HSRC illustrated English-isiXhosa maths dictionary: grade R to 9

Abstract

The understanding and retention of Mathematics lessons is a challenge faced by teachers, parents and the Department of Basic Education. This could be caused by the fact that most learners learn Mathematics in English, which is not their home language. This results in them taking time to translate into isiXhosa each concept taught by the teacher. This dictionary comes as a response to that problem, for learners and teachers. The way it is written makes it easy for even parents to navigate through it when explaining difficult mathematical concepts to their children when assisting them in their studies. Explaining the English mathematical concepts is difficult for parents, more especially those who never studied mathematics. This dictionary is good because each concept is defined in both English and isiXhosa. The terms selected here were chosen by mathematics experts and teachers. These are the people who work with learners, and who also understand their mathematical challenges. The mathematics Dictionary is a mathematics support material that can be used by the learner, teacher and the parent at home. Each defined term is supported by a picture that is based on the life and society of the isiXhosa speaking people. This is one of the aspects that will make the learners enjoy using this dictionary, because it talks about things that they know and are accustomed to, even though they do not take them as mathematical concepts.