What to Learn: Part II

We’ve had quite a lively debate on what the most practical languages to learn are and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the different perspectives. Yet, here’s a topic that we can’t argue much on but is equally useful: numbers. Though most people are familiar with the Arabic/Indian numeral system, there are many others, whose importance can’t be underestimated. Though many people in other countries may be familiar with the Arabic/Indian system, you won’t find them using them day to day and thus, learning them will help a lot. And besides, it’s only 10 characters, far easier than an entire language. Without further ado,

There’s also some confusion on the term Arabic numerals. Via Wikipedia:

The term “Arabic numerals” is actually a misnomer, since what are known in English as “Arabic numerals” were development of the Indian characters widely used by the Arabs. They were first developed in India by the Hindus at least as early as 400 BC. However, because it was the Arabs who brought this system to the West after the Hindu numerical system found its way to Persia, the numeral system became known as “Arabic”. Arabs themselves call the numerals they use “Indian numerals.

In the Middle East, you’ll occasionally see the “European” numerals but mostly you’ll find the Arabic ones. More westernized countries like Lebanon may tend to be more mixed but make no mistake, while most people at least think to learn a few phrases before going somewhere, numbers can also make a huge difference. After all, how are you going to find that hostel address or know whether you got correct change? Asian experts, how are things in the far east? Which system(s) is/are used? Are they mixed?

For more tips on learning languages check out Omniglot and for more information on numerals see Wikipedia and Laputan Logic which has a good rundown on the history of numbers. Also, if you own a PDA, you’d do well downloading this game. It’s a childhood game, a square with 15 numbered tiles inside you have to arrange in the correct order. But, you can switch numeral systems. So it’s a good way for Chirol to sharpen up his Arabic numerals on the train. It features the “European,” today’s Arabic, Cyrillic, Thai and Chinese numbers.