The most instructive evidence I have found bearing on the formation of numerals, other than digit-numerals, among the lower races, appears in the use on both sides of the globe of what may be called numeral-names for children. In Australia a well-marked case occurs. With all the poverty of the aboriginal languages in numerals, 3 being commonly used as meaning 'several or many,' the natives in the Adelaide district have for a particular purpose gone far beyond this narrow limit, and possess what is to all intents a special numeral system, extending perhaps to 9. They give fixed names to their children in order of age, which are set down as follows by Mr. Eyre: 1. Kertameru; 2. Warritya; 3. Kudnutya; 4. Monaitya; 5. Milaitya; 6. Marrutya; 7. Wangutya; 8. Ngarlaitya; 9. Pouarna. These are the male names, from which the female differ in termination. They are given at birth, more distinctive appellations being soon afterwards chosen.[1] A similar habit makes its appearance among the Malays, who in some districts are reported to use a series of seven names in order of age, beginning with 1. Sulung ('eldest'); 2. Awang ('friend, companion'), and ending with Kechil ('little one'), or Bongsu ('youngest'). These are for sons; daughters have Meh prefixed, and nicknames have to be used for practical distinction.[2] In Madagascar, the Malay connexion manifests itself in the appearance of a similar set of appellations given to children in lieu of proper names, which are, however, often substituted in after years. Males; Lahimatoa ('first male'), Lah-ivo ('intermediate male'); Ra-fara-lahy ('last born male'). Females; Ramatoa ('eldest female'), Ra-ivo ('intermediate'), Ra-fara-vavy ('last born female').[3] The system exists in
- ↑ Eyre, 'Australia,' vol. ii. p. 324: Shürmann, 'Vocab. of Parnkalla Lang,' gives forms partially corresponding.
- ↑ 'Journ. Ind. Archip.' New Ser. vol. ii. 1858, p. 118 [Sulong, Awang, Itam ('black'), Puteh ('white'), Allang, Pendeh, Kechil or Bongsu]; Bastian, 'Oestl. Asien,' vol. ii. p. 494. The details are imperfectly given, and seem not all correct.
- ↑ Ellis, 'Madagascar,' vol. i. p. 154. Also Andriampaivo, or Lahi-Zan-
