Some linguistic issues on the teaching of mathematical proof

Yusuke Shinno (1) , Takeshi Miyakawa (2) , Tatsuya Mizoguchi (3) , Hiroaki Hamanaka (4) , Susumu Kunimune (5)

1 Osaka Kyoiku University
2 Joetsu University of Education
3 Tottori University
4 Hyogo University of Teacher Education
5 Shizuoka University

There are different meanings of proof-related words and their connotations in different languages. This study aims to reveal issues of the relationship between natural and mathematical language in the teaching of mathematical proof. For this purpose, we examine the grammatical characteristics of language from Japanese and international perspectives, as well as linguistics issues associated with statements with quantifications. A pilot study shows that natural language may influence how statements are formulated by students in mathematical discourse.

Keywords: Mathematical proof; statement; quantification; ordinary language; theory

Domains: Mathematics [math]; Education

Yusuke Shinno, Takeshi Miyakawa, Tatsuya Mizoguchi, Hiroaki Hamanaka, Susumu Kunimune. Some linguistic issues on the teaching of mathematical proof. Eleventh Congress of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education, Utrecht University, Feb 2019, Utrecht, Netherlands. ⟨hal-02398502⟩