What language did sophie germain and gauss communicate in

In summary, Sophie Germain, a French mathematician, made contributions to Fermat's Last Theorem and corresponded with Gauss, a German mathematician, while keeping her gender a secret. It is not known which language they communicated in, but it was common for educated people in that time to be multi-lingual. Germain wrote to Gauss in French, expressing gratitude and sharing her research on the theory of numbers.
  • #1
g.lemaitre
267
2
We all know Gauss (German) but few know Sophie Germain (French). She made some contributions to Fermat's Last Theorem. She corresponded with Gauss keeping her gender secret for a while though the two never met. Does anyone know what language they communicated in? Probably French.
 
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  • #2
The choices are Latin, German, and French - sure.
It was common for educated people to be multi-lingual in those times and it still common in (but not restricted to) Europe today. Since she was contacting him, politeness would indicate either Latin of German wouldn't it?

Why does it matter?
 
  • #3
Google gives

http://web.unife.it/progetti/geometria/storia/Germain_en.html
http://web.unife.it/progetti/geometria/storia/Letteregermain_en.pdf
"she wrote to Gauss on 12th May 1819: “de vous faire le remerciemens que je vous dois et ausside vous communiquer les recherches qui m’ont occupées depuis l’époque a la quelle j’ai en l’honneur de vous écrire. Quoique j’ai travaillé pendant quelque tems à la théorie des surfaces vibrantes… je n’ai jamais cessé de penser a la théorie des nombres”."
 
  • #4
atyy said:
Google gives

http://web.unife.it/progetti/geometria/storia/Germain_en.html
http://web.unife.it/progetti/geometria/storia/Letteregermain_en.pdf
"she wrote to Gauss on 12th May 1819: “de vous faire le remerciemens que je vous dois et ausside vous communiquer les recherches qui m’ont occupées depuis l’époque a la quelle j’ai en l’honneur de vous écrire. Quoique j’ai travaillé pendant quelque tems à la théorie des surfaces vibrantes… je n’ai jamais cessé de penser a la théorie des nombres”."
Damn!
I thought I was fluent in early 19th century German, me having read Hegel in the original. :frown:
But then again, he was a philosopher, not a mathematician. :smile:
 
  • #5
@atyy: good find!
 

1. What is the significance of Sophie Germain and Gauss communicating in a specific language?

The language used for communication between Sophie Germain and Gauss is significant because it reflects the cultural and historical context in which they lived. It can also provide insight into their educational background and the resources available to them for learning.

2. Did Sophie Germain and Gauss communicate in a common language?

Yes, they both communicated in French. During the 18th and 19th century, French was considered the language of science and was commonly used by mathematicians and scientists.

3. How did Sophie Germain and Gauss learn to communicate in French?

Sophie Germain and Gauss both came from educated families and received a classical education, which included learning Latin and Greek. These languages formed the basis for learning other languages, such as French, and were essential for academic pursuits.

4. Did Sophie Germain and Gauss use French exclusively for their communication?

While French was their primary language of communication, they also corresponded in Latin and German. Latin was commonly used in academic circles, and Gauss, being of German descent, would have been familiar with German as well.

5. How did the language barrier affect Sophie Germain and Gauss's communication?

The language barrier did not seem to have a significant impact on their communication. Both Sophie Germain and Gauss were highly intelligent and well-educated individuals, and their mastery of multiple languages allowed them to communicate effectively in French, Latin, and German.

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