A note on Jakun numbering in Pahang
A short comparative note by P.D.R. Williams-Hunt documenting Jakun numerals from the Maran area of Pahang, recorded in June 1950, and contrasting them with a list previously obtained by I.N.H. Evans from the Ulu Tekam group (p. 175).
Summary
Williams-Hunt presents a side-by-side comparison of number words (one through ten, plus “half” and “a unit of ten”) between the Ulu Tekam group and his Maran informants, Harun and his son Long Chit. The two lists show considerable correspondence but also notable divergences, particularly at higher numbers (e.g., Genting vs. Kitwid for eight; Mogenor vs. Kumai for ten) (p. 175).
The note further records that the Maran Jakun distinguish between separate and composite units of ten (e.g., Kantim Riale for nine dollars vs. Moie-ganal Riale for one ten-dollar note), and that formerly items were counted individually up to ten and then rounded to the nearest unit of ten, whereas Malay numbers are now employed above ten. A set of numerical classifiers (for humans, animals, houses, small objects, trees, weapons, and pieces) is also listed with illustrative phrases (p. 176).