Ethnomathematical Insights: A Thematic Analysis of Geometrical Concepts in Daily Lives of Fishermen Community

Mampi Howlader; Puja Sarkar

doi:10.54392/ajir2539

Authors

Mampi Howlader Department of Education, The University of Burdwan, Purba Barddhaman-713104, West Bengal, India. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8647-2089
Puja Sarkar Department of Education, The University of Burdwan, Purba Barddhaman-713104, West Bengal, India. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7095-2603

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54392/ajir2539

Keywords:

Ethnomathematics, EthnomathematicsGeometry, GeometryFishermen, Thematic Analysis, Indigenous Knowledge, Mathematics Education

Abstract

This study examines the embedded geometrical concepts in the traditional fishing practices of inland fishermen in West Bengal, India. Despite having no formal training in mathematics, fishermen use advanced geometric ideas in their daily work. Using the ethnographic case study design, this study employed reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 13 experienced fishermen, the research identifies three main subthemes related to geometric concepts aligned with the Indian educational levels: primary, high school, and college & universities. The findings show that various geometric ideas, usually taught in formal education, such as length, area, 2D and 3D shapes, vectors, coordinate systems, topological structures, and geometric optimization, are used intuitively in net-making, fish catching, and spatial navigation. These findings indicate that mathematical concepts are naturally ingrained in culturally established practices. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating ethno mathematical perspectives into geometry teaching to make mathematics education more relevant.

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