Why Mathematics Is a Language Via Netiquette IQ

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Why Mathematics Is a Language  by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Updated May 08, 2018 Mathematics is called the language of science. Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei is attributed with the quote, "Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe." Most likely this quote is a summary of his statement in Opere Il Saggiatore: [The universe] cannot be read until we have learnt the language and become familiar with the characters in which it is written. It is written in mathematical language, and the letters are triangles, circles and other geometrical figures, without which means it is humanly impossible to comprehend a single word. Yet, is mathematics truly a language, like English or Chinese? To answer the question, it helps to know what language is and how the vocabulary and grammar of mathematics is used to construct sentences. What Is a Language? There are multiple definitions of "language." A language may be a system of words or codes used within a discipline. Language may refer to a system of communication using symbols or sounds. Linguist Noam Chomsky defines language as a set of sentences constructed using a finite set of elements. Some linguists believe language should be able to represent events and abstract concepts. Whichever definition is used, a language contains the following components: There must be a vocabulary of words or symbols. Meaning must be attached to the words or symbols. A language employs grammar, which is a set of rules that outline how vocabulary is used. A syntax organizes symbols into linear structures or propositions. A narrative or discourse consists of strings of syntatic propositions. There must be (or have been) a group of people who use and understand the symbols. Mathematics meets all of these requirements. The symbols, their meanings, syntax, and grammar are the same throughout the world. Mathematicians, scientists, and others use math to communicate concepts. Mathematics describes itself (a field called metamathematics), real-world phenomena, and abstract concepts. Vocabulary, Grammar, and Syntax in Mathematics Mathematical expressions are written from left to right, even if the speaker's native language is written right to left or top to bottom. Emilija Manevska / Getty Images The vocabulary of math draws from many different alphabets and includes symbols unique to math. A mathematical equation may be stated in words to form a sentence that has a noun and verb, just like a sentence in a spoken language. For example: 3 + 5 = 8 could be stated as, "Three added to five equals eight." Breaking this down, nouns in math include: Arabic numerals (0, 5, 123.7) Fractions (1⁄4, 5⁄9, 2 1⁄3) Variables (a, b, c, x, y, z) Expressions (3x, x2, 4 + x) Diagrams or visual elements (circle, angle, triangle, tensor, matrix) Infinity (∞) Pi (π) Imaginary numbers (i, -i) The speed of light (c) Verbs include symbols including: Equalities or inequalities (=, <, >) Actions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (+, -, x or *, ÷ or /) Other operations (sin, cos, tan, sec) If you try to perform a sentence diagram on a mathematical sentence, you'll find infinitives, conjunctions, adjectives, etc. As in other languages, the role played by a symbol depends on its context. Mathematics grammar and syntax, like vocabulary, are international. No matter what country you're from or what language you speak, the structure of the mathematical language is the same. Formulas are read from left to right. The Latin alphabet is used for parameters and variables. To some extent, the Greek alphabet is also used. Integers are usually drawn from i, j, k, l, m, n. Real numbers are represented by a, b, c, α, β, γ. Complex numbers are indicated by w and z. Unknowns are x, y, z. Names of functions are usually f, g, h. The Greek alphabet is used to represent specific concepts. For example, λ is used to indicate wavelength and ρ means density. Parentheses and brackets indicate the order in which the symbols interact. The way functions, integrals, and derivatives are phrased is uniform. Language as a Teaching Tool Setting up equations requires practice. Sometimes it helps to start with a sentence in a person's native language and translate it into math. StockFinland / Getty Images Understanding how mathematical sentences work is helpful when teaching or learning math. Students often find numbers and symbols intimidating, so putting an equation into a familiar language makes the subject more approachable. Basically, it's like translating a foreign language into a known one. While students typically dislike word problems, extracting the nouns, verbs, and modifiers from a spoken/written language and translating them into a mathematical equation is a valuable skill to have. Word problems improve comprehension and increase problem-solving skills. Because mathematics is the same all over the world, math can act as a universal language. A phrase or formula has the same meaning, regardless of other language that accompanies it. In this way, math helps people learn and communicate, even if other communication barriers exist.

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In addition to this blog, Netiquette IQ has a website with great assets which are being added to on a regular basis. I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, “Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". My new book, “You’re Hired! Super Charge Your Email Skills in 60 Minutes. . . And Get That Job!” has just been published and will be followed by a trilogy of books on Netiquette for young people. You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

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Additionally, I am the president of Tabula Rosa Systems, a “best of breed” reseller of products for communications, email, network management software, security products and professional services.  Also, I am the president of Netiquette IQ. We are currently developing an email IQ rating system, Netiquette IQ, which promotes the fundamentals outlined in my book.