Chinese number words, culture, and mathematics learning

Sui Ngan Sharon NG, Nirmala RAO

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

94 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This review evaluates the role of language—specifically, the Chinese-based system of number words and the simplicity of Chinese mathematical terms—in explaining the relatively superior performance of Chinese and other East Asian students in cross-national studies of mathematics achievement. Relevant research is critically reviewed focusing on linguistic and cultural influences. The review (a) provides equivocal findings about the extent to which number words in the Chinese language afford benefits for mathematics learning; (b) indicates that cultural and contextual factors are gaining prominence in accounting for the superior performance of East Asian students in cross-national studies; and (c) yields emerging evidence from neuroscience that highlights interrelationships among language, cultural beliefs, and mathematics learning. Although it is not possible to disentangle the influences of linguistic, cultural, and contextual factors on mathematics performance, language is still seen as contributing to early cross-national differences in mathematics attainment. Copyright © 2010 AERA.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-206
JournalReview of Educational Research
Volume80
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010

Citation

Ng, S. S. N., & Rao, N. (2010). Chinese number words, culture, and mathematics learning. Review of Educational Research, 80(2), 180-206.

Keywords

  • Mathematics
  • Language
  • Culture
  • Preschool
  • Chinese number words

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