Analysis on The Origin, Development and Contribution of Ge’ez Numerals to The Modern Mathematics Education in Ethiopia: Status, Challenges and Future Opportunities.

Abstract

From the Ethiopian ancient history, it is believed that among the first peoples to inhabit was the Ge’ez speaking agrarians who settled in the Tigrayan highlands (Northern Ethiopia) around 2000BC. The inland Axum Kingdom was founded by Menilik I, a descendent of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, after the fall of the Da’amat Kingdom. Associated with the letters in the Ethiopian alphabet starting from ancient times, there are the Ge’ez numerals also called Ethiopic numerals. This study, therefore, purely used qualitative data obtained from interviewees and document analysis. The data obtained are narrated and organized. Patterns are identified and categorized. Finally, interpretations and implications of findings are included in the analysis. Findings indicated that there is a need for modification of the Ge’ez numbers by removing the bars above and below the original skeleton of the numbers so that doing mathematics with them becomes easier. Beyond this modification, evidence indicated that the Ge’ez numbers cannot be used for doing mathematical operations without the introduction of Ge’ez zero. Without the Ge’ez zero, it is impossible to deal with place value, decimal, and fractions, as well as with the common operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and higher mathematics in general. Finally, it is the recommendation of this study to work towards awareness creation and consensus building about the common understanding and misunderstanding of Ge’ez numeration system at all levels as well as introducing this numeration system in to the school system.