How quickly can you count from one to ten? Do you use ten different words to do it? Can you do it in English or do you have to use your first language? Do you count with your fingers? Many people think that counting numbers is the same all over the world. But scientists have discovered some funny facts.
People in different parts of the world use different ways to count with their fingers. In the United States, people begin counting with their first finger. They then extend the rest of their fingers and finally the thumb (拇指) to count to five. Then they repeat this with the other hand to get to ten. In China, people count by using different finger positions. In this way, a Chinese person can easily count to ten with only one hand.
Besides ways of finger counting, scientists have found that cultures and languages are also different when it comes to numbers. Some languages have only a few words for numbers and others have no words for numbers. A group of scientists studied aboriginal (土著的) people in Australia.
These people don't have hand movements to stand for numbers. They don't even have words for numbers. However, they are still able to understand different ideas about numbers.
Number words in a certain language are a result of people needing numbers in their daily lives.
