Etnomatematika pada Nada Bahasa Tonal

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore ethnomathematics in tonal language tones. The tonal languages in this research are focused on tonal languages in Asia, namely Thai/Siamese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. This research used a qualitative method with an exploration technique through an ethnographic approach. The subjects of this research were respondents who understand tonal languages selected using a purposive sampling technique. The instruments in this research were observation sheets, interview guidelines, and documents. Data in this research were collected using a triangulation technique. The results show that there are 5 tones in Thai/Siamese, 4 tones in Mandarin, and 6 tones in Vietnamese. Some mathematical concepts found in tonal languages (Thai/Siamese, Mandarin, Vietnamese) are concept of lines and simple open curves; concept of constant, linear, and quadratic functions; concept of gradient; concept of symmetry; concept of increasing and decreasing functions; concept of maximum and minimum values of quadratic functions; concept of concavity; concept of reflection in geometric transformations; concept of trigonometry; and concept of finite sets. The implementation of tonal language tones as ethnomathematics objects in mathematics learning offers an alternative approach in Innovative learning based on cultural contexts to develop students' mathematical abilities and dispositions.