Cultural differences in counting..

Many people assume that numbers and math are the all over the world, but scientists have discovered that this is not true.People in different parts of the world use different methods to count on their fingers. In the U.S, people begin counting with their first, which they extend or stick out. They then extend the rest of their fingers. They count by folding the fingers inward. In China, people count by using a variety of finger positions. American uses tow hands to count to ten.Scientists have found that cultures and languages. Also differ when it comes to numbers. Some languages have only a few words for numbers. A group of scientists worked with aboriginal children in Australia. In most cultures, people count on fingers to indicate a number, but not in these aboriginal tribes. In tests, aboriginal children listened to taps from a stick and put the markers to match the number of taps they heard. They had to connect numbers with sounds and with actions. The children put out the correct number of markers. They were able to count even though they didn't have words for numbers. Similar study researchers from the Massachusetts Institute to a remote location in northwestern to test members .they do have words that mean "some" and "more" but they don't have words for precise numbers such as one or three .Professor Edward said that most people assume that everyone knows how to count. They could learn, but its not useful in their culture .Everyday lives the Piraha appear to have no need for numbers. They never heard them use words like all or every. They use "hoi" but it can also mean "small" or describe a small amount. All humans have the ability to understand quantities. Number words in a porticoes language are a result of people needing numbers. Scientists are gaining a new understanding of which abilities. Of the work these scientist noe we know that people have different ideas.