Abstract
At first glance, mathematics and language are very different academic disciplines. The mathematical method alternates between induction and deduction in the pursuit of a logical conclusion, whereas the linguistic method is hermeneutic and thus oriented toward understanding, in the way of making the meaning accessible. And while mathematics deals with independent abstract structures, the—e.g., literary—hermeneutics addresses texts or literature, focusing on the task of interpretation. Yet a closer look at these two disciplines reveals certain similarities. Creative work and reasoning are an essential part of mathematics and linguistics alike—in fact, grammar was originally considered a mathematical discipline. These differences and similarities each inspire intriguing practical approaches to interdisciplinary mathematics teaching, with the use of literature in mathematics teaching a key aspect in this regard. This paper will establish a theoretical approach and discuss practical examples that have been tested in a school environment.
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Beckmann, A. (2022). Mathematics, Language, and Literature in Interdisciplinary Education—Theoretical Approach and Practical Examples. In: Michelsen, C., Beckmann, A., Freiman, V., Jankvist, U.T., Savard, A. (eds) Mathematics and Its Connections to the Arts and Sciences (MACAS). Mathematics Education in the Digital Era, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10518-0_29
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