Reading and writing mathematics

Mathematics seen as a language in its own right

Mathematics is sometimes seen as a language in itself. For example, Wakefield (2000) argues that mathematics is a language as it has the following characteristics:

• Abstractions (verbal or written symbols representing ideas or images) are used to communicate.
• Symbols and rules are uniform and consistent.
• Expressions are linear and serial.
• Understanding increases with practice.
• Success requires memorization of symbols and rules.
• Translations and interpretations are required for novice learners.
• Meaning is influenced by symbol order.
• Communication requires encoding and decoding.
• Intuition, insightfulness, and "speaking without thinking" accompany fluency.
• Experiences from childhood supply the foundation for future development.
• The possibilities for expressions are infinite.
• (Wakefield pp. 272-273, quoted in Adams, 2003)

References

• Adams, T. (2003). Reading Mathematics: More than Words Can Say. The Reading Teacher, (8), 786. doi:10.2307/20205297
• Wakefield, D.V. (2000). Math as a second language. The Educational Forum, 64, 272–279.