Ethnomathematics Study: The Technique of Counting Fish Seeds (Osphronemus Gouramy) of Sundanese Style

Abstract

The ethnomathematics concept put forward by D'Ambrosio considers culture and mathematics as two related things that can be explained one another through the daily actions of people mathematically. This research has at least two tasks, educational tasks and cultural tasks. History tells us that the Sundanese have a unique technique for counting fish fry (Osphronemus gouramy). The uniqueness can be seen from the singing and also from the perspective depth of the mathematical process. This interpretive study examines the mathematical concepts contained in Sundanese cultural material and provides an overview of cultural anthropology through an ethnomathematics approach. In this study, four senior fish cultivators from various cities in East Priangan were observed. Most of the respondents could not explain how they managed the multiplication process. They say mathematics can be proven by experience. From an anthropological point of view, carp has a very significant semiotic value for the Sundanese. In terms of culture, this study describes the local wisdom of the Sundanese people as part of efforts to preserve the nation's cultural values.