The Relevance Of Using Mother Tongue In The Teaching Of Mathematics

Author : Dr. Sam. Olu. Olagunju, Dr.(Mrs) N.C. Kammelu, Dr. Ajishola Omojeje

Abstract :Language being a very important aspect of any culture, is the vehicle for any considered cultural expression. Therefore, information and transmission of culture (especially, scientific cultures) is impossible without language. Mathematics, being the science of Shapes, Space and Numbers, cannot be overemphasized in human life. The lifespan of mankind actually revolves round the components of Mathematics. It is therefore only expedient that the children of any community be well groomed in the understanding of their native languages especially as related to their educational pursuit. This becomes more easily achievable if they are caught young, properly enlightened about the usefulness and application of Mathematical concepts for them to improve on their life and scientific development. Such concepts can only be properly passed to these young ones through the use of the language they understand most when disseminating information in the classroom, either orally or in written form, as it was in the past, till now and till perhaps eternity. Historically, every child seems to understand concepts better through the mother tongue rather than foreign languages. It has been observed that language imbued man with the ability to perform many functions, mathematical functions not excluded, enablement of self expression and actions which can be interpreted into mathematical formulas cannot be brushed aside. This gave birth to what is known as Word Problems in Mathematics. Thus, this paper employs the multidisciplinary approach in validating the historical relevance of using indigenous language in teaching generally, and in the teaching of Mathematical concepts particularly. Local names of objects in Mathematics and Languages were copiously utilized in the explanation of the subject matter and results analysis. This becomes expedient in other to bring out the aesthetic value of a culture oriented society which is striving to evolve scientific development premised on indigenous language system

Keywords :Mathematics, Disseminating Information, Indigenous Language, Multi-disciplinary Approach, Historical relevance, Scientific Development

Conference Name :INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PSYCHOLOGY, LANGUAGE AND TEACHING (ICPLT-25)

Conference Place ACCRA, Ghana

Conference Date 27th Aug 2025