The Number Eight....

[John Schilke]

This thread reminds me of the phenomenon in the Celtic languages that has
been going on for some time now.  Under the influence of adjoining
languages (e.g., English), the vigesimal (based on 20, not 10) counting
system is gradually being replaced by the decimal, except for some
hold-outs like counting years in one's age.  Thus, instead of the
delightfully confusing system in Welsh (11 one+ten, 12 twelve, 13
ten+three, 14 ten+four, 15 fifteen, 16 one+fifteen, 17 two+fifteen, 18
two nines, 19 four+fifteen, 20 twenty, etc.), counting is bowing to one+ten,
two+ten, etc.
Ah, such is ?Progress (if such exists!).
Just a comment.
John