Aboriginal
To many Australians, the Aboriginal number system is preferred because of Australia's identity with its Aboriginal past. There are many Aboriginal languages but we are basing ours on the Wotjoballuk number system.
Pros:
Aboriginal languages are traditional to Australia. Aboriginal Australians have always gone with the hindu-arabic number system but they want to change. They state that they were here first and Australia should be its own country and have its own number system.
-the Aboriginal language is traditional to Australia and should be our national language.
-It can already be understood by many indigenous people from around the country.
-There are no written numbers so you do not have to waste time writing everything down. It is more of a sign language.
-the Aboriginal language is traditional to Australia and should be our national language.
-It can already be understood by many indigenous people from around the country.
-There are no written numbers so you do not have to waste time writing everything down. It is more of a sign language.
Cons:
The Aboriginal numbers cannot be written down. The are communicated through actions and gestures. Because of this, it is impossible to do written problems. If they want the numbers to be written down they would have to right full words. for example, 1 in Aboriginal would be Giti Munya which takes too long to write out.
-Addition can only be performed by used words and gestures meaning when children are being taught this number system they will not be able to do written tests. An addition symbol would have to be made and even so you wouldn't be able to add large numbers that you cannot work out in your head. The Aboriginal numbers do not go very high meaning addition will be limited. Using words ypu cannot add Giti Munya to Gaiup Munya.
-Subtraction, like addition cannot be written down. We would need to invent an addition symbol as well unless we use the hindu-arabic one. Like addition to subtract you would have to use words making it near impossible.
-Multiplication will be even more difficult to perform. Like we stated numbers do not go very high so the biggest multiplication sum you could perform would probably be 10 times 5 meaning it would be easier to just do addition. Multiplication could definately NOT be written down and there is no known symbol to be used for it.
-Division is even harder than multiplication as there are no large numbers in the first place making it very difficult to divide. you cannot draw up a division sum and do it how you would do one in hindu-arabic. You would have to be able to work it out in your head.
-Addition can only be performed by used words and gestures meaning when children are being taught this number system they will not be able to do written tests. An addition symbol would have to be made and even so you wouldn't be able to add large numbers that you cannot work out in your head. The Aboriginal numbers do not go very high meaning addition will be limited. Using words ypu cannot add Giti Munya to Gaiup Munya.
-Subtraction, like addition cannot be written down. We would need to invent an addition symbol as well unless we use the hindu-arabic one. Like addition to subtract you would have to use words making it near impossible.
-Multiplication will be even more difficult to perform. Like we stated numbers do not go very high so the biggest multiplication sum you could perform would probably be 10 times 5 meaning it would be easier to just do addition. Multiplication could definately NOT be written down and there is no known symbol to be used for it.
-Division is even harder than multiplication as there are no large numbers in the first place making it very difficult to divide. you cannot draw up a division sum and do it how you would do one in hindu-arabic. You would have to be able to work it out in your head.
- -Place value is not big factor of the Aboriginal number system. As there are no written numbers, there cannot be place value. Their are letters and words instead. The names of numbers are poetic and literal and are based on body parts. Aboriginals would use numbers to set dates and events. They would say 'in a number of moons' or 'a number of camps distance away.'
Conclusion
As you can see, it is easier to keep the Australian number system the same instead of changing it to the Wotjoballuk counting system. Although it is the preferred cultural choice we have to think of the mathematical aspect of it.
Number 1 - pinkie
Number 2 - ring finger
Number 3 - middle finger
Number 4 - index finger
Number 5 - thumb
Number 6 - inside the elbow joint
Number 7 - the forearm
Number 8 - the elbow
Number 9 - the biceps
Number 10 - point of the shoulder
Number 11 - throat
Number 12 - earlobe
Number 13 - behind the ear
Number 14 - none
Number 15 - crown of the head