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 Job 42:12 - 42:13

The latter days is better expressed by Good News Translation as “the last part” in contrast to “the first part.” It is not that the LORD blesses the days, but that he blesses Job during that time. The number of animals is exactly double the number given in chapter 1. In chapter 1 the sons and daughters are mentioned before the animals. In verse 13 the sons and daughters are mentioned after the animals, and unlike the animals they are not doubled, unless the peculiar form of the word seven is to be understood as a dual, as Dhorme suggests, and so would mean fourteen. This does not explain why the number of daughters is not doubled. There is no mention of the servants. Translators should refer to comments on yoke and each of the types of animals in 1.2-3.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .