Numeral systems in Mande languages1

In the paper, eight Mande counting systems (Modern and Old Bamana, Boko, Dzuungoo, Mwan, Dan-Gwɛɛtaa, San-Maka, Soninke) are analyzed in detail, followed by the presentation of a summary table for 30 languages representing all the groups of the Mande family. In Mande languages, elements of different models are present: decimal, vigesimal, octogesimal; some elements of a quinary and quindecimal systems are also attested. Certain languages of the family possess subtractive numerals; the subtrahend may be as high as 25. In the old Bamana system, Jogo-Ton and Jogo-Ligbi, division is applied. In money counting, many Mande languages apply the principle of multiplying by five. It is suggested that the quinary and decimal models should be considered original for Mande languages, while the vigesimal model (as well as rare pentadecimal and octogesimal ones) as a result of recent evolution, quite probably under the influence of Senufo, Gur, and probably also Kru languages.