Mathematics In Bilingual and Bicultural Areas

This paper analyzes the study of mathematics in bilingual and bicultural environments including cultural and teaching impact., particularly in the Mexican-American communities.: games, cooking, telling time, bookkeeping number stories.


The purpose of this research is to examine and analyze the uses of mathematics in bilingual/bicultural environments, with specific applications as well as in specific communities.

Because of the Supreme Court decision (1974 Lau vs. Nichols) bilingual education is now mandatory (McNichols 111-15). Mathematics is an ever present, recurring part of daily life. This provides an excellent opportunity for the inclusion of bilingual/bicultural aspects in mathematics.

Because of this decision it now becomes essential to train bilingual teachers in all academic subjects and at all academic levels, including preschool. The states of California, New Mexico, Florida, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, New York, Maine, Connecticut, and Colorado are working toward …