Yoruba Numeration System

Images

Country & Timeline

Country: Nigeria

Timeline: Ancient times - Present

Description

Complex system incorporating base five, decimal, and vigesimal bases. Relies on subtraction and addition operations, with a right-to-left counting direction. Involves linguistic and phonological processes in the derivation of higher numbers. Extensive use of compounding and a greater number of radical names for numerals.

Image URLs

• N/A

Academic Source

• Babarinde, O. (2013). The Linguistic Analysis of the Structure of the Yoruba Numerals. Journal of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, 1, 78-92.<br> Verran, H. (2000). Accounting Mathematics in West Africa: Some Stories of Yoruba Number. In H. Selin (Ed.), Mathematics Across Cultures (pp. 293-305). Springer, Dordrecht. <br> Zaslavsky, C. (2012). Numerical Notation in Africa. Afrikanistik-Aegyptologie-Online, 2012, 1-16.< br> Olúgbénga O Akinadé, Computational modelling of Yorùbá numerals in a number-to-text conversion system ,August 2014, Journal of Language Modelling 2(1):167-211

Current State

Still in use, particularly among Yoruba people in Nigeria and West Africa, although usage may have diminished in urban areas due to Western influence.

Testimony

Demonstrates mathematical ingenuity, linguistic complexity, and cultural richness of Yoruba people. Shows ability to develop sophisticated systems of numeration and calculation, challenging the notion of absence of advanced math in precolonial African societies. Reflects deep understanding of numerical concepts and ability to express them through language and culture.

Pride

A source of immense pride and heritage for Yoruba people and Africans, representing tangible manifestation of intellectual achievements and cultural sophistication of precolonial African societies. Powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and continuity. Contributes to understanding of African mathematical and linguistic traditions, fostering pride and appreciation for rich heritage and contributions of African peoples.