An Ethno Mathematical Study on Gurung Community Based on Concept and Process of Basic Mathematics in Kaski District

Abstract

This study was made to explore the counting system, algorithm of four fundamental operations and the measurement system as practiced in the Gurung community. The study was on ethnographic basis. "Ghandruk" of kaski district was chosen for the study area.And 20 respondents were taken in the first phase to find out the mathematics they use in their real life and six respondents of different age groups for in depth interview in the second phase. Observation were adopted as date deletion techniques and methods. Coding shorting analyzing and interpreting the data were carried out. The major findings are as follows.

i. The numeration system of Gurung is a system of base 20. Except 20, other grouping systems (like 2, 5, 10, 50,100 etc) were found in practice. They have not developed their own script for numerals. Everything is in oral form of mathematics.

ii. Gurungs have their own maths processes that is a simple cummulation process. Numbers are decomposed in different groups of numbers {like 2,5,10,20,100,500,1000 etc} for carriying out subtractions and division. Addition and multiplication are done by commulation process.

iii. They have their own traditional/conventional system of measurement. Length is measured with hand and finger, area is measured with production of seed of grains and which are is measured with Mana, Kuruwa etc.

iv. The fractional practices of measurement in Gurung community are done by using physical objects of the environment in the practical situations.