Chinese Influence on Mathematical English350

English is the lingua franca of mathematics, and as such, it has been heavily influenced by other languages, including Chinese. This influence can be seen in the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation of mathematical English.

The Chinese language has a long history of mathematical development, dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). During this time, Chinese mathematicians made significant contributions to mathematics, including the development of the abacus, the decimal system, and the concept of negative numbers. These contributions were later transmitted to Europe through the Arabs, and they had a major impact on the development of Western mathematics.

As a result of these historical interactions, there are a number of Chinese words that have been adopted into mathematical English. These words include:
Abacus: A calculating device consisting of beads strung on rods.
Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.
Calculus: A branch of mathematics that deals with the study of change.
Hypotenuse: The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.
Infinity: A concept that represents an無限數量的東西數量.

In addition to vocabulary, Chinese has also influenced the grammar of mathematical English. For example, the Chinese language does not have articles (a, an, the), and this has led to the omission of articles in mathematical English. For example, we say "the number five" in English, but we say "five" in mathematical English.

Finally, Chinese has also influenced the pronunciation of mathematical English. For example, the Chinese word for "zero" is pronounced "ling," and this pronunciation has been adopted into mathematical English.

The influence of Chinese on mathematical English is a testament to the long and fruitful history of mathematical exchange between China and the West. It is a reminder that mathematics is a truly global language, and that it is constantly evolving and expanding.

2024-11-09

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