Listening to the voices of the knowledge holders: the role of language in ethnomathematical research

Abstract

Language plays a central role in ethnomathematical research. It allows the researcher to interact with the knowledge holders and research participants at a level and in a context where they can express themselves in a language that they are more comfortable with. The use of indigenous languages in research empowers knowledge holders to be free, expressive and more engaging and willing to share more of their knowledge. It is essential that the researcher familiarises himself with the language of the knowledge holder to derive more benefit and gain access to forms of expressions associated with the aspect of investigation. In cases where there is no knowledge of the language, the researcher needs to explore ways in which this limitation can be reduced for the enhancement of the interaction and collection of data.