NAME
Lingua::EU::Numbers - Converts numbers into Bask (Euskara).
SYNOPSIS
# Functional interface
use Lingua::EU::Numbers;
my $number = shift;
print "The cardinal value of $number is " . cardinal2alpha($number) . " in Euskara.\n";
print "The ordinal value of $number is " . ordinal2alpha($number) . " in Euskara.\n";
DESCRIPTION
This module converts numbers (cardinals and ordinals) into their
Bask (Euskara) equivalents. It accepts positive integers up to, but
not including, 1 trillion. Incidentally, the Bask counting system is
vigesimal, i.e. base 20.
The module uses unified Bask (Euskara Batua), which sometimes varies
from the Bask spoken in the seven Bask provinces, especially from
Labourd (Lapurdi) in the Northen Bask Country (Ipar Euskal Herria).
However, Euskara Batua is the official Bask taught in Bask schools
(Ikastolak) throughout the seven provinces.
For example, the cardinal '18' is 'hemezortzi' in Euskara Batua,
while it is 'hamazortzi' in Lapurdi. Those who wish to use their own
version of Euskara can export %num2alpha and modify it at their own
discretion.
A Bask legend says that even the Devil did not succeed in learning
this truly unique language, but that should not deter you from doing
so. Euskara is an orphan language of mysterious origins, apparently
unrelated to any language anywhere else in the world. It is believed
to predate the Indo-European invasion and if so, this is one of the
world's most ancient languages.
Bask people refer to themselves as Euskaldunak, or 'speakers of the
Euskara'. Being part of the Bask Nation is a question of language,
not ethnicity or place of birth. There is not even a word for 'being
a Bask' in Euskara. So if you learn this fascinating language, you
too can become Euskaldun.
FUNCTIONS
cardinal2alpha($number)
This function accepts an integer (scalar) as a parameter and
returns a string (array), which is its Bask cardinal equivalent.
It returns `undef' if a)the argument passed is not defined, or
b)the argument is not an integer, or c)the integer passed does
not fall between zero and 999,999,999,999.
ordinal2alpha($number)
This function accepts an integer (scalar) as a parameter and
returns a string (array), which is its Bask ordinal equivalent.
It returns `undef' if a)the argument passed is not defined, or
b)the argument is not an integer, or c)the integer passed does
not fall between zero and 999,999,999,999.
EXPORT
This module exports by default the functions cardinal2alpha() and
ordinal2alpha(). It can also export the hash %num2alpha.
SOURCE
The Bask encyclopedia "Administrazio-hizkeraren entziklopedia" and
its web pages referring to Bask numbers (cardinals and ordinals) at:
BUGS AND COMMENTS
If you find one, please use the Request Tracker Interface -
report it.
SEE ALSO
Lingua::FR::Numbers, Lingua::Num2Word
THANKS
Milesker to Briac Pilpré who gave me the idea for this module, and
who also thought about exporting the hash %num2alpha for people
wanting to use their own version of Euskara.
Esker asko to Deric Gerlach who reviewed my English and my overall
pod documentation.
AUTHOR
Isabelle Hernandez, <isabelle@cpan.org>
COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE
Copyright 2002 by Isabelle Hernandez
This library is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
it under the same terms as Perl itself.