Abstract / Synopsis
Commutativity is an important concept in mathematics. However, not much emphasis is given to it in the elementary or secondary school curriculum, as there is a lack of interesting noncommutative examples at this level. Since most examples of binary operations provided deal with numbers, commutativity appears trivial. In this article we offer an interesting example of noncommutativity that is familiar to Indian school children from a different context. Students in India study a chapter based on the joining of vowels in Hindi grammar. This process is analogous to producing commutative as well as noncommutative operations. When we bring in mathematical and linguistic ideas together, we hope to provide students the opportunity to explore the mathematical theme of commutativity in a nonmathematical context and appreciate its versatility.
DOI
10.5642/jhummath.LBSV7077
Recommended Citation
Kumar Gandharv Mishra, "Exploring Commutativity in a Hindi Language Classroom," Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, Volume 15 Issue 2 (July 2025), pages 222-236. DOI: 10.5642/jhummath.LBSV7077. Available at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/jhm/vol15/iss2/10
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