The universal language

Mathematics or music

Bibliographic Data

ID13017396
AuthorsRavi Kashyap (0000-0002-9315-2390, Estonian Business School, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume15
Issue4
Pages395-415
Publication date2021-10-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal for Multicultural Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2053-535X • E-ISSN: 2053-5368
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/jme-05-2021-0064
OpenAlexW3208444392
LanguageEN
References cited77

Purpose Music could be a challenger for mathematics and a potential candidate for the title “The Universal Language.” This paper aims to discuss the primary objectives of engaging with music, including the therapeutic benefits. Similarities, between mathematics and music and how studying one might enhance one’s abilities of the other are pointed out. Design/methodology/approach A formal definition for a universal language is given. A qualitative approach, supplemented with rigorous reasoning, is adopted. The narrative relies on the author’s experiences, teaching mathematical concepts and musical interactions, with students from several countries. A vast amount of literature is reviewed and the corresponding findings are connected toward the arguments made. Findings The paper demonstrates that one day, once we understand both mathematics and music better, we might see both of them as the same language. Until then, it is essential to supplement mathematics with music. The educational implications, for all fields, are to ensure that the future creators of knowledge are equally adept at both music and mathematics. The wider policy connotations are to create a blueprint for a society with a vibrant musical and artistic environment. Originality/value This study illuminates new ways of thinking about music and mathematics. The possibility that many seemingly complex entities (including our universe, virtual computer worlds, mathematical operations, etc.), are made up of combinations of much simpler building blocks is hinted at. Familiarity with any intricate element of life, without getting flustered, is bound to produce remarkable results in other such endeavors

Art · Blueprint · Language of mathematics · Literature · Mathematics education · Musical · Narrative · Originality · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Visual arts · Computer Science · Mathematics · Music Technology and Sound Studies · Neuroscience and Music Perception · Neuroscience, Education and Cognitive Function

Tools

Open DOI