Language & Mathematics 3

< 14.2 Language &amp; Mathematics 2 | Topic Index | 14.4 Words with Multiple Meanings >

Math is a discipline which has developed to solve problems faced by our cultures. Hence many words used in math have been borrowed from our daily language. A lot of words have also been specifically invented only for communicating mathematical ideas. The mix of these vocabularies can create a lot of confusion for students.

Value –Loaded Vocabulary

The day-to-day meaning of many math words is value loaded causing some confusion. Odd, improper, irrational, imaginary, complex &amp; borrow are some examples. Teachers need to emphasize that these are just names &ldquo;invented&rdquo; by mathematicians and have no other connotations. They do not reflect any property or behaviour of numbers.

Math-Specific Vocabulary

Mathematics has many words which are mostly used only in the Math classroom. Some examples are Transcendental, Obtuse, Scalene, Isosceles, Reflex etc. Students listen to these words only in the Math classroom which could be about 3 hours in a week. It takes a long time for students to internalise the sound of the words as well as their meaning. Just repeating these words once or twice and expecting students to remember them is futile.

Teachers should put up such words on a chart in the classroom while and after the relevant topic is being taught. They should also refer to them and make students use them frequently in the right context, until the students have internalised them.

Pre-Arithmetic Words

Almost all cultures had names at least for smaller numbers, before the decimal number system was universally adopted. Almost all languages also have different names for smaller numbers like Pair, Couple, Twin, Both, Dozen etc. These words are still in use.

Confusing Homophones

Many words are homophones with different meanings in daily language &amp; math. Some examples are whole &amp; hole, for &amp; four, principal &amp; principle, lesson &amp; lessen, ate &amp; eight, one &amp; won, too &amp; two etc.

A teacher found out that her children thought only 0, 4, 6, 8 and 9 to be whole numbers. She later realised that they were confusing &ldquo;hole&rdquo; with &ldquo;whole&rdquo;!

Homonyms With Different Meanings

Many words are spelt the same way but used with different meanings in the math class and in daily life. Some examples are even (equally shareable, level), mean (behaviour, statistical term), table (format, furniture).

Vocabulary With Subject-Dependent Meanings

These words are a subset of homonyms with different meanings. In these cases, the same word is used with a completely different meaning in another school subject. Some examples are Balance, Left, Right, Rest, Principal, Interest, square (shape, power raised to) etc. Both the subject teachers need to be aware of the possible confusion caused by these words.

The Solution

The only solution to take care of problems like these, is to check the prior knowledge &amp; vocabulary levels of students and ensure that the multiple meanings are made clear, as and when they occur in the topic.

The math teacher needs to be a language teacher as well!

Chapter 14.4 gives a list of words which can be difficult for students to understand. It is a tentative list. Many more words can be added to this list.

 

< 14.2 Language &amp; Mathematics 2 | Topic Index | 14.4 Words with Multiple Meanings >