Complexities with restricted numeral systems

Mark Donohue

doi:10.1515/LITY.2008.043

Article

Complexities with restricted numeral systems

Mark Donohue

Published/Copyright: November 20, 2008

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From the journal Volume 12 Issue 3

Abstract

The cognitive advantages to retaining a restricted counting system (without exponentiation) even as a more complicated one is being developed are not immediately obvious, but follow from the information about upcoming complexity that is implicit in the use of distinct numerals. Kanum, a language from the south of New Guinea, where “systems with limited extent” are widely reported, has base-6 counting systems with full use of exponentiation in one system, and no possibility of extension in another. The evidence suggests the more complex systems were internally motivated, yet the simpler systems have not been abandoned.

Keywords:: Kanum; New Guinea; number systems; numerals

Corrrespondence address: Department of Linguistics, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia; e-mail: mark@donohue.cc

Received: 2008-04-26

Revised: 2008-07-27

Published Online: 2008-11-20

Published in Print: 2008-December

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/LITY.2008.043

Keywords for this article

Kanum; New Guinea; number systems; numerals