Numbers with Personality by Alice Major

  After reading the article, I came across two sentences that attracted my curiosity.

1)Quote :” The headvariant glyphs were used in very specific situations and never as stand-alone numbers; instead they served to introduce a series of glyphs that spelled out a date in the complex Mayan Long-Count calendar [4]” page 1

Explanation: While reading the article, I was captivated by the title, particularly the word "personality." It resonated with the quote "they don’t stand alone," which led me to reflect on the dynamics of beauty contests. The participants do not exist in isolation, but rather, they stand among their peers, allowing observers to discern their uniqueness.

This concept parallels the way glyphs function in relation to their placement, pairing, and ceremonial significance. The presenters, in this case the Mayans, intend for their aesthetic vision and cultural narratives to converge. The glyphs’ refusal to stand alone ensures that they are noticed and appreciated within their context, emphasizing the importance of interconnectedness in both beauty and storytelling.

2)Quote: “They may have been invented by speakers of one of the Eastern Mayan languages [13]; they may have roots in the lunar cycle [13]; and they were either associated with various gods from the beginning or became thought of as representations of gods as time went by” page 1

Explanation: Reflecting on this quote recalls my current course, “EDCP 551,” led by my lecturer, Nicol Cynthia, which explores the intersection of mathematics with social and ecological justice. This course has deepened my understanding of the concept that numbers are not inherently neutral. Instead, they carry significant meanings that are shaped by cultural contexts. The Mayans, in their development of a numerical system, did not merely create a method of writing; they were also conveying a profound body of knowledge rooted in their culture. This highlights the importance of recognizing the layers of meaning that numbers can embody.

Comments

  1. MaliheNovember 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM

    You connect the article’s ideas to cultural meaning and your own coursework in a thoughtful and nuanced way. Your reflections show depth and a strong engagement with both the text and broader concepts.

    ReplyDelete

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