The Influence of Mathematics on Language

Throughout the years, mathematics has had a profound influence on the way people see the world. From the adoption of Arabic numerical script into western alphabets to the simple use of mathematics in slang expression, mathematics has had a strong influence on language in many parts of the world. The reverse, that language has made a huge impact on mathematics, is also true.
  1. Diction

    • Over the years, mathematical terms have evolved into general terms in language. Often the transformation of mathematical terms into general terms has accompanied the adoption of terms in one language from another language. For example, the words "alpha" and "beta" in English have come to signify status; for example, the alpha male of the wolf pack is the top-ranking male, whereas the beta male is one of the lower-ranking males. This word was inherited from the ancient Greek "alpha," which stands for the number one.

    Professional Jargon and Lexicon

    • Many professions have evolved based on mathematical principles. The most obvious example of a profession based primarily on math is computer science, the entirety of which is based on commands and mathematical algorithms. The word "binary," used to describe the fundamental computer language from which all programming languages are derived, originates from the mathematical prefix for "two" (bi). The term "Boolean" is used often in computer science to describe chunks of code based on Boolean algebras, a system studied in pure mathematics.

    Pop Culture

    • The influence of math on professional jargon in computer science, physical science and engineering, has led to some mathematical terms and conventions becoming common for use as references in popular culture. For example, the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell used the term "Outlier" (a mathematical reference to an extreme statistical anomaly) to describe people who have achieved statistically unusual levels of success. His use of the term led to the term being used popularly to describe success stories.

    Academe

    • Mathematics has had an influence on linguistics, which is the academic study of language. Many of the most influential theories in linguistics, such as Chomsky's theory of "universal grammar," have been influenced by mathematics. The entire theory of an abstract, formal grammar is based on mathematics. Hierarchical models within this theory (i.e. the Chomsky hierarchy) are highly mathematical in and of themselves since they depend on dichotomous classification systems and rankings based on mathematical completeness (a domain within set theory).

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