of numbers because I see "themanini moja" and "thelathini sita" over and over again.
- 774
My wife is using laki mostly when she is talking about prices, so when something costs a multiple of 100.000 shilling (which is currently around €42 or $45USD).
- 140
It looks like it's time for Tanzania to adjust their currency! Even in Kenya, 1 US dollar is now about 100 shillings, but 2200 is kind of crazy!
If anyone is finding it hard for the numbers to stick, watch this. https://youtu.be/ny4vlTsn2rI
You will learn up to twenty. You will also be driven completely mad, but that's the price you pay.
Moja mbili tatu, tatu, tatu...
I would love some notes about numbers. Why are there different forms of "two" for example?! (Mbili, wawili, viwili, pili.) Are they adjusted according to noun classes? I need to know more!!
Yes, they change according to noun classes. The stem form of mbili is "-wili". The forms used in counting are the forms of the N class that have the "N rule" applied (causing w to become mb).
