The book Enyabagi Nupe; Nupe Mathematics by Adamu Idris Manarakis is a compelling 113-page exploration of mathematical concepts through the lens of Nupe culture and language. The author, deeply rooted in the Nupe community, presents mathematics not merely as an abstract discipline but as an integral part of daily life and cultural identity.
The book Enyabagi Nupe is thoughtfully organised, featuring a comprehensive table of contents that guides readers through a variety of topics, such as counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and practical applications of mathematics in everyday life.
Each topic builds on the last, starting with foundational concepts like counting from 1 upward, 241 to 300, counting in multiples of ten, fifty, and hundred, and exploring the unique features of the Nupe numerical system.
Manarakis skilfully intertwines traditional Nupe numerical systems with contemporary mathematical principles, making the book accessible to both students and educators.
The sections on “Egwatugi Eda” (Multiplication Table) and “Ezo egan nya eda” (Word Problem on Multiplication) demonstrate how mathematics is utilised in practical scenarios, while topics like “Gbagba gan, wunda, nciko gan” (less than, equal to, greater than) provide essential foundational knowledge.
One of the standout features of Enyabagi Nupe Mathematics is its emphasis on the importance of language in learning mathematics.
The inclusion of exercises like “She efo zhi” (fill in the gaps) and “Zhelo egan zhi” (change to words) encourages active participation, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Manarakis argues that incorporating local language into the teaching of mathematics can significantly benefit students, especially those who may struggle with the language of instruction in traditional educational settings.
Additionally, the book addresses more advanced concepts, including percentages, fractions, and quantitative reasoning, along with practical word problems that challenge students to apply their knowledge.
The sections on the “Kami nupe” (Nupe Calendar) and “Etswa zhi” (Months) offer insights into the cultural context of time and how mathematics is intertwined with daily activities and cultural practices.
The topic of “Yemakpe” (Logic) further enriches the book, encouraging critical thinking and reasoning skills among learners.
Another beautiful aspect of the book is the introduction of the Nupe Numerical System, named Dangugi as a Digit and Tsaki as a Symbol. These are the skills in the Nupe digits: – І, ц, Ш, Ԑ, Π, Ә, Γ, ᴕ, ρ, ІѲ,
The formation of different languages numeral systems, symbols, and digits.
Number name: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Roman numerals: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
Nupe Numerals: І, ц, Ш, Ԑ, Π, Ә, Γ, ᴕ, ρ, ІѲ,
Symbol/Sign (using dots): ●, ●●, ●●●, ●●●●, ●●●●●, ●●●●●●, ●●●●●●●,
The study indicates that a numeral system using indigenous language such as Nupe is in a mathematical value that helps to count or measure objects and it helps in performing various mathematical calculations. This also goes in line with African numerals. There are different types of numeral systems in used by languages of the world, like the simple examples given above from three Languages of the work plus symbols and words. Arabic numerals or Indo-Arabic numerals (Hindu-Arabic numerals):Arabic numerals, also known as Indo-Arabic or Hindu-Arabic numerals, are the ten digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) we commonly use in our number system. The decimal number system is an extension of the Indo-Arabic numeral system.
Overall, Enyabagi Nupe Mathematics is a valuable contribution to both educational literature and the preservation of Nupe culture. It serves as an important resource for teachers, students, and anyone interested in understanding how mathematics can be rooted in cultural contexts.
Manarakis has successfully created a bridge between tradition and modernity, making mathematics not only a subject to be learnt but also a tool for cultural expression and empowerment.
In conclusion, this book Enyabagi Nupe Mathematics is highly recommended for those interested in mathematics education, cultural studies, and the intersection of the two. It stands as a testament to the author’s dedication to his community and the advancement of educational practices that honour cultural identities.