USE OF WORDS - LANGUAGE-GAMES IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

This article focuses on the introduction of new concepts in mathematics classrooms. A theoretical framework is presented which helps to analyse and to reflect on the processes of teaching and learning mathematical concepts. The framework is based on the theory of Ludwig Wittgenstein. His language-game model and especially its core, the primacy of the use of words, provide insight into the processes of giving meaning to words. The theoretical considerations are exemplified by the interpretation of a scene, in which students are introduced to the concepts of "perpendicular", "parallel" and "right angle".