MATHEMATICS IS A LANGUAGE - Mathematicians, scientists, and others use math to communicate concepts. Mathematics describes itself (a field called metamathematics), real-world phenomena, and abstract concepts. The vocabulary of math draws from many different alphabets and includes symbols unique to math. 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.

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Why Mathematics Is a Language

by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. 

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

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

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.

The Argument Against Math as a Language

Not everyone agrees that mathematics is a language. Some definitions of "language" describe it as a spoken form of communication.

Mathematics is a written form of communication. While it may be easy to read a simple addition statement aloud (e.g., 1 + 1 = 2), it's much harder to read other equations aloud (e.g., Maxwell's equations).

Also, the spoken statements would be rendered in the speaker's native language, not a universal tongue.

However, sign language would also be disqualified based on this criterion. Most linguists accept sign language as a true language. 

Key Points

·      In order to be considered a language, a system of communication must have vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and people who use and understand it.

·      Mathematics meets this definition of a language. Linguists who don't consider math a language cite its use as a written rather than spoken form of communication.

·      Math is a universal language. The symbols and organization to form equations are the same in every country of the world.

Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

·   Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville - Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

·   Science educator with experience teaching chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

·   ThoughtCo and About Education chemistry expert since 2001.

·   Widely-published graphic artist, responsible for printable periodic tables and other illustrations used in science.

Experience

Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D. has covered chemistry for ThoughtCo and About Education since 2001, and other sciences since 2013. She taught chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels. She has worked as a research scientist and also abstracting and indexing diverse scientific literature for the Department of Energy.

In addition to her work as a science writer, Dr. Helmenstine currently serves as a scientific consultant, specializing in problems requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Previously, she worked as a research scientist and college professor. 

Education

Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a B.A. in physics and mathematics with a minor in chemistry from Hastings College. In her doctoral work, Dr. Helmenstine developed ultra-sensitive chemical detection and medical diagnostic tests.

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https://www.thoughtco.com/why-mathematics-is-a-language-4158142