Intrinsic functionality of mathematics, metafunctions in Systemic Functional Semiotics

Bibliographic Data

ID4472780
AuthorsY J Doran (0000-0002-3611-5702, The University of Sydney, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume2018
Issue225
Pages457-487
Publication date2018-11-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSemiotica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0037-1998 • E-ISSN: 1613-3692
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/sem-2017-0004
OpenAlexW2892598673
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited16

Mathematics and language appear from one angle very alike. They seem to have similar structures and maintain similar grammars. However, they are regularly used in different situations to achieve different goals. This suggests that they have quite distinct functionalities. This paper explores this tension between the similarity and difference of language and mathematics by focusing on mathematics' intrinsic functionality as conceptualzsed through metafunction in Systemic Functional Semiotics and Social Semiotics. Unlike many studies in these traditions, however, it does not assume the metafunctions developed for language will unproblematically transfer over to mathematics. Rather, it derives the metafunctional organization of mathematics from its paradigmatic and syntagmatic organization. This method illustrates that although metafunction is a productive category for understanding mathematics, its metafunctional organization is not the same as that for language. In particular, mathematics displays an expanded logical component, while giving no evidence for an autonomous interpersonal component. In addition to allowing a principled comparison of mathematics and language in terms of their intrinsic functionality, this method suggests that if Systemic Functional and Social Semiotic studies wish to understand the functions of various semiotic resources, they cannot unquestioningly assume metafunctions will occur across all semiosis

Component (thermodynamics) · Epistemology · Interpersonal communication · Language of mathematics · Linguistics · Mathematics education · Semiosis · Semiotics · Social semiotics · Sociology · Syntagmatic analysis · Systemic functional linguistics · Communication · Computer Science · Discourse Analysis in Language Studies · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Linguistics and Discourse Analysis · Mathematics · Philosophy

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