Abstract
Mochica, an extinct language of northern Peru, possesses an areally uncommon class of morphemes that have been variously termed quantifiers, numeral classifiers and alternative numerals. In this paper I reanalyse these terms as a special counting system for counting pairs, tens or hundreds of particular items, that exists alongside a standard, decimal numeral system. This compound system is compared with the similar special counting systems attested in Oceanic languages, which have also developed in parallel with extensive decimal counting systems to enable more efficient counting of culturally salient items, thereby also reducing cognitive load.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
