large numbers in Angguruk Yali

Many languages use a “body part tally system” where body parts function as numerals (see body part tally systems with a description). One such language is Angguruk Yali which uses a system that ends at the number 27. To circumvent this limitation, the Angguruk Yali translators adopted a strategy where a large number is first indicated with an approximation via the traditional system, followed by the exact number according to Arabic numerals. For example, where in 2 Samuel 6:1 it says “thirty thousand” in the English translation, the Angguruk Yali says teng-teng angge 30.000 or “so many rounds [following the body part tally system] 30,000,” likewise, in Acts 27:37 where the number “two hundred seventy-six” is used, the Angguruk Yali translation says teng-teng angge 276 or “so many rounds 276,” or in John 6:10 teng-teng angge 5.000 for “five thousand.”

This strategy is used in all the verses referenced here.

Source: Lourens de Vries in The Bible Translator 1998, p. 409ff.

See also numbers in Ngalum and numbers in Kombai.

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 7:9

And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers’ houses, mighty warriors, was twenty thousand two hundred: See the comments on verses 2, 5, and 7. Compare “they were reckoned in the genealogies as mighty warriors, chiefs of their families, which numbered twenty thousand two hundred men” (Moffatt) and “Their official genealogy according to the descendants of the chiefs of their families included twenty thousand two hundred warriors” (American Bible). The official military register apparently listed both heads of families and the men available for military duty. New International Version, therefore, says “Their genealogical record listed the heads of families and 20,200 fighting men.” As in previous verses, Good News Translation makes it clear that the number refers specifically to “men eligible for military duty.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .