When someone says I'm a Math Major , does that mean she is a student or

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the phrase "I'm a Math Major" and whether it indicates that a person is currently a student or has already graduated. Participants explore the ambiguity of the term and its implications in casual introductions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that "I am a math major" typically indicates current enrollment in a mathematics program, while "I was a math major" implies completion of the major.
  • Others argue that the phrase "math major" generally refers to a student, but there are nuances, such as the possibility of having changed majors or not graduating.
  • A participant humorously questions how to introduce oneself if one has graduated, suggesting alternatives like identifying as a mathematician.
  • One participant expresses frustration over the repetition of the question, indicating that it has been previously addressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the interpretation of the term "math major," with multiple viewpoints presented regarding its implications for current status as a student versus a graduate.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the phrasing can be ambiguous and may depend on context, but do not resolve the underlying uncertainties regarding the implications of the terms used.

kaleidoscope
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When someone says "I'm a Math Major", does that mean she is a student or...

When someone says "I'm a Math Major" does that mean she is a student or does it mean that she has already graduated? Is there a way to tell or is this an ambiguous term?
 
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Did you seriously create this thread?
 


..."I was a math major" would indicate she has completed her math major, "I am a math major" would indicate she is currently a student.

Good luck.
 


Yes, he seriously created this thread! The question is whether or not he created this thread seriously.

Seriously or not, a "math major" is a student majoring in mathematics. A person who has already graduated would say "I majored in mathematics" or "I was a math major".

Of course, the person who says "I was a math major" might have changed majors since or might never have graduated.
 


OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?
 


You have a degree in math!
 


kaleidoscope said:
OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?
Perhaps it is best not to let people know you majored in mathematics!

(Just joking- but I couldn't resist.)
 


kaleidoscope said:
OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?

"My name is kaleidoscope and I am a mathematician".

Oh, sorry, you meant how do you introduce yourself OUTSIDE of Mathematicians Anonymous meetings :rolleyes:
 

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