Attempts to establish a description of mathematical word problems as a linguistic genre, particularly considering its pragmatic structure. Through a description of the pragmatics and discourse features of the genre, and through comparison of the word problems genre to other spoken and literary genres, finds clues to unspoken assumptions underlying…

Investigates the different ways in which a multilingual senior primary mathematics teacher uses code-switching when teaching mathematics to second-language learners who share the first language of the instructor. Contains 20 references. (ASK)

Proposes an entirely different perspective and challenges both the current para-dogmatic character of constructivism in some quarters of mathematics education and the dismissive attitude towards 'humanist non-sense' in others. Discusses the linguistic aspects of mathematical knowledge through a language acquisition device and a language…

Investigates the question, Can the mathematics students are taught be cast in such a form that it can be apprehended with the abilities they have and if so, how? Focuses on the language of student abilities, the nature of abilities, and individual differences. (MM)

Discusses the need for mathematical registers in aboriginal languages and presents some mathematics and language examples. Outlines information on the choices which can be made and the possible consequences for the language in making those choices. Contains 24 references. (ASK)

Presents the background, influences, and consequences of a self-conscious mathematics discourse production in New Zealand called Maori Mathematics. Describes some aspects of the movement towards Maori language instruction in mathematics and examines the effects on the language itself. Poses questions about the effects on mathematics and…

Presents a dialogue about ethnomathematics that includes discussions of: quipus (knotted cords) as a form of language, difficulty in defining mathematics, culturally embedded mathematical ideas, philosophy and mathematics, quantification without giving meaning to numbers, and evolution in mathematical thinking. (MKR)

Contends that, though much attention is given in mathematics to the problem of sensitizing people to the need for identifying elements of a situation and representing them symbolically, little or no effort is devoted to the problem of helping them express the relationships among these elements. (11 references) (MKR)

Explores how teachers can support English-language learners in learning mathematics. Uses discourse perspective to analyze participation in mathematical discussions. Examines a lesson from a third-grade mathematics discussion of the geometric shapes of a tangram puzzle. Contains 20 references. (ASK)

The focus is on aspects of learning and teaching mathematics in which the "distance" between the mother tongue of the learner and the language which dictated the design of the curriculum plays a major role. Illustrations concern students in Botswana. (MNS)