Key research themes
1. How do cultural and linguistic contexts shape the practice and transmission of ethnomathematical knowledge?
This research area explores the embeddedness of mathematical knowledge within specific cultural traditions and how language acts as a medium for conveying ethnomathematical concepts. Understanding how ethnomathematics intersects with culture and language is vital for developing inclusive educational approaches that respect and leverage learners' diverse cultural backgrounds. It addresses the challenges of accurately capturing and representing the mathematical ideas indigenous or local communities use in their everyday activities. By embracing culturally contextualized mathematical practices, this research informs pedagogies that foster meaningful connections and creativity among students from various cultural groups.
2. What methodological approaches effectively balance local insider (emic) knowledge and external (etic) perspectives in ethnomodeling research?
This theme investigates the interplay and integration of local (emic) and external (etic) knowledge systems in the study of culturally situated mathematical phenomena. It focuses on how ethnomodeling research can effectively capture the nuanced, culturally specific mathematical practices of communities while enabling cross-cultural comparisons and generalizable insights. The dialogical approach (glocal) that synthesizes emic and etic knowledge through interactive dialogue emerges as a key methodological innovation, enhancing the validity and comprehensiveness of ethnomodeling studies.
3. How can ethnolinguistic vitality (ELV) frameworks and methodologies be developed to better understand language dynamics within cultural and ethnomathematical contexts?
This research strand develops theories and frameworks for analyzing ethnolinguistic vitality by linking language use, social participation, and cultural continuity. Such frameworks are crucial in preserving minority languages that constitute the foundation for transmitting ethnomathematical knowledge. Interdisciplinary approaches incorporating sociolinguistics, anthropology, and ethnomethodology provide tools to measure and enhance language-group sustainability, which directly impacts the survival of culturally embedded mathematical knowledge.