Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/neʔθwi

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Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/neʔθwi

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed words and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Alternative forms

• *neʔɬwi (alternative orthography)

Etymology

Probably from the same Proto-Algic root as Wiyot rik- (dik-) (“three”) and Yurok nahkse(C) (“three”). Compare Proto-Algic *nikhšeme· (“thrice, three times”), whence Wiyot rikhbé (dikhbé), Yurok nahksemi (“three times”).

It has been observed that "the numbers from ‘one’ to ‘five’ all contain a semantically empty initial (root) *ny-, realized as *ne- before a consonant".[1]

Numeral

*neʔθwi

1. three (3)

Descendants

• Plains Algonquian:
  • Blackfoot: niuóka (“three (when counting)”)
  • Cheyenne: na'ha (“three times, thrice”)
• Central Algonquian:
  • Menominee: nɛqniw (“three”)
  • Ojibwe: niswi (“three”), alternatively nisin (“three”) NW, niso (“three”) WO (likely a Cree loanword).
  • Fox: nethwi (“three”)
  • Miami: nihswi (“three”)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Abenaki: nas (“three”)
  • Mohegan-Pequot: shwi (“three”)
  • Unami: naxa (“three”)
  • probably Pamlico nish-wonner (“three”)

References

• Bloomfield (1946)
• Ningewance, Patricia M. Zagataagan: A Northern Ojibwe Dictionary. Anishaabemowin Ikidowinan gaa-niibidebii'igaadegin dago gaye ewemitigoozhiibii'igaadegin (2009)

1. Essays in Algonquian, Catawban, And Siouan Linguistics →ISBN, 2003), page 98: "the numbers from ‘one’ to ‘five’ all contain a semantically empty initial (root) *ny-, realized as *ne- before a consonant (PA *nye- and *ni- do not occur), and *-w-i is descriptively segmentable."