Special Vocabulary

Number

Cardinal Numbers

Ta’e has three sets of numbers. Which set to use depends on what is being quantified. The first set is used for single, inanimate objects, 'keda yan' (two stones). The second set is used for objects which are joined together or are parts of a single set or whole, 'hesache syas' (two branches (on the same tree)). The third set is used for abstract concepts or for animate beings, 'kani sin' (two people).

The infix '-pi-' means 'less than'. It is used to form the numbers fifteen to nineteen, 'yæs-pi-ta' (four less than twenty - sixteen).

Higher Numbers

Multiples of twenty are by adding another number to the word for twenty, 'ta-wen' (three X twenty - sixty).

Other Numbers

The infix '-ha-' means 'and' or 'in addition to'. It is placed after a number less than twenty and before the word for twenty (or a multiple thereof), 'kita-ha-ta-yan' (fourteen and forty - fifty four). Numbers containing '-pi-' do not use '-ha-', nor do they repeat the word for twenty, 'tev-pi-ta-ha-ta-yan' (fifteen and forty - fifty five) should actually be 'tev-pi-ta-wen' (five less than sixty).

Ordinal Numbers

The prefix 'ji-' indicates an ordinal number. When things are ordered in time, the abstract or animate numbers are used, 'ves ji-sin' (the second night). When things are ordered in space, the inanimate numbers are used, 'sipeta ji-yan' (the second bird (in a line, etc.)) Note: this could also mean 'the second-closest bird'. If, however, we were to encounter two birds, one after the other, it would be an order in time rather than space. Hence 'the second bird' - 'sipeta ji-sin'.

Writing Numbers

The Ta'e alphabet has no symbols for numerals. Numbers are written out in full.

Family

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Kyi - Eldest
Nim - Youngest

In-laws & Step Family

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inlaw:
kinship term-(idæs/ijate/ijem/itas): family of one's partner
kinship term-(ædæs/æjate/æjem/ætas): partner of one's family

Immediate Family

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Partners

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Jem

Dæs

Tas & Jate

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On the Mother's Side

Mother's Children (Half-Siblings)

Mother's Parents (Grandparents)

Mother's Siblings (Aunts/Uncles)

Mother's Other Family

On the Father's Side

Father's Children (Half-Siblings)

Father's Parents (Grandparents)

Father's Siblings (Aunts/Uncles)

Father's Other Family

Other Relatives

Nieces & Nephews

Grandchildren