Article
Licensed
Unlicensed
Requires Authentication
The typology of Pamean number systems and the limits of Mesoamerica as a linguistic area
-
Heriberto Avelino
Published/Copyright:
October 26, 2006
Abstract
Pamean languages have been considered to be outside of the Mesoamerican linguistic area. However, the number systems of Pamean show typical Mesoamerican structures: order of constituents Multiplier-Base-Addend, and systems with bases 10 and 20. Pamean languages have a typologically unusual, but consistent base 8. The present study presents a formal characterization of Pamean number systems. The distribution and peculiarities of Pamean number systems are explained as a result of their location at the border of a major linguistic area. Northern Pame has 8 as the only productive base, whereas Central Pame and Southern Pame show a greater influence of Mesoamerican traits.
Received: 2004-10-05
Revised: 2005-09-26
Published Online: 2006-10-26
Published in Print: 2006-07-01
© Walter de Gruyter
You are currently not able to access this content.
You are currently not able to access this content.
Keywords for this article
cardinal numerals;
linguistic area;
Mesoamerica;
number systems;
numeral;
Pamean
