Are We Taking Numbers For Granted?

Idea: Today we learned that we can use symbols for numbers to represent things other than numbers. Computer language (binary 011001100101010) or slang/ text message language (b4, 2day, gr8), phone number 226-555-1234, username smellycat_08, and social insurance number 345 232 786 are all examples of how we use the symbols for numbers, but are used in a way that do not require their respective values to be used. I am not the 8^th smelly cat in Ontario, nor am I 345 232 786 years old. The numbers are not place holders, nor do they represent a time or age.

Reflection 1: Are we taking the shapes and sounds of numbers for granted, therefore abusing their significance? Or are we adapting our view of what numbers represent into a technological, fast paced society?

Reflection 2: I know that language changes quickly, so why not numbers? If math is a way in which we try to understand our world, and written or oral language is a way to tell people what we know, than why can’t they work together in which to change and adapt as technology does? I remember when text messaging was first developed. I was charged for every ‘character’ (number, letter, blank space, exclamation point, period etc.) I used within one text message. Therefore, it was more economical to shorten phrases so that they were still able to communicate. For example, the times I would meet someone or how boring my biology teacher was. The students of this age, including myself innovated a new language by combining the sounds of letters and the written numbers (two, four…) to create sentences. Using this new language, I do not consider myself as illiterate, rather I am changing language and numbers to fit my life, instead of language and numbers leading mine.