Editing Ethnomathematics (section)

==Development and meaning==
The term "ethnomathematics" was introduced by Brazilian educator and mathematician [[Ubiratan D'Ambrosio]] in 1977 during a presentation for the [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]].  Since D'Ambrosio put forth the term, there has been debate as to its precise definition.<ref>(D'Ambrosio 1997) D'Ambrosio. (1997). "Foreword", Ethnomathematics, p.xv and xx. {{ISBN|0-7914-3352-8}}.</ref>).

The following is a sampling of some of the definitions of ethnomathematics proposed between 1985 and 2006:

*"The mathematics which is practiced among identifiable cultural groups such as national-tribe societies, labour groups, children of certain age brackets and professional classes".<ref>(D'Ambrosio, 1985)  D'Ambrosio. (1985). Ethnomathematics and its place in the history and pedagogy of mathematics. For the Learning of Mathematics, 5, 44-8.</ref>
*"The mathematics implicit in each practice".<ref>(Gerdes, 1986)</ref>
*"The study of mathematical ideas of a [[Nonliterate|non-literate]] culture".<ref>(Ascher, 1986)</ref>
*"The codification which allows a cultural group to describe, manage and understand reality".<ref>(D.Ambrosio, 1987)</ref>
*"Mathematics…is conceived as a cultural product which has developed as a result of various activities".<ref>(Bishop, 1988)</ref>
*"The study and presentation of mathematical ideas of traditional peoples".<ref>(Ascher, 1991) [[Marcia Ascher|Ascher, Marcia]] (1991). Ethnomathematics: A Multicultural View of Mathematical Ideas. Pacific Grove, Calif.: Brooks/Cole. {{ISBN|0-412-98941-7}}</ref>
*"Any form of cultural knowledge or social activity characteristic of a social group and/or cultural group that can be recognized by other groups such as Western [[anthropologist]]s, but not necessarily by the group of origin, as mathematical knowledge or mathematical activity".<ref>(Pompeu, 1994)</ref>
*"The mathematics of cultural practice".<ref>([[Norma Presmeg|Presmeg]], 1996)</ref>
*"The investigation of the traditions, practices and mathematical concepts of a subordinated social group".<ref>(Knijnik, 1998)</ref>
*"I have been using the word ''ethnomathematics'' as modes, styles, and techniques (''tics'') of explanation, of understanding, and of coping with the natural and cultural environment (''mathema'') in distinct cultural systems (''ethnos'')".<ref>(D'Ambrosio, 1999, 146)</ref>
*"What is the difference between ethnomathematics and the general practice of creating a mathematical model of a cultural phenomenon (e.g., the "mathematical anthropology" of Paul Kay [1971] and others)? The essential issue is the relation between intentionality and [[epistemology|epistemological]] status. A single drop of water issuing from a watering can, for example, can be modeled mathematically, but we would not attribute knowledge of that mathematics to the average gardener. Estimating the increase in seeds required for an increased garden plot, on the other hand, would qualify".<ref>(Eglash et al. 2006)  Eglash, R., Bennett, A., O'Donnell, C., Jennings, S., and Cintorino, M. "Culturally Situated Design Tools: Ethnocomputing from Field Site to Classroom." American Anthropologist, Vol. 108, No. 2. (2006), pp. 347–362.</ref>
*"N.C. Ghosh included Ethnomathematics in the list of Folk Mathematics" Vide : Lokdarpan- a Journal of the Department of Folklore, Kalyani University and Rabindra Bharati Patrika- a Journal of Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India. Lokashruti - a Journal of Govt. of West Bengal, India.