Representing actions with nouns
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Examples from a variety of text types | page 2 of 10 |
School textbooks: mathematics
Here are some of the chapter headings from a Secondary 3 mathematics book:
8.1 Factorization of Quadratic Polynomials in One Variable
8.2 Quadratic Equations
10.2 Angle of Elevation and Angle of Depression
11.1 Graphical Representation of Solutions of Inequalities
13.2 Determination of the Arithmetic Mean from a Frequency Distribution
Leung, K.S. and Lai, M.K. (1995) Mathematics Today: A Programmed Course 3B.
Canotta Publishing Co., Ltd.
Some comments concerning the language of mathematics
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The language used in mathematics is similar to that used in science in
that it is concerned with categorising, labelling, and describing abstract functions. In
order to do this effectively, it is often necessary to treat processes as if they were
things. This is achieved grammatically through nominalisation  . |
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Many of the areas dealt with in mathematics coursebooks involve extremely
complex processes, and so nominalisation provides a shorthand label for both teachers and
students. Normally, writers of mathematics coursebooks assume that learners will
understand the background of each area and so use nominalisation as a convenient
shorthand. (Imagine how tedious it would be if we had to spell out exactly what is
happening in each case, instead of simply using the everyday labels we have for the four
functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. |
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And just as these labels are very useful, so too are the many other terms
favoured by mathematicians. However, if students have not grasped the underlying concepts
behind the labels, then the subject becomes increasingly difficult, if not completely
meaningless, whereas non-nominalised text is more likely to be comprehensible to a
learner. Teachers must be able to help students unpack heavily nominalised texts in all subjects. |
For some of the teaching implications related to nominalisation, see 
Representing actions with nouns: Teaching implications.
Introduction
School textbooks: mathematics
