I considered deleting the post, but this seems more cowardly than just admitting I was wrong. But TIL something!

  • assa123@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    How can you be an ex-mathematician? Maybe is a language barrier (English is not my main language), but I thought that was a designation based on your knowledge.

    • Ook the Librarian@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      At least where I’m from, if someone were to say that they are a mathematician, they usually mean they are employed as a mathematician. So people will say ex-mathematician so the listener does not reach the wrong conclusion.

      • assa123@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        Thank you vm for the explanation, I was under the wrong idea that “mathematician” meant someone that knows mathematics, and just as being a hacker or an erudite, it couldn’t be lost. Btw, I am a Financial Math PhD candidate, you saved me from potentially awkward conversations.

        • Ook the Librarian@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          Don’t worry. It wouldn’t be a faux pas or anything. People often say “I studied math.” (US) or “I read [past tense] maths.” (UK) to mean they have mathematical knowledge.

          PS: I’ve never been to the UK. I only put that bit in to have the brits explain it to you.