Mathematics as a universal language: transcending cultural lines

Abstract

Purpose

Universal language can be viewed as a conjectural or antique dialogue that is understood by a great deal, if not all, of the world’s population. In this paper, a sound argument is presented that mathematical language exudes characteristics of worldwide understanding. The purpose of this paper is to explore mathematical language as a tool that transcends cultural lines.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a case study approach. The data relevant to the study were collected using participant observations, video recordings of classroom interactions and field notes.

Findings

Researchers found that mathematics communication and understanding were mutual among both groups whose languages were foreign to each other. Findings from this study stand to contribute to the ongoing discussion and debates about the universality of mathematics and to influence the teaching and learning of mathematics around the world.

Originality/value

Mathematics is composed of definitions, theorems, axioms, postulates, numbers and concepts that can all generally be expressed as symbols and that have been proven to be true across many nations. Through the symbolic representation of mathematical ideas, communication may occur that stands to break cultural barriers and unite all people using one common language.

Citation

Parker Waller, P. and Flood, C.T. (2016), "Mathematics as a universal language: transcending cultural lines", Journal for Multicultural Education, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 294-306. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-01-2016-0004