Number System by Inuit School Kids now in Unicode

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SUMMARY

The Kaktovik numerals, developed by Inuit middle school students in Alaska nearly 30 years ago, represent the first new number system in the Western Hemisphere in over a century. This unique numeral system, designed for efficient visual arithmetic, integrates seamlessly with the traditional Inuit oral counting methods. With backing from Silicon Valley, the Kaktovik numerals are set to be digitized for use on smartphones and computers, facilitating their broader adoption. Notably, the system includes a symbol for zero, inspired by a student's creative representation using her arms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of numeral systems and their functions
  • Familiarity with the Inuit oral counting system
  • Knowledge of digital typography and Unicode standards
  • Basic concepts of educational innovation in cultural contexts
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  • Research the integration of Kaktovik numerals into Unicode
  • Explore the impact of cultural numeral systems on mathematics education
  • Investigate the role of technology in preserving indigenous languages and symbols
  • Learn about digital typography design for unique numeral systems
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This discussion is beneficial for educators, linguists, cultural anthropologists, and software developers interested in the intersection of technology and indigenous knowledge systems.

Tom.G
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TL;DR
The “Kaktovik numerals" is a base 5, 10, 20 number system, and it improved the kids mathematical understanding and computational speed.
In the remote Arctic almost 30 years ago, a group of Inuit middle school students and their teacher invented the Western Hemisphere’s first new number system in more than a century. The “Kaktovik numerals,” named after the Alaskan village where they were created, looked utterly different from decimal system numerals and functioned differently, too. But they were uniquely suited for quick, visual arithmetic using the traditional Inuit oral counting system, and they swiftly spread throughout the region. Now, with support from Silicon Valley, they will soon be available on smartphones and computers—creating a bridge for the Kaktovik numerals to cross into the digital realm.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/...lchildren-will-make-its-silicon-valley-debut/
 
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Interesting number system. I was surprised to find that they had a symbol for zero, but read that one of the girls in the class came up with the idea for a symbol from her arms raised above her head.