Abstract
Yolŋu mathematics refers to the complex matrix of patterns, relationships, shapes, motions and rhythms of time and space that underpin the ways that Yolŋu people, Indigenous people of North East Arnhem Land in northern Australia, nourish and are nourished by their environments. Through its fundamental reliance on human and more-than-human connectivity and situatedness, Yolŋu people mobilise the concept of Yolŋu mathematics to challenge Western knowledges, including Western ideas of mathematics and environment. This paper discusses Yolŋu mathematics and the relationships between humans and more-than-humans, which co-produce a world that is living and interconnected, and which reveals all knowledge as situated.
Highlights
Gänma is where the salt water and the fresh water meet and mingle, at Bawaka and throughoutYolNu North East Arnhem Land in the north of Australia
YolNu mathematics refers to the complex matrix of patterns, relationships, shapes, motions and rhythms of time and space that underpin the ways that YolNu people nourish and are nourished by their environments
As we humans cannot be separated, from being part of Country. It is these intense, ordered and patterned connectivities—YolNu mathematics—that this paper focuses on
Summary
Gänma is where the salt water and the fresh water meet and mingle, at Bawaka and throughout. As we humans cannot be separated, from being part of Country It is these intense, ordered and patterned connectivities—YolNu mathematics—that this paper focuses on. We look to these connectivities to highlight one of the many ways YolNu people have generously created space for gänma, for two ways learning, for a shift in power relationships, for recognition and respect. Two ways learning has been occurring in North East Arnhem Land, the waters are yet to mix and mingle in many broader contexts. A pluralistic approach that unsettles universalisations, homogeneity and human-centred authority and agency In making this argument, the paper firstly outlines the emergence of YolNu mathematics as a concept within the context of empowerment and gänma in North East Arnhem Land. The paper concludes by arguing that this generous sharing of knowledge, this engagement with YolNu mathematics, reveals all knowledges as situated and issues a profound challenge to western-centred environmental and educational discourses and practices
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