The Numeral System of the Bena Language: Structure and Socio-Cultural Functions

Numeral systems in Bantu languages reflect both linguistic structure and socio cultural functions. This paper explores the structure and socio-cultural functions of the Bena numeral system. The research employed a qualitative approach whereby the data were gathered through elicitation, and non-participant observation. The study was guided by the cognitive linguistics theory, which reveals how language shapes numerical cognition; testing linguistic relativity by showing how structural features like bases and classifiers influence thinking, memory, and arithmetic acquisition across cultures. The results show that numerals in Bena depict agreements with the noun class system, and follow additive structures in compound forms. The traditional counting system using fingers, head, and stones is also attested among elder speakers. However, the influence of Swahili has led to a gradual erosion of the numeral structure and traditional numeral usage, especially among younger generations. Also, the results show that numerals hold symbolic meanings in various socio-cultural functions. The study recommends an investigation of prosodic features in Bena numerals borrowed from Kiswahili, a documentation of native numeral systems, and further comparative research on numeral systems in other under documented Tanzanian Bantu languages.